![]() ![]() PKI's in particular became a low interest attraction with a very low ridership. The rides simply have worn out and have seen their day. Time was not kind to the rides and PKI's was the first to bite the dust. These Hydro Flumes also featured (I believe) the first turntable loading stations on a flume ride. These models also culminated a large drop with a camelback hump at the bottom to cause a weightlessness sensation. Most early flumes reside close to, in, or on the ground. These hydroflumes are also unique in that you first climb a lift, and most of the course of the ride is raised in the air. KI's had a Drop of 45 feet, I believe, while Hershey's was 49' and CP's was 45'. They also were designed to allow for larger final drops. Hydroflumes are different from other typical Arrow Flumes in that they have a dueling drop that has 2 chutes to allow for a greater capacity. However, it was closed following this recent season to be removed for a future attraction.) Here's a link to it's demolition photos: Cedar Point's White Water Landing was opened in 1982. Hershey's Coal Cracker was opened in 1973, the same year as KI's and still operates. The others are located at Hersheypark and Cedar Point. It opened in 1973, and was one of 3 (I believe) Arrow Hydroflumes installed in the U.S. Hopkins, re-themed and reopened as part of a Nick Expansion. (By then, the park was already in initial design/development/preperation for the install of Tomb Raider.) It was refurbished by O.D. The park decided to keep it for not only nostalgia's sake, but also so that they could keep a flume operating in the park. With 30 years of operation under it's belt, the ride was wearing out. Later, it was SBNO for 2 seasons at the turn of the millenium while the park pondered what to do with it. It was then meticulously relocated to KI when CCI closed and KI opened. It was re-furbished and transformed into "The Wild Thornberries River Adventure." It was originally designed by Arrow Development for Cincinnati's Coney Island, and I believe was installed there in 1968. King's Mill Log Flume (Which opened at KI in 1972) still exists. You are gone but not forgotten, White Water Landing, and no matter what water ride or flume eventually re-enters the park, there is no doubt in my mind that it will have some giant shoes to fill.I think there is a bit of confusion between the two flumes that existed at KI. All in all, this added up to the best water ride at Cedar Point, and it was a prime example of what an excellent log flume should be. Every ride on it was great fun, and Id always leave with a big smile on my face. You got just wet enough, not drenched, on WWL, which to me is exactly how a flume ride should be. The drop was the icing on the cake, as it was quick and fairly big. Then, thanks to the picturesque setting, after climbing the lift to the top portion, riders were treated to a stunning view of Lake Erie as they wound around heading to the climaxing drop. The western buildings, trees, and rocks made the lower portion great, along with the nice tunnel. Where WWL scored big points with me was with its setting, scenery, and long layout. This flume was a wonderful combination of both thrills and a relaxing lower portion. The boats were plenty comfortable, and as you left the station, it just felt like you were headin west along a tranquil river. The line always moved at a great clip, and the queue house had a nice western and rustic look to it (it was nice that they kept this and incorporated it into Mavericks queue). To me, White Water Landing was an outstanding log flume, and although Maverick is a terrific replacement, it is still sad that this water ride had to depart to make room for it. ![]()
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