Tidal Wave: n. A huge destructive wave of water.

In Short:

Tidal Wave is, with the exception of Stealth, the best visual attraction at Thorpe Park - this ride makes a huge splash.

Statistics:

Opened: 2000
Manufacturer: Hopkins
Area: Amity Cove
Ride Type: Shoot the Chute
On Ride Photo: Yes
Official Rating: Extreme Thrills

Photos:

Video:

See Tidal Wave in action: TTP Park Video can be found in Downloads.

TTP Review:

Tidal Wave's queues can reach an hour in the hot Summer days, but get very low in the colder months - which is understandable, as you get absolutely drenched on the ride. Riders sit in a boat with 19 other people (4 to a row), and are taken up 85ft by a lift hill. You meander round at the top, and then drop, not forgetting to smile at the camera on the way down. The drop is breathtaking - Tidal Wave is the highest water ride in the UK - and at the bottom you experience a complete wall of water all around you for a good length of time. Needless to say, riders come off soaked.

Tidal Wave's theming is amongst some of the best in the Park; a New England fishing village provides a great setting for devastation! In the queueline you can see battered houses, old radios, kitchen utensils and even a dripping toilet. If you're lucky, you can even see the fire explode out of the drum, or the water in the tower gush out. Tussauds really made an effort here and it shows.

The only fault Tidal Wave has is that you get too wet. Even with a waterproof coat on or a poncho, you still get wet - there's no escaping the water! However, Tidal Wave has a lot going for it - it all amounts to a great attraction, and is well worth a ride - especially on a hot day!

Positives:

• A theming masterpiece.
• Brilliant soundtrack.
• The "Tidal Wave" the boats produce has to be seen to be believed.

Negatives:

• Gratuitously wet. Seriously, seriously wet.
• It's all over after that one drop.
• Many of the original theming elements now don't (and won't ever) work.

Your Reviews:

"I love this ride! Unless you are scared of water, I highly recommend that whenever you visit the park you go on this ride - the experience is not easy to forget! It's like being held under a cold power shower when all the water is around you! Definitely 10/10 from me! Don't forget your towel though!"
Charliy, Sutton, UK.