New family raft ride ‘Ray Rush’ coming to Aquatica in 2018

ORLANDO, FLORIDA — Get ready to feel the rush...the Ray Rush that is.

SeaWorld's waterpark, Aquatica, announced Thursday that they will be adding a brand-new family raft slide in spring 2018 that promises 'three-in-one thrills for guests of all ages.'

Ray Rush will be a nearly 60 feet tall, family raft ride that will take riders on three exciting thrills throughout the attraction.

First, riders will be launched at 33 feet per second with water jets that will push them into the first enclosed tube section.

“Next, riders will swirl into a colossal translucent sphere which spins the raft around the slide walls before entering another enclosed tube section, “ according to Aquatica’s press release. “Finally, riders will drop into an open-air halfpipe that resembles the shape of a manta ray. Rafts will soar back and forth on the wings of the manta before entering the final enclosed tube section that ends with a splash.”

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Ray Rush will be located next to Walkabout Waters and will accommodate up to four riders per raft.

To make room for the new attraction, HooRoo Run will close permanently on October 31, 2017. Walhalla Wave will close temporarily on the same date and reopen along with Ray Rush next year.

“Ray Rush will offer a ride experience you won’t be able to get anywhere else in Florida. Aquatica will be the first waterpark in the state to combine these three unique elements into one attraction” said Cathy Valeriano, Aquatica Orlando vice president. “Ray Rush is the perfect addition to our attraction portfolio, complementing what is already one of the most family-friendly waterslide lineups in Orlando.”