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: O.
D. Hopkins Area: Amity Cove Ride Type: Shoot the Chute On Ride Photo: Yes Official Rating: Extreme Thrills
Max
Height: 85ft (26m) Max Speed: 45mph (72km/h) Track Length: 2,789ft (850m) Max G. Force: 1.5 Throughput: 1000 people/hour
Ride Duration: 120 seconds
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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 was the highest water ride in Europe when it was built (Oakwood's Hydro later claimed this title in 2002) - 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. When it was built, you could
even see the fire explode out of the drum, or the water in the
tower gush out, although both of these effects are no longer operational. On the whole, Tussauds really made an effort with the theming 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.
9/10
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.
In
Short:
