In Short

Groups of eight sit in colourful boats as they ride the waves on the Rumba Rapids' calypso current!

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TTP Review

Rumba Rapids is an Intamin River Rapids Ride. The ride was re-themed from the 15 year old Thunder River in 2002, with new features and new eight-seater boats. Riders climb into their boats and the large station turntable efficiently sets them off on their course. The boat spins and turns along the ride, and it is highly likely that the water from the rapids will splash inside the boats and wet the riders. On top of this of course, there are waterfalls, squirters, sprays and showers that are also strategically placed to get guests as wet as they possibly can!

Two noteworthy parts of the ride are the tunnel section, where a pretty comprehensive waterfall greets you, and after this tunnel, where barrels turn and dangerous looking rocks are dotted about to make riders' journies turbulent ones! These features are particuarly good at evoking a scared reaction from guests, and the viewing area next to the barrels and rocks provides bystanders with a place for some amusing people-watching.

Rumba Rapids is not the most exciting river rapids ride ever created. The course is relatively short and when some or all of the water effects are down (which is frustingly often the case) the ride can be a boring one. The theme is also looking quite tatty these days; a far cry from the ride's opening in 2002 with Ribena's sponsorship behind it.

Whilst Thorpe's rapids don't stack up with other efforts from, say, Disney, they offer a fun ride which can be particularly refreshing on a hot summer's day. Throughput is good, so queues are eaten up quickly, and in Rumba Rapids Thorpe have at least a ride that truly everyone in the family, from grandchild to grandparent, can enjoy.

Positives:

• Boats can seat large groups.
• A good laugh on a hot day.

Negatives:

• A short circuit.
• Relies on gimmicks (water sprays etc) to get you wet, unlike similar rides of its type.
• Very garish colour scheme.

Themeing/Presentation
Smoothness/Comfort
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Your Reviews

"Best water ride in the whole world! As you wave up and down around the water you bump into some amazing water features that will get you soaked! One ride that cannot be missed!"
Hollie Blakelock, Portsmouth, UK.

"Wow! This ride is so cool! It's almost impossible not to get wet as you travel through waterfalls, showers and sprinklers! A must ride if you go to Thorpe Park!"
Richard, Kent, UK.

"It's OK, but unadventurous and over within a minute. Don't bother queueing for ages."
Dan Smith, London, UK.