Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges

The Attraction Overview

Universal's first river-rapids ride sends a 12-person circular raft spinning through white water as Popeye races to rescue Olive Oyl from Bluto, with a giant octopus, waterfalls, and other hazards splashing riders from every direction along the way.

Because the rafts spin and drift somewhat unpredictably through the current, no two rides hit the same soaking pattern twice — everyone on board is fair game for a dousing.

The Story

The ride opened with the park on May 28, 1999, as Universal's first river-rafting-style attraction, a format the company would later reuse elsewhere in its parks.

Before the Clock Strikes

• Expect to get thoroughly soaked — this is widely considered the wettest ride at Universal Orlando, wetter even than Ripsaw Falls.
• There's no assigned 'dry seat' — the raft's spin means splash exposure is fairly random for everyone aboard.
• Free (though sometimes limited) lockers near the entrance are worth using for phones and wallets if you're not using a waterproof pouch.
• Pair it with Ripsaw Falls for a full Toon Lagoon soak, but expect Bilge-Rat Barges to leave you wetter overall.