Congo River Rapids, River rafting ride at Alton Towers Resort, United Kingdom
Congo River Rapids is a river rafting ride at Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire, England, where groups sit in round inflatable rafts and travel through a course of rapids, tunnels, and drops. The rafts spin as they move along the channel, so each rider gets a different view of the splashing water sections.
The ride opened in 1986 under the name The Grand Canyon River Rapids, as part of the park's Aqualand section. It was later renamed and given the African-themed concept that visitors see today.
The ride follows an African jungle expedition theme, with jungle sounds and waterfall effects along the course. This gives it a distinct feel compared to other water attractions in the park.
There is a minimum height requirement to ride, and younger children need to be accompanied by an adult. Come prepared to leave with wet clothes and shoes, as water splashes over the rafts throughout the ride.
The ride takes its name from one of Africa's longest rivers, even though it sits in the English countryside of Staffordshire. The round shape of the rafts was chosen so that no seat has a better ride than another, since the boat keeps spinning unpredictably.
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