Universal Orlando Resort has seen plenty of changes over the years.
With major expansions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, thrilling coasters like VelociCoaster, and the upcoming Epic Universe set to reshape the theme park landscape, it’s easy to forget that some of the resort’s original attractions still remain a key part of the experience. While new rides often grab the spotlight, longtime fans know that some of Universal’s classics have been entertaining guests for decades.
This weekend, one of those fan-favorite attractions makes its long-awaited return.
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, the wild white-water raft ride that has been drenching guests since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999, will officially reopen on March 15, 2025, after more than a month of refurbishment. The ride originally closed for routine maintenance on February 1, as Universal regularly performs upkeep on its most water-heavy attractions to ensure they remain in top condition.
Guests who have been visiting Universal for years likely have fond memories of Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges. It’s one of those rides where getting wet isn’t a possibility—it’s a guarantee.
Located in the vibrant and cartoonish Toon Lagoon, the ride takes guests on a frantic whitewater adventure, following Popeye as he tries to rescue Olive Oyl from the ever-troublesome Bluto. As riders navigate unpredictable currents, they’ll encounter spinning rapids, crashing waves, and plenty of waterfalls designed to leave no one dry.
The timing of the reopening couldn’t be better. Universal Orlando Resort is preparing for an influx of spring break crowds, and to accommodate them, park hours have been extended to 9 p.m. for at least one of the two theme parks each night this coming week. That means more time for guests to experience their favorite attractions—and with temperatures rising in Florida, more opportunities to cool off.
While Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges may not have the high-speed thrills of VelociCoaster or the immersive magic of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, it’s a ride that offers a different kind of excitement—one that leaves guests laughing, soaked, and sometimes even running straight to the nearby human dryers.
It remains a must-do for families looking to escape the heat, and its return is sure to be welcomed by guests ready to take on the rapids once more.
So whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or experiencing it for the first time, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is back, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia—and plenty of water.
