Carowinds plans record-setting log flume ride for 2027
Carowinds will open a record-setting new log flume ride next year.
Rip Roarin' Falls returns the flume ride to its sawmill roots, while plussing an old-school log flume with a record-setting fall and "Frozen"-style switches enabling a backward section.
Concept art courtesy Six Flags
“As a new signature ride, it combines record-setting thrills and cutting-edge ride innovation — all with a 35-inch height requirement that makes it accessible for families," Carowinds President Bridgette Bywater said.
A gaze of raccoons have moved into an abandoned sawmill, and those critters are going to set off a chain reaction of mishaps that push riders along 2,240 feet and a six-and-a-half-minute adventure. The WhiteWater-produced ride will reach a top speed of 50 mph on its record-setting 100-foot drop. Along the way, riders will experience a record-setting 42-foot reverse drop leading into a reverse camelback.
Here is a concept POV video, courtesy Six Flags:
Carowinds is building the new attraction on the site of its former Rip Roarin’ Rapids, which closed in 2019.
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Replies (8)
Another water ride was desperately needed for this park located in a region that frequently exceeds "feels-like" temperatures of 90 degrees for most of the summer. There is an integrated water park, but the only traditional theme park water ride is a Mack "splash battle" attraction, and if you're familiar with those types of rides, they're not always the most reliable way to cool off on a hot day.
I will say that Carowinds' water park is pretty good, though a bit small compared to similarly-sized theme parks (Kings Dominion's water park is almost twice the size),m but not everyone wants to put on a bathing suit to cool down, so this should help address some of that. I do like how they're trying to provide some theming to this, but it looks very minimal and budget that could have upped the theming is being used to break records as is a common trope from Six Flags.
For all the talk about records, this seems to be continuing the trend of family-friendly attractions following the additions to Camp Snoopy last year. This flume is arguably a better gateway to bigger rides too; it's max speed is faster and drops are taller than Snoopy's Racing Railway while featuring a lower height requirement.
For a park struggling with heat, (occasionally) unaccompanied minors, and a literal gap where its previous water ride used to be, a family flume ride seems like a layup. Now they just need to not miss it
This looks awesome. And, yes, I did expand my vocabulary today with "gaze of raccoons". Thank you, TPI.
A “gaze of raccoons” might be my all-time favorite reason for “something to go terribly wrong” on a theme park ride, so this rocks. Thanks for the lesson Robert.
That looks and sounds fantastic! My kind of ride even with those pesky raccoons. Well done Six Flags!
This looks pretty epic for a flume ride and seems to push firmly into the family-thrill category while maintaining a low height requirement. Definitely an excellent choice for the park and one of the few regional park non-coaster attractions that might merit a detour.
This feels strange…
Six Flags makes an announcement and we’re all totally on board (X-Files theme plays in background)
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Yes, I did look up "gaze."
And, yes, I love a good log flume ride even more than almost all roller coasters, so this 100% has my attention for 2027.