The attraction, which will be delivered by ABC Rides of Switzerland, feature a level of theming previously unseen at the Prater. Yet true to form at this famous city park, they are having to accommodate it in a very tight space, previously occupied by a Top Spin-type ride. In fact, the only way they can fit it in is to locate part of the ride over the top of an Auto Skooter track and a fast food outlet.

Alfred Kern and Gerhard Waldmann, attractions operators at Prater for five generations, first saw the River Splash concept at the 2005 Euro Attractions Show in Vienna and decided that it would fit the bill in their quest for something new and different to add to the Prater.

Following three earlier rides in Germany, this latest River Splash (pictured) will be the largest yet, measuring 30 metres in height before decoration. It will take as its theme the rugged mountains and mines of the Wildalpen, where the city of Vienna sources its water supply. ABC will provide the scenic elements as well as the ride system.

The ride is due to go into service around Easter, but much of it is already in place, despite snow slowing construction. The earthworks and foundations were completed last October, the columns and channels were delivered in December, and the mountain is well underway.

Widalpenbahn will use 9-seater circular raft-style boats, although this is a faster-paced attraction than a typical rapids ride. Passengers will begin their journey with a brisk ascent to the top of the ride’s signature rotating vertical lift tower. They will then dash around the spiral channels, in and out of curves and through various tunnels and waterfalls, spinning as they go. Kern-Waldmann are also planning a number of interactive elements between riders and spectators.

ABC Rides has confirmed that a fifth River Splash Ride, combining elements of a Rapid River, has been ordered by Bayern Park in Switzerland and is due to go into operation in Switzerland in July 2007.

Under the name Die Schluct Ruft (The Call of the Gorge), the ride will be a spectacular sight, made all the more interesting by the addition of geysers, waterfalls and a rapids section in the lower section. In total the ride will be 600-metres-long and feature a sloping, rather than vertical, lift.

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