- "White Water Splashy Fun!"
- ―Slogan of Adventure Rivers[src]
Adventure Rivers was a water-based themed area at Six Flags Great Adventure. It opened on June 1, 1991, as the first new themed area of the park since 1979. It closed after the 1999 season, and was replaced by Looney Tunes Seaport, a children's area based on the Looney Tunes franchise.[1]
The area was themed after a crossroads of the world, with different attractions themed after Africa, Asia, and Australia, and North America.
A precursor to Hurricane Harbor, Adventure Rivers was the first water park-type area at the park, without actually being a water park. It was included with admission as just another part of the park, and no changing facilities were required since the rides were designed to be ridden with full clothing.[1]
History[]
Throughout the 1980's, Six Flags Great Adventure had been attempting to lean more towards the teen to adult audience with the additions of Great American Scream Machine and Shockwave, all of which put less emphasis on theming and more on thrill. This change in vision led to a member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts asking park president Ray Williams "If Great Adventure is a theme park, what is the theme?", to which Williams replied, "The theme is 'fun'".
After receiving some flack from park guests and fans alike, Six Flags began to move away from their thrill-heavy strategy for Great Adventure, and began to focus on more family-friendly attractions and clientele. After difficulties with bad crowds in past years, Six Flags Great Adventure was in a rebuilding phase, trying to win back guests who had a negative impression of the park.
- "The 'Adventure Rivers' section represents our commitment to take the latest innovations and create a superb variety of water attractions which the entire family can enjoy without the inconvenience of changing into a bathing suit. The guest experience is designed to offer something for everyone, serving to complement the variety of things to see and do at Six Flags Great Adventure."
- ―Ray Williams[src]
The sign outside of the Adventure Rivers construction site in the fall of 1990.
In the fall of 1990, the area around the Hydro Flume attraction was closed off, and a sign was put up showing off the concept art for the new area, as well as a description of what the area would be.[1]
In the spring of 1991, construction of Adventure Rivers was in full swing, with the park targeting a June opening. On opening day of the 1991 season, both the North America and Africa slide towers were up and appeared to be complete, while the Asia tower still had some work left to be done.[1]
The planned size of the area meant the addition of huge expanses of new pavement and fencing, as well as elaborate landscaping to screen the area from adjacent sections and add to the immersion. The plants and trees intended to give a lush, semi-tropical feel.[1]
To fit the area, Roaring Rapids was renamed Congo Rapids, though little was done to the actual ride itself.[1]
Areas and attractions[]
Africa[]
- Congo Rapids
- Limpopo Plunge
- Oranje Falls
- Ruiki Rush
- Zambezi Zoom
Asia[]
- Kiso Cascade
- Mekong Pipeline
- Salween Surge
- Yangtze Chute
North America[]
- Colorado Cooler
- Snake Chute
Australia[]
Other attractions[]
- Jumping Fountains
- Typhoon
Dining[]
- Andre's River Fries
- Captain Jack's Burger Grill
- Rapids Funnel Cakes
- Serengeti Soft Serve
- Red River Tacos
- River Bank Country Chicken (1992-1999)
References[]
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