Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges

Location: Islands of Adventure – Toon Lagoon

Height Restriction: 42”; guests between 42” and 48” must be accompanied by an adult

Age Appropriateness: Anyone tall enough to go

Seat Description: Round rafts that hold 12 guests in six pairs of two

Ride Description: Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is the ultimate in wet rides. Don’t get on this attraction unless you’re ok with getting completely drenched because there’s really no way around it. Throughout the ride, your circular raft spins its way through the rapids so you’re never quite sure where you’ll be when you hit that upcoming waterfall, wave, fountain or other water effect.

If you’re lucky enough to get in a raft filled with good sports, the ride even becomes a kind of game where everyone is smiling at those around them, wondering who will get the worst of the next giant splash of water, with lots of laughing, clapping and maybe good-natured pointing when someone does get soaked. You’ll quickly learn that the worst (or best, depending on your view) spot to be when you’re heading into the rapids is backwards. In this position you’re sure to get the full brunt of the waves as they crash into the barge.

You can be sure everyone will get their turn as you journey through Sweet Haven to help Popeye save Olive from Bluto. When the water lets up enough for you to enjoy the scenery, you’ll notice lots of fun characters from the subtle circling shark fin as you round the “Olive” ship to the 18-foot octopus no one could miss.

The climax of your journey occurs as you climb the moving belt upward through the barge wash. Hoses and brushes come at you from all directions as your barge is “cleaned.” At the top you begin your final decent into the rapids before heading back to the loading dock to wring out your clothes.

Getting Ready: There’s dry storage in the center of the boat that’s covered with plastic, but to stay really safe, protect electronics with a zip top plastic baggie. If you want to minimize how wet you get, try wearing a poncho – though you still won’t come out unscathed.

Worth the Wait: On a hot day, the shaded queue and cold water are worth an hour. Other days 30 minutes.

Ride Restrictions: You should not ride this attraction if you:

• are expecting
• have a heart condition or abnormal blood pressure
• have neck, back, or similar physical conditions
• are susceptible to motion sickness
• have a medical condition aggravated by fog effects

Guests in wheelchairs must be able to transfer to ride seating.