The Big Splash

The temperatures in NEPA have been hot, hot, HOT lately. Hot weather makes for good times at amusement parks, and when the temps are in the nineties, the water rides usually have the busiest queues. Today I'm going to compare and contrast the three big "splash down" rides at Hershey, Knoebels and Dorney. Also referred to as "Shoot the Chutes" rides, a splash down ride is very simple--larger-than-life flume boats go up a big hill, make a turn, and come screaming back down another hill, creating a giant splash and soaking everyone on board--and usually many passerby, as well. There's nothing like a wall of water to make you feel refreshed after walking around a ninety-degree park all day!

Hersheypark: Tidal Force

Hersheypark's Tidal Force is one of the tallest splash down rides in the world, with a 100-foot drop. It's definitely the tallest one I have ever ridden, and gives off a big splash that, actually, used to be much bigger. When the ride first opened in 1994, spectators would get just as soaked as riders, which didn't always sit well with people who preferred to stay on the dry side of things. Hersheypark made some adjustments after Tidal Force's first year to make the splash less intense for spectators, but for passengers in the 20-seat boats, you still get absolutely sopping wet. The trip up Tidal Force's hill is a slow one that gives nice views of the surrounding Pioneer Frontier and Boardwalk sections of the park. The big turn at the top does leave something to be desired, with a slightly-jarring, water-less turn on wheels only, but once you get to the head of that 100-foot drop, you forget about all of that. The plummet is breathtaking and thrilling, and really should not be missed!

Knoebels: Skloosh

Skloosh, which was named after the sound wet sneakers made while riders walked off the ride, is half the size of Tidal Force, with a 50-foot drop. Obviously, the smaller drop decreases the soak factor--despite claims that this is Knoebels' "wettest ride" and that people leave it soaked, I have rarely come off this ride being totally drenched. Skloosh, which opened in 1997, is located near the front of Knoebels. Because of this, the trip up the big hill is not as scenic as Tidal Force's, with the parking lot taking up most of your view. The turn at the top is smoother than Tidal Force's, but the 50-foot drop seems to be over quickly, and is definitely not as thrilling. However, Skloosh is still fun and a good example of a splash down ride. Young children experiencing their first "Shoot the Chutes" ride will especially appreciate it.

Dorney Park: White Water Landing

Cedar Fair bought Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in 1992, and in 1993 they opened their first addition to the park: a splash down ride called the Pepsi Chute. The Pepsi Chute, of course, is now known as White Water Landing. It boasts an 80-foot drop and one of the best ambiances on a splash down ride that I have ever seen. The trip up the big hill is a nice scenic one that features views of the Hydra floorless coaster and the rest of Dorney Park. The turn at the top is especially cool--you actually float through a wooden building, with a voice in the background welcoming you to White Water Landing and to "enjoy your 80-foot drop." And 80 feet is nothing to sneeze at--the drop is fast, fun and gets you soaking wet. White Water Landing is a great splash down ride, and can be perfect on a hot day.

The Verdict

1. Tidal Force
2. White Water Landing
3. Skloosh

In the case of splash down rides, bigger really is better, because the bigger the drop, the more wet you will get. Tidal Force is a much more exciting ride than either White Water Landing or Skloosh because of its great height, and it really is one of the tallest of its kind in the country. White Water Landing is 20 feet shorter than Tidal Force, but it still packs a good punch, and the ambiance is the best of the three rides. And Skloosh? I'm sorry, but in my opinion 50 feet just doesn't cut it for a splash down ride. The ride is fun, but not thrilling or soaking wet.

So, looking for a quick way to cool down at Hershey, Dorney or Knoebels? Take a ride on--or heck, even just stand in front of--a "Shoot the Chutes" ride. You will not be sorry--but you will be soaking!