If you’ve ever walked through Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you know one thing: you’re either going to get wet or watch other people get soaked.
It’s home to two of the most drenching attractions in the park, and for many, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is the ultimate way to cool off on a hot day. But if you were hoping to hop on for a spin soon, you’re out of luck—at least for now.
Universal Orlando Resort has temporarily shut down Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges for its annual maintenance, a routine occurrence for the ride each year. This means construction walls are up, blocking access to the attraction and the surrounding walkways.
Even Me Ship, The Olive, the fun little play area nearby, seems to be affected by the closure. While it’s always a bummer to see a favorite ride closed, it’s important to remember that these refurbishments keep everything running smoothly. Water rides take a lot of wear and tear, and nobody wants to deal with unexpected breakdowns in the middle of a theme park day.
For those who haven’t had the chance to ride before, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is one of the wildest rapids rides out there. Unlike some other water rides where you might get a light splash, this one practically guarantees you’ll walk off looking like you just jumped in a pool.
The ride, which opened in 1999, follows Popeye on a mission to rescue Olive Oyl from Bluto, all while guests are tossed through rapids, dodging waterfalls and sneaky water jets that always seem to hit at just the right (or wrong) time. It’s the kind of ride where ponchos don’t help, so most people just embrace the chaos.
The ride is currently scheduled to reopen on March 15, 2025, assuming there are no delays. Until then, you can still get your splash fix over at Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls, which offers a mix of cartoonish antics and a massive drop that guarantees a soaking. Are you going to miss Bilge-Rat Barges while it’s down? Or are you someone who prefers to stay dry at the parks? Either way, let us know what you think!
