6 AMUSEMENT TODAY <strong>June</strong> <strong>2010</strong> “Not only is this the longest such ride worldwide, but with its concrete trough, the use of real river rock lining the reservoir, and great Tom Sawyer theming everywhere, HFE and the park executed a really beautiful family attraction. SDC Continued from page 1 embroiled in a soaking water fight. Along with battling riders on other rafts and different points along the course, they can retaliate against a total of 17 sharp shooters on the river bank who are armed with their own soakers. Additionally, RiverBlast offers riders 150 unique targets on which to fire, but even some of those shoot back. It’s a safe bet that SDC’s newest adventure is virtually guaranteed to get guests wet, one way or another. <strong>Amusement</strong> <strong>Today</strong> spoke about the RiverBlast installation with Bob Dean of Leisure Labs, the company who represents Mack Rides in the U.S. “Silver Dollar City was able to integrate their Boat Blaster beautifully into the topography of the park and it is absolutely seamless with its surroundings. Not only is this the longest such ride worldwide, but with its concrete trough, the use of real river rock lining the reservoir, and great Tom Sawyer theming everywhere, HFE and the park executed a really beautiful family attraction.” Some of the more dramatic theming HFE created for the RiverBlast adventure include: •The Foggy Bottom - a billowy blanket of fog hanging over the river to offer an atmosphere of mystery and false sense of security. •Stuck in the Mud Surprises - a small vessel snagged while traversing the White River has scattered its cargo along the water. The floating debris, buoys and bells are filled with special effect targets, some of which fire back at the shooter. •The Whitewash Fence - instantly recognizable from Twain’s stories, the whitewashed fence may seem the best place for bystanders to get a look at the action, but it’s also the perfect opportunity for riders to drench those risking a peek. •Tom & Huck’s Tree Fort - Tom & Huck’s makeshift tree ” –Bob Dean, Leisure Labs LLC FAST FACTS Ride/Park Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast Silver Dollar City, Branson, Mo. Type Interactive boat ride Course Length 570 feet Ride Duration Five minutes Ride Vehicles Eight 8-seat rafts Special Features Onboard hand-powered water soakers (63 total); land-based hand-powered water soakers (17 total); 150 targets Manufacturer Mack Rides, Germany Opened March 19, <strong>2010</strong> fort is every kid’s dream, and filled with special targets and water guns aimed directly at riders. •Leaky Sluice - Super soakers and shooting geysers may splash up enough fun on their own, but Tom and Huck’s overhead sluice has sprung a leak and a deluge of water may fall right on the rafts. Silver Dollar City officials are pleased with the reaction from guests to the park’s new RiverBlast. “From the laughter, smiles and water-soaked crowds, it’s obvious that Tom and Huck left Silver Dollar City a new adventure that our guests love. We can build the tallest, the fastest, the wildest ... but we are at our best when we create attractions that involve the entire family,” said SDC Attractions Manager Kevin Lotter. “RiverBlast gave us the opportunity to create a unique and highly-themed area that fits perfectly into the storyline of our park.” PHOTOS COURTESY SDC Sporting Herschend’s trademark theming, SDC’s new Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast allows riders and spectators alike to engage in friendly water battles.
<strong>June</strong> <strong>2010</strong> AMUSEMENT TODAY 7