Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls Review
One of the most underrated rides in Islands of Adventure is also one of the best
Do you like log flume rides like the old Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom, Jurassic Park River Adventure and Journey to Atlantis in SeaWorld? Then you are in luck, friend!
This is one of the best water rides in Universal Orlando, and I can already hear you from here: “whaaat, but I’ve never heard about it?” yeah, I know. The name is too complicated and certainly doesn’t help. Not only that, Ripsaw Falls isn’t based on any popular franchise, which might make some guests want to skip it. Don’t do it! This is an amazing attraction that is fun for the entire family and ranks amongst the craziest ones in Islands of Adventure.
The Good
Ripsaw Falls is a log flume ride with an aesthetic inspired by old time cartoons. In fact, you could even think that you are in Disney World, surrounded by characters with exaggerated facial expressions that might remind you of Mickey Mouse, Tom & Jerry and the old Tex Avery show. You probably know what I am talking about, right? Skinny heroes with huge heads, villains with huge mustaches and damsels in distress tied up in comical situations. Yep, it’s all here!
This ride is, above all, pretty funny. Not only because of the great and colorful aesthetic that surrounds you, but for all the opportunities that are there for you to get soaked. Seriously, sometimes it feels like there are holes in your vehicle, since the water comes from the sides, from your back, from your front and maybe even from below you. You will get soaked, so leave your belongings behind and ditch those socks before hopping on.
I also like that this adventure feels pretty long for a log flume ride. There are even multiple drops, with the first one being there just to tease you a little bit. The second drop is the star of the show. Standing tall at 75 feet, this main drop is actually shorter than the one in Jurassic Park River Adventure, but it feels more intense for two reasons. First, you are in a very small vehicle, compared to the bulky one used for River Adventure. Two, this main drop has a small bump near the end, which makes you jump before you get completely soaked.
The Bad
The main problem with Ripsaw Fall is something that happens constantly with water rides: it tends to close down during Winter, which is between December and January. At least Ripsaw Falls doesn’t get shut down for maintenance as much as Popeye and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges.
If you are coming during the Summer, prepare for long queues of 40 minutes or more. I usually visit Universal in February or November, and queue times tend to be rather fast. Sometimes I just stay in line for 10 minutes, and sometimes I am lucky enough to just walk straight in.
Will Kids enjoy it?
Kids usually love this one, but it's tough to say if they prefer Ripsaw Falls or Jurassic Park River Adventure. River Adventure can be a bit scarier, with some rather... intimidating... dinos, but the main drop isn't that scary, and the whole family can ride in the same row. Ripsaw Falls, on the other hand, is more intense and - as a log flume ride - guests need to sit one behind the other. There are no scary animatronics here, as most of them are based on classic cartoon characters from the 90s. Or at least I think that’s what the animatronics are trying to represent.
Remember, you're in for a shower, and that 75-foot drop might give the little ones a bit of a scare. Be sure to pack spare clothes for your young adventurers and advise them to leave their socks behind before coming to this ride.
