[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]While checking out concept art for the new Roaring Rapids ride at Shanghai Disneyland, an interesting idea popped into my head about how to evolve Disney California Adventure’s Grizzly River Run.
I thought of this after a recent ride on the river in which I made it to the end largely unscathed only to have an ill-appropriately timed geyser burst out and completely drench me.
My friend and I did the single rider, but we also had FastPasses for later that evening. After taking a few hours to dry and finally no longer have people looking at me like I pee’d my pants, the time had come to use our passes for a second ride, upon which I politely declined in favor of not getting re-drenched and catching pneumonia.
Seeing the concept art of a giant dinosaur lizard attacking riders on Roaring Rapids, I think about how much California Adventure could use a few animatronics. Perhaps something as large as a giant grizzly bear, or as tiny as the occasional little snake or turtle along the way. This idea isn’t anything new for fans, who have been asking for this for years.
But one of the problems I have with rapids rides is the lack of desire to ride when the weather cools down. Considering the importance of Grizzly River Run as one of the small handful of E-Tickets at the park, there are certain nights when that ride sits completely empty while the park itself is entirely packed.
Here’s the idea:
Grizzly River Dark.
When the sun sets, the rapids die down. Guests are surprised by a splash or two, the “wet” equivalent of, say, Splash Mountain. By night, the ride promises not to soak you.
That Grizzly River is deceptively fast, and a whip through the ride without getting pummeled would make for a really cool nighttime thrill. By being less focused on each other and getting soaked, riders can now take in the story and the new animatronic figures, enjoy the thrill of the drops, and will fill up the line at night even during the winter. This will ease some of the pressure on rides like Radiator Springs Racers and Toy Story Mania, making the overall park experience that much more pleasurable.
Good idea? Not good idea? I think it would be really fun.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]