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[Parson B Ready]

I like the idea. It's another thing that parents with small children can do during Christmas time.

[okiebluegrass]

I am interested in knowing how they can just "turn off" the water cannons.

[rubedugans]

well...your hand will be in your pockets since it'll be quite cold...so wa-la. No water cannons. Really, I was wondering that too!

[dwfan]

If you guys have ever rode one of the rides, you would find out. I rode the RiverBattle at Dollywood and when you pull into the station you can crank them all you want to but water won't come out. They have a switch at the operater booth that turns the cannons off.

[okiebluegrass]

I have ridden it several times.

I found that the only time the water did not come out was when the boat was on the conveyor and out of the water. I want to know how they turn it off once it is in the water.

Seems to operate on a pump principal to me (as in by turning the handle it draws the water through like a giant straw).

I doubt this is somehow computer powered, but nothing surprises me anymore.

[Joy]

Also, if you look closely while waiting to board the ride, you'll notice that when one of the boats come in, the bucket on top of the mast lines up with a pipe; that's where the water for the cannons comes from. They fill up the boat each time it comes back into the station.

[shavethewhales]

^Exactly, so they just won't put any water into the boat. Problem solved. Go team!

Anyway, I'm glad they're making something out of this for the Christmas season. I know I, for one, complained that RB would take away from things to do when it's too cold for water rides. This is just one more thing for some people to do.

[sanddunerider]

I agree shave.  i think it is great they have found an off season use.. anxious to see wht they did and how it works...24 days to go

[Ozark Outlaw]

Also, if you look closely while waiting to board the ride, you'll notice that when one of the boats come in, the bucket on top of the mast lines up with a pipe; that's where the water for the cannons comes from. They fill up the boat each time it comes back into the station.

Very interesting I did not know that! So basically the water that is being squirted is presumably filtered clean water, and not water from the channels under the boat? Makes perfect sense in hindsight.

[StaceySue]

I'm kind of interested in "seeing" the actual ride.  When I rode it I was getting shot in the face the whole time.

[sanddunerider]

yes, stacey should be interesting to see. won't be long now... 23 days lol

[History Buff]

Also, if you look closely while waiting to board the ride, you'll notice that when one of the boats come in, the bucket on top of the mast lines up with a pipe; that's where the water for the cannons comes from. They fill up the boat each time it comes back into the station.

Very interesting I did not know that! So basically the water that is being squirted is presumably filtered clean water, and not water from the channels under the boat? Makes perfect sense in hindsight.

A cool illusion indeed - an example of attention to detail and one of the most creative little effects of late.

Keep 'em for shooting?  Simply remove the cannons.  They would need to be winterized anyway.

They could put miniature scenes around the channel - something you can't see from shore.

[sanddunerider]

there will be lights onthe tower and surrounding building that you can't see except from the boat.  Will be a very different view.  And i bet will look different from the train as we pull out also...are you ready?

[MissinTheGreenTrams]

To quote a famous sponge.......IIIIIIIIMMMMMMM REEEEEADDDDYYYY!!!

[sanddunerider]

meeeeeeeeee     toooooooooooooo