Wild River Rapids

[Nathan]

Right guys, I've been given the go ahead to announce details of Lightwater Valley's new ride for 2009 - Wild River Rapids!

Taking place of The Grizzly Bear, Wild River Rapids is a wet 'n' wild family thrill ride.

As far as I know, this is a temporary ride for the 2009 season only. Obviously this is subject to change. Wild River Rapids will be rented from James Mellor who usually takes the ride to popular travelling fairs such as Nottingham Goose Fair.



If the park give it a little bit of a permanent look then this ride looks set to be a nice attraction for ourselves to enjoy for 2009.

[LWE]

Ah cool, they look like pretty fun additions.

I took a guess this would be the new water ride.

It doesn't look too bad as far as travelling additions go, and it's good to have a new ride at the Valley that isn't just a flat ride. Looks like the 2009 season may be a good one after all.

[Nathan]

In addition, the ride will operate with a 1.3 metre height restriction for those unaccompanied by an adult. For those with an adult, the restriction is 1.0 metre.

According to James Mellor's website, the ride has an on-ride photo system. Therefore there is every chance that you will be able to buy on-ride photos next season aswell.

[Matt]

I love these things! *Searches to edit post* So fun and a great addition!

I know this pretty much goes against everything I said earlier...

I think this is a great idea. Not only do I think the ride looks fun and will bring in customers, it's an attraction! The latter of which we weren't expecting this year at all!

However, I must say IMO, it can only stay for a few seasons maximum. It isn't the sort of ride that you can build a park on nowadays. Attractions need to look permanent, and I don't see how this can fit the bill. A travelling attraction should stay as one and not be made to be permanent. That doesn't mean just plonk it in a field and be done, landscape it. Borrow some rocks and thatched roofs from Flamingo Land and you've got an attraction!

[Nathan]

TBH this just shows how much Lightwater Valley take our opinions into account.

We've been crying out for a new water ride since Toad Hole's closure and in all fairness, Lightwater Valley have delivered!

Reading the response of other forums, those who have ridden these say they are fantastic and really good fun! My outlook on this attraction has soared!

One of the first things I look for in a ride is for it to be fun - I want to have a laugh!

If things turn out well then I honestly wouldn't rule out it staying for the forseeable future!

[Matt]

Just looking at the ride on the website and do you think LWV would be able or want to remove them palm trees and the big sign? The look good for a travelling attraction as the purpose of them is to attract you to the ride, but for a theme park? I really don't think so.

Oh and by the way Nathan, and news on the questions to LWV? Thanks in advance mate!

[Dee4leeds]

It'll go down great! So good a choice, I hope they do something to make it look permanent even if it's not.

[Matt]

Here's a link to some photos posted by Rick from BPB Guide:

http://www.tbppbguideforums.info/bpb/vi ... 943#128943

It does look in pretty good nick.

Also found this: http://www.s104638357.websitehome.co.uk ... s_main.htm

A pretty good write up on the ride.

I'm looking forward to it now!

[LWE]

It looks like a really fun ride! Can't wait to get on it.

Looks like it'll be a good family addition, I'm guessing it has the potential to pull in some crowds next season. Let's hope attendance rises as a result of it.

[LWVSlave!]

I don't think it really matters how long it stays, a few years would be good though. What matters is that the park realise they can't afford to have seasons with no new attractions, especially with the local competitor introducing new rides a lot more frequently than Lightwater. Hopefully this will stay while the park consider whether or not to try again for the holiday village, if they decide not to they'll have to spend at least some of the money they've got set aside on a more permanent attraction or risk losing out to the bigger parks completely. I definitely think rapids are the way to go though, I'm looking forward to next season now!