Islands of Adventure really is the king of water rides. Not only do they have one of the best flumes out there in Ripsaw Falls and the best splashdown boat attraction I’ve ever been on, but they also have far and away the best river rapids ride I’ve ever been on! Now granted I haven’t been on all that many rapids rides, but after my multiple rides on Popeye, I am fairly confident that no other rapids ride out there can match the soaking, unique experience Popeye provided.

Located in Toon Lagoon along with Ripsaw Falls, Popeye shockingly enough didn’t have any wait whatsoever during my visit. This is largely due in part to the ride’s impressive capacity and incredibly efficient loading system which utilizes a massive revolving platform just as Animal Kingdom’s Kali River Rapids does. However, unlike Kali River Rapids, Popeye delivers a satisfying ride experience from beginning to end.

Once dispatched, there is no possible way to come off this attraction day. Literally around every corner there is a massive rapid or a unique water sprayer to drench riders from head to toe. As expected, the numerous rapids were everything they should be, powerful and drenching, as they sent torrents of water cascading over the side of the boat soaking riders. But what really stood out were the various water elements unique to this attraction such as the absolutely drenching tugboat, the unavoidable waterfall, and the various sprayers scattered throughout.

But by far my favorite portion of the attraction is the car wash portion. What may appear like a standard lift hill quickly turns into a soaking endeavor complete with waterfalls, misters, and sprayers that get everyone on the boat from a wide variety of angles. But the excitement doesn’t stop there, as once cresting the lift hill, there’s a surprisingly fast twisting drop that seemingly goes on forever. The raft just flies down this incline, and once at the bottom, well, let’s just say I have never ever seen a bigger wall of water devour a raft than this one. And I thought the splashdown following Kali’s drop got me soaked! Just the sheer size of this wave has to be experienced since it really is indescribable.

Not only is the entire attraction an enjoyable and totally soaking adventure from beginning to end, but it is also incredibly long as well, as it lasts somewhere around 6 minutes or so! Year after year this continually receives praise as the best river rapids ride out there, and boy is it worthy of all the acclaim it receives. Definitely give Popeye a ride while at the park since it is far and away the best river rapids ride I have ever experienced. Just make sure to pack a bathing suit since there is no possible way to come off dry!

While it may not be quite as thrilling as some of the other rides in the park, I can&#39.t give this unique raft ride anything but a ten. I&#39.ve always been a fan of this style of ride and this one perfects the formula like no other. The theming is top notch, and it gets you soaked without gimmicks like waterfalls or water blasters. Bluto&#39.s Car Wash is something else. Even on a cool day, its worth getting drenched just to experience this ride.

This is by far, the best river raft ride ive ever ridden. The theming is great, and it is very intense.

Ok ride.
Not worth riding if there is more than a 30 minute wait.
Good theming.
Just not a lot of thrill in this attraction.
The drop is very small theres not a lot of stuff happening.
Like on Ripsaw falls or jurrasic park theres stuff happening all the time.
Just this kind of bores you at points.
But the loading and unloading is good with the moving platform and all.
Congo river rapids is very slowwwww with the unloading.
The thing in the middle to keep items you want to keep dry is a good and useful touch also.
Like i said ok ride worth the ride just not with a long wait.

best raft ride in orlando by far.

Excellent river rapids ride. This one had an excellent plot and certainly exceptional theming throughout. The ride was pretty long and I got absolutely soaked from the rides many rapids and other soaking elements like the boat and the car wash.

I love this ride it is really well themed and you get soaked, one of the best i have been on in a while

The wettest ride there! The theming is great and you get really wet throughout the entire ride! And with the Florida heat beating down on you, it makes a great ride.

I loved Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom the day before but this blew it away. Best family raft ride ever created. You get soaked there are quick smooth turns and some nice drops.

Finally, a raft ride where you get wet! This doesnt have too long of waits. The ride is a lot of fun and the themeing is pretty cool. You will get wet on this ride. The best rafting ride there is! Universal does well with water rides!