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I am not a huge fan of mega flume rides (rides in large boats that go up, round a turn, and then drop down). However, if you can spice it up so that it is more interesting and exciting than doing simply that, they can actually make for magnificent rides. Jurassic Park and Escape from Pompeii are examples where the theming adds tremendously. But another thing to do is to simply make the ride huge. And that is what Perilous Plunge does. This is the tallest and steepest water ride in the United States, and it is definitely a sight to behold. The lift hill is incredibly steep. The drop, though, is beyond steep. Even when looking at it from the sidelines, you have no idea what it will actually feel like. The first time I rode I kept expecting it to level off so we could follow down the drop. But no. It just tipped further and further. This isnt straight down, but it sure feels like it. And it is also over 100 feet tall, so it lasts a long time for a flume drop. The drop itself looks just like a waterfall, and you will get pelted with water the entire way down. However, its once you hit the bottom that youll really understand what the term drenched means. The splash is enormous, and it just keeps pouring on. Now, I should mention the whole restraint issue, since that seems to be the largest complaint from most people. It is true, it takes an exceptionally long time to load a boat, what with the million-point harness system theyve got going. I did not find it uncomfortable though. I always make Perilous Plunge my very first stop on a summer day, to avoid the crowds. During the winter, nobody wants to ride anyway, so you can walk on anytime if you dont mind getting wet. Last time I rode, the boat ran with just two of my friends and myself. All in all, I consider this to be a phenomenal experience. Who needs to go over Niagra Falls in a barrel? Weve got Perilous Plunge!
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