Attraction Review- Downhill Double Dipper

Today's Attraction Review is my first of a Walt Disney World Waterpark Attraction. The attraction I have elected to look at is the Downhill Double Dipper, a dual racing waterslide over at Blizzard Beach. Guests ride in single inflatable tubes, which are picked up in the queue for the attraction, and experience one of the steepest drops in the two Walt Disney World Waterparks. The slide is a 'hump-backed' waterslide, adding to the awesome thrill of the ride, and it's not uncommon to briefly leave the surface of the slide as you go over the hump! And don't worry, it's perfectly safe!

The Downhill Double Dipper (DDD), involves a lighthearted race between the two slides, with an automated gate starting system, digital timers and superb finishing touches really contributing to and completing this theme. Whilst it isn't by any means Blizzard Beach's most popular attraction, DDD still typically sees moderate to long waits, even on normal attendance days. Therefore, I would advise that you experience it as early in the day as possible, after Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher. It's also worth noting that the tube pickup is often confusing and inconsistent, due to the conveyor which brings the tubes up Mount Gushmore being loaded by guests exiting the ride.

Here's how I would rate Downhill Double Dipper in the following areas, and why:

Thrill~ 9/10
Whilst perhaps not as thrilling as its fellow Blizzard Beach attraction Summit Plummet, DDD is a very thrilling ride. As all good thrill rides do, the Dipper stimulates all of you senses, which is hard to pull off with a waterslide, a homage to the incredible talent of the Imagineers to perfect anything they put their minds to. Even on its own, the slide is nothing to be sniffed at. Riders hit up to 25 miles an hour on the way down, ensuring that whilst it may be short, this attraction is undoubtedly sweet as well.

Scariness~ 9/10
Although you hit 25 miles an hour whilst riding DDD, it easily feels like twice that. This, coupled with the airtime you experience when you go over the hump, makes for an incredibly scary waterslide which will leave you clinging to your tube for dear life (at least, that's what happens to me!)

Theming~ 10/10
As with every other inch of the park, DDD fits in perfectly with the 'Ski Resort on the Meltdown' theme of Blizzard Beach, cleverly adapting a Ski Resort staple as a waterslide. The buildup to the main event is amazing, with the racing theme adding even more to the sense of anticipation. The great thing about DDD is that it's not just themed like a race, it IS a race, a prime example of how adding elements of interactivity to an attraction can really enhance the theme, giving it a whole new dimension.

Educational~ 3/10
The sole educational element of DDD is the finish line, which displays the word 'finish' in five different languages, therefore teaching guests how to say 'finish' in other languages. My only criticism of this is that there are no labels to tell you which language is which.

Fun~ 9/10
Downhill Double Dipper is one of those simple, but genuinely fun attractions which Disney is the master of creating. The slide on its own is very enjoyable, and when you add in the interactive race element, DDD truly is a winner. I always find it fun to check out my time on the timers displayed by the landing pool, and trying to beat my personal record (and, of course, the person I'm racing against!)

Repeatability~ 10/10
Again, the interactivity of DDD ensures that it gets high marks. It's great to repeat ride DDD to try to beat your best time, challenge a friend, or simply to see how much airtime you can get!

And finally, my overall rating of Downhill Double Dipper~ 9/10
For me, DDD is one of Blizzard Beach's strongest attractions. It is by far the park's most interactive and repeatable attraction too- traits which really can make or break a ride or attraction at any park, anywhere. It's not difficult to tell that a great deal of thought went into DDD, and, whilst it may always be overshadowed by Summit Plummet, which is Blizzard Beach's premier attraction, it's not far behind it in terms of theming and fun.

What are your thoughts on Downhill Double Dipper? Do you agree with me, or have I been too complimentary? Do you think that DDD is better or worse than Summit Plummet? Please share your opinions in the comments below, or on the Blog's Facebook Page!

Thanks for reading, and have a magical weekend!