Prep for Kali River Rapids or Skip It?

[ArthurFiggis]

My upcoming trip is a solo trip, and I'm trying to finish my list of attractions/rides I haven't done yet. Other than actually getting my rear into a seat without freaking out on RnRC, the biggest ride I have any concern about is Kali River Rapids. Since I know the chances of getting totally soaked are better than average due to my being bigger than average, I'm debating how much preparation is too much to avoid being uncomfortable for the rest of the day. Poncho is a given, I figure I can put my string back on my front to guard electronics. Shoes are the big block, though. I don't know what I can do to get out of squishy soaking my neat, new, comfy, fancy walking shoes other than bringing something else to wear--which is a lot to add to my daily loadout. Any ideas? Or should I just skip it and save it for an easier trip to figure?

 

[Disneylover99]

Go for it!

If you are worried about your feet, bring a plastic grocery bag, put your feet into the bag and keep your feet up on the metal bar where most people rest their feet. Have fun!

 

[kate2961]

In my personal experience, I don't do it unless I can wear a sandal.

Is it possible to just carry some flip flops? I've tried putting my feet up but it's never worked well for me.

Hope you have a magical time!

Kate

 

[curemyreed]

I read there are short-term use lockers now at KRR that are free. You could put your electronics in there.

We have handled shoes two ways: 1. The plastic grocery bag tip PP gave. 2. Carry thin flip flops in backpack & change into those. We felt and looked soooo dorky wearing ponchos with our feet tied into Walmart bags. But, since I wear sneakers, it was worth it to have dry shoes.

Also, try to find a poncho that is long enough to cover your shorts while sitting. The seat will have water in it before you even sit down & it's nice to not have your tukkus sponge it all up.

I think KRR is a great ride and you should try it!

 

[ArthurFiggis]

Thanks for the info all! I found out and there are free short-term lockers by the ride. I'll grab a cheap set of flip flops and see you at the bottom!

 

[bumbershoot]

The thin flip flop is the best idea.

Since I know the chances of getting totally soaked are better than average due to my being bigger than average...

The way Kali (and out in Anaheim, Grizzly) is, I don't think size works against you in the way it does on Splash (or at Universal, Dudley Doright). Especially with Kali, there are so many people on the ride that the weight gets much more balanced than on a flume ride. And it spins. The main factor in who gets extra wet is if you're sitting near an opening to the "raft". If you're one of the lucky ones sitting next to the opening, then you get the water coming up over the back AND the water coming through that opening.

Asked DH, who is a bigger guy, and he doesn't feel his size has changed his experience on Kali. On Splash, though, yes.

 

[MLinDisney]

I used a rain poncho once with flipflops, stored my sneakers in my backpack and put the backpack in the storage area in the center of the Kali ride. then changed back into sneakers when I got off. In October, it was very hot, so I skipped the rain poncho, but we put our backpacks and sneakers in a locker near Kali. (free for one hour) I wore flipflops on the ride. When we got off we went to the locker and changed back into our sneakers. i had a plastic bag for the wet flipflops.

 

[Disney Fool]

And don't wear white--your clothes will become invisible (learned that the hard way...)

 

[curemyreed]

Thanks for the info all! I found out and there are free short-term lockers by the ride. I'll grab a cheap set of flip flops and see you at the bottom!

The Dollar Tree near me has what are basically shower shoes with designs that aren't ugly---Ed Hardy-ish, hibiscus, etc.---for just a buck and they are light in weight and durable.

 

[sisterslovindisney]

We always do Kali last - that way we just head out after we ride and can get changed if needed. Also as a PP said no white - or light brown for that matter

 

[WillAustin]

I've never worn a poncho on the ride, but I'm pretty sure if you are in the seat that gets the full-on bottom of the hill drenching, a poncho isn't going to help all that much.

 

[disnut8]

The thin flip flop is the best idea.




The way Kali (and out in Anaheim, Grizzly) is, I don't think size works against you in the way it does on Splash (or at Universal, Dudley Doright). Especially with Kali, there are so many people on the ride that the weight gets much more balanced than on a flume ride. And it spins. The main factor in who gets extra wet is if you're sitting near an opening to the "raft". If you're one of the lucky ones sitting next to the opening, then you get the water coming up over the back AND the water coming through that opening.

Asked DH, who is a bigger guy, and he doesn't feel his size has changed his experience on Kali. On Splash, though, yes.

I totally agree with the bolded statement. If the wetness was directly influenced by weight, that would never explain why I walk off this attraction soaked most of the time. I'm 5 feet tall and weigh 105 pounds. I've also seen kids smaller than me get soaked.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

We always do Kali last - that way we just head out after we ride and can get changed if needed. Also as a PP said no white - or light brown for that matter

that's our plan too - do Kali in the last hour or so (more or less) of the park being open.

Things we've learned

- don't wear jeans if possible - first time we rode it I was soaked and I think it took that pair of jeans all week to really dry out!

- do wear flip flops!

- Dh says ponchos don't work - he wore one last time trying to stay dry and ended up with water down his back

- if you have a car - towels are handy to have in there

- All Star Music is literally 2 minutes from AK once you get into the car

 

[DisneyFamily123]

It's no fun to get on a "wet" ride if you don't want to get wet.... We wear flip flops, bathing shorts (or quick dry shorts) and quick dry shirt (not cotton). It's easy enough to change clothes before/after (bathroom nearby) and just throw the wet stuff in a oversized zip lock when down (we always carry a small day pack). Then to make it worthwhile... we ride KRR several times in a row -- easy to do if you ride during the afternoon parade or after the parade (few people in line). We have been able to ride repeatedly without getting off and back in line. We do the same thing for Splash Mountain.

 

[siskaren]

The main factor in who gets extra wet is if you're sitting near an opening to the "raft". If you're one of the lucky ones sitting next to the opening, then you get the water coming up over the back AND the water coming through that opening.

There's an opening between every two seats, so it's not possible to avoid sitting next to an opening.

I've never worn a poncho on the ride, but I'm pretty sure if you are in the seat that gets the full-on bottom of the hill drenching, a poncho isn't going to help all that much.

I don't know if I've ever been in that position, but I wear a poncho and I stay pretty dry - I would say only my face and lower legs get wet.

 

[larryz]

Take the question mark off your question, and there's the answer.

Prep or just skip it.

 

[pens4821]

What does everyone do with their electronics (cells, cameras) while on the ride. Will they be ok in a pocket or get too wet if you're one of the drenched?

 

[maybeecatlady]

I, also, have never done this ride. But can't you just take your shoes off, put them in the center area and ride barefoot? Or is that not allowed?

 

[whatisgoofy?]

What does everyone do with their electronics (cells, cameras) while on the ride. Will they be ok in a pocket or get too wet if you're one of the drenched?

Just use one of the free lockers that other posters have mentioned. They're plenty big for your belongings, and are free for up to two hours. If you get drenched, you'll get VERY drenched. It's part of what makes the ride fun, but it's definitely not safe for your electronics. Hey, it's free peace-of-mind...you can't go wrong with it

 

[whatisgoofy?]

I, also, have never done this ride. But can't you just take your shoes off, put them in the center area and ride barefoot? Or is that not allowed?

Many people and guidebooks report that the center area with the lid isn't really watertight. So, anything you put in there risks getting soaked. For people who don't like being parted from their belongings, many recommend double bagging things in large ziploc bags...I wouldn't risk it with expensive electronics, but it might work for shoes.