SEPTEMBER 2010

Shoot the Rapids finally makes a splash at Cedar Point

Tim Baldwin - Amusement Today

It took a little while in coming. Hoping to have its new ride ready for opening day, Cedar Point was dismayed when the new-for-2010 Shoot the Rapids didn’t open until late June. Getting the ride ready to launch had its share of snags and hiccups, but riders are now enjoying Cedar Point’s latest water ride.

Cedar Point brought back the name Shoot the Rapids from a short-lived, but often remembered, flume ride from 1967. What was small in stature back then now boasts some bigger statistics. In addition to the removal of the original Shoot the Rapids, Cedar Point had also removed its other flumes —The Mill Race to make way for Raptor, and White Water Landing to make space for Maverick. The time to return a flume ride to the park seemed clear.

Today, the park’s three water rides are clustered near each other. Thunder Canyon, the Intamin rapids ride, is across the walkway from Shoot the Rapids, and just beyond is the Arrow Snake River Falls. Amusement Today asked what advantages there are to positioning all three of the park’s water rides near each other. John Hildebrandt, vice president and general manager for Cedar Point, explains, “The advantage is guests who get charged with getting wet have another such attraction close by.” Hildebrandt also says it helps security as other parts of the park require shirt and shoes and having the water rides near each other contains those with water-minded dress into one location.

Shoot the Rapids, supplied by IntaRide, features not only one, but two major drops to thrill guests. The largest comes first. At 85 feet, boats reach speeds close to 50 mph at the bottom of the splash landing. The second drop, located at the spectator viewing area is 49 feet and crosses just below the larger drop. In so doing, the plunge dives below an overhead support of the larger drop giving an unnerving visual. “It’s a Gemini moment,” laughs Hildebrandt, referring to the park’s large racing coaster where one particular hill dives just below an overhead support creating a scary surprise. In all, the flume travels 2,100 feet and utilizes 730,000 gallons of water.

“We put in full filtration on both reservoirs,” says Monty Jasper, corporate vice president of safety and engineering. Referring to the treated water, Jasper adds, “It’s swimming pool quality.” To create the two reservoirs needed for the attraction, the park had to bring in fill to raise the area. “We didn’t want the natural water of Lake Erie to interfere,” states Jasper.

The park considers the ride to have two “sides,” one being on the island which it shares with the Millennium Force giga-coaster, and the “mainland” side. Hildebrandt likes the ride’s location. “It has great interplay with other rides around it. You cross the Cedar Point Railroad and on the other side is Paddle Wheel Excursions. The background is Millennium Force, Top Thrill Dragster and Power Tower.” Hildebrandt beams, “It’s a beautiful site.”

Theming for the ride was done in house. Located on the Frontier Trail of Cedar Point, a western feel permeates the ride experience. Riders journey through a mist-filled tunnel (complete with appropriate music), between canyon walls, along spraying geysers and by an abandoned ghost town. “Rob Decker of Cedar Point’s Planning & Design put together the theming,” credits Jasper. “His team is wonderful.”

Guests choosing not to ride can still be part of the experience with eight geysers alongside the ride’s grand finale. For just 25 cents, friends and family (and malicious strangers) can send bursts of water at the passing riders continuing the wet fun. Passengers are duly warned to be prepared to get soaked. “The second drop has water effects and the guest interaction,” says Jasper. “Both drops are spectacular.”

With an original budget of $10.5 million, Shoot the Rapids continues to maintain Cedar Point’s reputation of big, high-capacity rides. With 10 boats that seat 10 riders each, the ride has a potential capacity of 900 riders per hour. Shoot the Rapids also utilizes a single rider line which allows the park to further their throughput each hour.

With Shoot the Rapids now welcoming guests, Cedar Point now has 75 rides, including 17 coasters, more rides and more coasters than any park in the world. The park also has introduced five new shows to its entertainment package, including a real-life version of MTV’s Rock Band video game.

READ MORE IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF AMUSEMENT TODAY