Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Ride Overview
Ahoy landlubbers! Hop aboard this rafting adventure as you set sail to save Olive Oyl, Popeye’s favorite gal, from Bluto. Plus, hold on tight as your raft navigates down the Hurricane River through plenty of rapids and waterfalls on Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges.
This ride continually proves to be one of the best, wettest, family rafting rides in the world. Oh, and dare we mention the 18-foot octopus?
Page Contents: Location | Basic Information | How Wet Will I Get? | Our Recommendations | Photo Gallery | Fun Facts | Explore More
Location
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is located in Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park.
Basic Ride Information
Ride Type: Water Ride / 12-Person Raft
Thrill Level: Moderate – Fun for most ages
Height Requirement: 42 inches (or 107 cm) – Guests under 48 inches (or 122 cm) require a supervising companion
Child Swap: Available
Test Seat: Not available
Special Author Note: This ride often opens an hour later than most of the park at 10am.
Save Time in Line: This ride accepts Universal Express passes, but does not offer a single rider line.
Ride Photo: This attraction does not offer an on-ride photo.
Loose Articles:
- Riders may bring most belongings onto the raft with them.
- At the center of each raft, there is a covered storage area to protect loose articles. This area can hold medium-size backpacks and smaller items. Although, make sure to properly seal the clear water-proof top around the edge to keep items dry.
- Alternatively, riders may choose to rent a nearby locker to stow their belongings.
Also, we recommend bringing a couple quart-sized Ziploc bags to put your phone, wallet, and keys in if you plan to keep those in your pocket.
Lockers:
- Optional lockers are found to the right of Wimpy’s, underneath the shaded seating area.
- Standard small lockers start at $4 and large lockers start at $5 for a 90-minute rental.
- If you plan to rent this locker, we recommend you ride all three water rides back-to-back. The other two water rides are Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Jurassic Park River Adventure.
Accessibility:
- Guests in wheelchairs must transfer onto the ride vehicle. There is a specific accessible raft with a ramp to the seats available upon request.
- Learn additional accessibility information on Universal Orlando’s website here.
How Wet Will I Get?
Simply put, VERY WET. You might as well jump into a pool. Plus, since the raft slowly spins, all seats have an equal chance of getting soaked.
Our Recommendations
Ride Priority: Moderate – If you are willing to get wet, we recommend including this ride into your schedule. Although, you can stay dry, miss this ride, and still make the most of your day at Universal.
Best Time to Ride: For the shortest wait, ride between 10am and 11am. (This ride often does not open until 10am.)
- We recommend riding this after the Marvel Super Hero Island attractions and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.
- Although, on hot summer days, riding later in the day is a nice way to cool off.
Best Seats in the House: All seats offer the same experience, since the raft slowly spins as you venture down river.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Photo Gallery
(All photos copyright United Thrills.)
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Fun Facts
- At 7 minutes long, this ride is one of the longest rides at Universal Orlando.
- Other park guests can use free water guns located on Me Ship, The Olive to squirt riders with.