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Best places to get soaked at theme parks

Dewayne Bevil | Theme Park Ranger

July 11, 2008

Grueling-hot summertime visits to theme parks can be alleviated with turns on one of their water-thrill rides. Take a whirl through this guide to H2O zones and discover which ones are worth getting soaked to the bone.

Kali River Rapids
Asia area of Disney's Animal Kingdom

Water, water, everywhere: Its surrounding environment is incredibly green and gorgeous -- with the exception of the ruins left by illegal loggers, which are impressive in their own way. Ride is divided just enough from park for an immersive experience. Serious drawback: visit too brief.

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Vessel: Round raft, seats 12, seat belts strap in two people apiece. (Height requirement: 38 inches)

Splashdown lowdown: Hills are straightaway fun, contrasting with the tranquil flat stretches.

Saturation point: A drenching, equivalent to a bucket of water poured over you.

Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
Toon Lagoon, Islands of Adventure

Water, water everywhere: Ride runs through classic cartoon settings with sound effects and sight gags. Early drops don't get riders as wet as the following splash that comes over the sides and into laps.

Vessel: Log-flume style, seating five, single-file with lap bars -- which upsets fans who want more hang time. It's a snug fit, a challenge for the hippy and leggy. (Height requirement: 44 inches)

Splashdown lowdown: Dramatic drop looks just as steep from inside the log as it does from the sidelines. Brace yourself for a bounce at the end.

Saturation point: You'll probably get good and wet, but if you escape reasonably dry, beware of onlookers who will pay 25 cents to fire a water cannon at your smug, dry self.

Jurassic Park River Adventure
Jurassic Park, Islands of Adventure

Water, water everywhere: Comprehensive theme successfully places guests in the movie setting. The soundtrack helps at start and finish. Dinosaurs craftily distract from impending drop.

Vessel: Boat with five rows of five seats and pull-down bar. (Height requirement: 42 inches)

Splashdown lowdown: Ride ends with a bang and a giant splash. Depending on your seat and the weight distribution, you might not get soaked. Heavier cargo (yeah, I'm talking about you) equals bigger waves.

Saturation point: Ranges from damp to dunked, especially in the face. A better guarantee is the splash zone that runs alongside the finale.

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