D Que Blog: 04/01/2012

Monday, April 30, 2012

Running Grizzly, Hidden Splash Zone - part 1

How many of you have ridden Grizzly River Rapids? How many of you have gotten completely soaked on that drop? How many of you have taken the time to explore the surroundings? It's time to take the scenic route and explore a little bit of the area.

We're all familiar with the giant grizzly at the entrance to the ride. Over the short history of the park and ride the big bear has gone through several changes. He's been given a few paint touch-ups, but most obvious was the painting and re-painting of the raft he holds up. To bad he still wears the extreme rafting gear that refer to the original extreme theme of the ride.

Further down the pathway we find a signpost which directs to various points of interest. Of course to the left are the entrance of the ride and the obligatory shopping opportunity (Rushin River Outfitters). However, If we continue to the right we come across one of the more magnificent scenic areas around. Grizzly Go Round Overlook and Frog Jump Falls are perhaps some of the best scenery in the park.

An authentic looking log and plank bridge cross over a rushing flow of water from the falls.

If it weren't for the screams of riders and the smell of churros you might swear you were really in the Sierra Nevada mountains at the base of a real waterfall.

Stone fences and walkways complete the effect.

The Falls are created from a feature of the ride itself. As the river rafts pass over the area known as "Frog Jump Falls" the overflow spills down into the faux log jam, creating a fantastic cascade of rushing water. Stand there long enough and your sure to see a rainbow, much like any true waterfall.

Central to the loading area you can see a large lookout tower, just like those found at any ranger outpost in the Sierra Nevada. Of course this is Disney, so this tower is more than just scenery, it's part of the ride itself.

And the Que is a full of authentic era memorabilia (unlike the previous extreme sports junk that was once there). Just block out the sounds of anxious theme park guests and you could be in a real rafting camp.