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Future of the Congo River Rapids

Wow @rob666 that's great, I apologise for not understanding you. I was just saying and have said in the past in the correct thread that a new version of the Virginia real made in a modern way would be an awesome ride at Blackpool.
 
Hundreds and hundreds of times.
Favourite ride at the time, creaky old one off woodie, bit of a cross between a waltzer and wild mouse, with a long dark u shaped tunnel under the ride footprint at the end.
you really are a legend @rob666 ! Funniest guy here too I reckon.
 
It is good to hear that the pumps were replaced whilst it was closed. As for the waterfalls being undercover, who knows really. I'd like to think they were working on getting them ready to work again but I've speculated before and been incorrect. We'll see in March I guess!
 
It is good to hear that the pumps were replaced whilst it was closed. As for the waterfalls being undercover, who knows really. I'd like to think they were working on getting them ready to work again but I've speculated before and been incorrect. We'll see in March I guess!

Did I miss something about the waterfalls potentially being indoors or undercover? If that’s what’s being done, I can’t personally think what the benefit will be of having a random small undercover area in what is an outdoor water ride. Apart from the tunnel of course, but that was put in for interaction with RMT
 
Did I miss something about the waterfalls potentially being indoors or undercover? If that’s what’s being done, I can’t personally think what the benefit will be of having a random small undercover area in what is an outdoor water ride. Apart from the tunnel of course, but that was put in for interaction with RMT
From what I've heard, I think they're under scaffolding currently.
 
My money is on CRR opening in the same sorry state they've been in for the last few seasons. So sad to see this once excellent rapids reduced to a lame lazy river that meanders through a turned off waterfall and a brightly lit tunnel.
 
Surely if the waterfalls are under scaffolding, though, they're at very least doing something to them? I certainly think there's a fair chance they could be coming back, and even if not, I feel like that section could very well be enhanced in some way come 2022!
 
Surely if the waterfalls are under scaffolding, though, they're at very least doing something to them?

My money is on complete removal of waterfalls and just putting up some fake rock face or something like that on the ride facing surfaces.

I'm personally starting to think CRR & Runaway Mine Train (oldest roller coaster in park?) days are numbers and its a prim location for SW9 with some support flat rides.

* I don't like my options/thoughts. *
 
There's nothing wrong with RMT and it's still very popular.

The park has much bigger issues that need resolving (Duel, NST building, monorail refurb, flat rides, catering.....) before SW9 can even be considered IMO.
Yeah, they're probably just getting it ready for its 30th anniversary. The reason we don't see anything done on Duel is because, we'll its an indoor ride, they have fire exits and things to use. The Facade doesn't need any alterations to it.

My money is still on the waterfalls being repaired. Katanga Canyon is staying for another good decade s it is I'd say. Like is said previously, I think it's no coincide that the waterfalls are covered in scaffolding, they want the Area to be at its best when it's turns 30.
 
There's nothing wrong with RMT and it's still very popular.

The park has much bigger issues that need resolving (Duel, NST building, monorail refurb, flat rides, catering.....) before SW9 can even be considered IMO.

I don't disagree with you on this at all. I'm more looking at the CRR ride/area and what AT/Merlin will do with it potential going on how they seem to treat the park. Especially with major repairs to none essential CRR features.

My money is still on the waterfalls being repaired. Katanga Canyon is staying for another good decade s it is I'd say. Like is said previously, I think it's no coincide that the waterfalls are covered in scaffolding, they want the Area to be at its best when it's turns 30.

I really don't think they give a hoot about areas looking there best, even for a milestones. I'll give CRR credit, its out lasted the log flume in age, but in its current state (tameness) I just don't see how investing in the attraction with its large footprint is worth it. Its ability to absorb large amount of guests on a warm day is great for capacity, but UK makes that hit & miss :rolleyes: (yes I know some will ride what ever the weather).

Don't get me wrong, I'd love it to be made back to how it use to be (or better) and become amazing like other rapids around the world, but from what I see from AT/Merlin's mentality, is its not something to attract more people to the park or prevent people from coming to the park if not present. Just don't see people complaining about CRR been closed like they have with The Smiler (no hard evidence, just impress I get from social media).
 
In my opinion Merlin aren't and won't be sentimental, if they can see use for land, they will do a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities threats) analysis or similar which will lead to a few simple questions

- are the rides bringing in money (Y/N)
- are the rides bringing in enough money to warrant their upkeep (Y/N)
- would bringing in SW9 instead be worth their removal (Y/N)
- would there be much backlash against removing the rides (Y/N)

If they think the land can be used better for a new ride which can bring in more money, and its worth the cost of removal, they won't think twice about removing it / them
 
I firmly believe AT have plenty of land to build on, so space isn’t the issue. They don’t need to remove CRR for SW9

I do envisage an upgrade on the ride, as I do with all attractions down that Merlin have been taken private. I think this is what is happening here, just without the fanfare of the Towers Loving Care crap.
 
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