Roaring Rapids at Six Flags Great America Closes for Refurbishment

Six Flags Great America is a popular amusement park located in Gurnee, Illinois. With over 45 rides and attractions, it is a favorite destination for thrill-seekers of all ages. One of the park’s most exciting rides is Roaring Rapids, a river rapids ride that has been thrilling visitors since it opened in 1981.

Unfortunately, Roaring Rapids has been closed for the entire season in 2021 due to a $1,000,000 refurbishment on the ride. This left many visitors disappointed, as the ride was a favorite for those who wanted to cool off on a hot summer day. The refurbishment was necessary, however, as the ride had been in operation for over 40 years and was in need of a major overhaul.

The park also closed Roaring Rapids for half of the season in 2022, but it later re-opened on July 30, 2022. This was great news for fans of the ride, as they could once again experience the thrill of swooshing down the river and getting splashed by white water waves.

Congo Rapids, as it is now called, is a fitting name for the ride, as it takes visitors on a wild ride down a river that is reminiscent of the Congo River in Africa. The ride is not for the faint of heart, as it reaches speeds of up to 10 miles per hour and features spins and dips that will leave you drenched.

The average wait time for Congo Rapids varies from year to year, with 2019 having an overall average wait time of 19 minutes and an average maximum wait time of 23 minutes. In 2020, the park was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so thre was no information available about the wait times. In 2021, however, the wait times were much longer due to the refurbishment of the ride, with an overall average wait time of 91 minutes and an average maximum wait time of 107 minutes. In 2022, the wait times improved, with an overall average wait time of 67 minutes and an average maximum wait time of 108 minutes.

Six Flags Great America is a fantastic amusement park that offers a wide variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. Despite the closure of Roaring Rapids in 2021 for refurbishment, the park has now reopened Congo Rapids, which promises to be just as thrilling and exciting as its predecessor. So if you’re looking for a fun day out with family and friends, be sure to check out Six Flags Great America and experience the thrill of Congo Rapids for yourself!

Why Is Roaring Rapids Closed At Great America?

Roaring Rapids at Six Flags Great America was closed for the entire 2021 season and half of the 2022 season due to a $1,000,000 refurbishment. The ride required extensive maintenance and repairs to ensure the safety and enjoyment of guests. The refurbishment likely included upgrades to the ride’s infrastructure, such as replacing aging components, enhancing the ride’s safety features, and improving the overall ride experience. The refurbishment may have also included cosmetic updates, such as repainting or refreshing the theming. The ride re-opened on July 30, 2022, after completion of the refurbishment.

roaring rapids six flags great america closed

Is Congo Rapids Open At Six Flags?

Congo Rapids is currently open at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, United States. The ride, whih was previously known as Roaring Rapids, was opened in June 1981 and has since been renamed to reflect the inspiration behind its design – the Congo River in Africa. Congo Rapids is a river rapids ride that offers guests the chance to experience a thrilling adventure on the water. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Six Flags Great Adventure has implemented several safety measures to ensure the health and well-being of its guests, and Congo Rapids is among the many rides that have remained open for visitors to enjoy.

Do You Get Wet On Roaring Rapids Six Flags?

You are likely to get wet on Roaring Rapids at Six Flags. The ride is a water-based rafting adventure that takes you through a series of turbulent rapids and waves. As the ride progresses, the raft spins and dips down the river, which can result in splashes and sprays of water. In fact, it is not uncommon for riders to get completely drenched on this ride. Therefore, if you are planning to ride Roaring Rapids, it is advisable to prepare accordingly by wearing apropriate clothing and bringing along a change of clothes. Additionally, Six Flags provides ponchos for purchase to help minimize the amount of water you’ll get on your clothes.

How Long Is The Wait For Roaring Rapids?

The wait time for Roaring Rapids can vary depending on several factors such as the season, time of day, and park attendance. Generally, during peak season and weekends, the wait time can exceed 30 minutes or more. However, during non-peak times, the wait time can be significantly lower, ranging from 5-15 minutes. It is important to note that the wait time can also be affected by ride maintenance, weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances. To enhance the guest experience, the park povides estimated wait times at the entrance of the ride, and guests can also use mobile applications to access real-time wait times.

Conclusion

Six Flags Great America is a must-visit amusement park for anyone looking for thrilling rides and family fun. With over 100 rides, including record-breaking roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions, there is something for everyone. The park is also home to a variety of live shows, entertainment options, and dining options, making it a great destination for a full day of fun. While the park has faced some recent closures due to refurbishments, it continues to be a popular destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. With its exciting attractions and commitment to safety, Six Flags Great America is a top choice for anyone looking for a fun and memorable day out.

Photo of author

William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.