Doing Kali...Best Tips?

[dreamscometrue]

So, I've ridden Kali River Rapids several times, but always do so just before leaving the park. I don't always ride it on a hot day, so sometimes I'm able to stay on for 3 or 4 trips, and I always get soaked (no poncho). No biggie though, because I drag my soaked self to a bus and am a bit uncomfortable for a short time 'til back at the resort, showered and changed. I'd really like to ride early sometime when I've seen little or no queue, then stay at the park all day.

My question is for those people who've done this. How do you do it? Do you bring a change of clothes and use a locker, wear bathing trunks, wear a poncho and hope for the best? Any strategies would be appreciated.

 

[SoarinMeg]

I've been laughed at (mostly by my kids) but I always wear a poncho and keep my feet off the floor during the ride. I've gotten soaked to the skin many times even wearing the raingear; I just go into the nearest bathroom, wring out my soaked pants and dry out as best I can. It's not a bad idea to bring an extra pair of shorts if you have room to carry them around, but really unless it's an unusually cool day, most of the time you're going to dry off relatively quickly in the Florida sun.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

There's no way to ride Kali and avoid getting soaked. You're guaranteed a drenching, so if you want to be dry for the rest of the day, the best advice would be to bring a change of clothes and duck into the bathrooms after you get off the ride.

For such a short, underwhelming ride (especially when compared to its big cousin at California Adventure), you really do get soaking wet every time.

 

[TRIFORCE89]

I just poncho it. My shoes/socks and the back of my shorts still get wet, but better than everything. And it's hot, so it dries in like five minutes.

People walking by us as we de-poncho always say what a great idea that is.

 

[disney4life2008]

You will get wet, I would not say soaked.

However, Popeye Bluto and Rip Saw Rapids at IOA, you will be soaked times 5! I Love those rides.

 

[SMS55]

I don't ride it when it's cool, only when it's warm, so I just air dry and enjoy the fact I am not sweating.

 

[ddbowdoin]

There's no way to ride Kali and avoid getting soaked. You're guaranteed a drenching, so if you want to be dry for the rest of the day, the best advice would be to bring a change of clothes and duck into the bathrooms after you get off the ride.

For such a short, underwhelming ride (especially when compared to its big cousin at California Adventure), you really do get soaking wet every time.

disagree... my last trip I had my pro camera rig (about 5.5k in gear) with me and sweated this ride even with my waterproof case. I walked off the ride with about a small 3 inch streak on my shorts... I was so shocked, the woman next me was drenched head to toe.

 

[danpam1024]

You will get wet, I would not say soaked.

However, Popeye Bluto and Rip Saw Rapids at IOA, you will be soaked times 5! I Love those rides.

Me too<3

 

[harryk]

Have done this on very cool days in December. Just were something that will drive rather quickly. Like - don't were denim - it takes hours to dry if you were soaked. Have seen guys change in the rest-rooms - but then you are carrying around wet clothes the remainder of the day. Ponchos.....never happen.:xmas::xmas::xmas:

 

[MickeyPeace]

One or two people will get completely soaked while the rest get a little wet.
I usually want to get drenched when I go on it because it's so hot.

I air dry and love every minute of it.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

I just ride the thing and should I get soaked I tough it out.


Said toughing out commonly consists of getting a cup of tea at the tea stand and waching the monkeys while I dry up in the sun.

 

[fractal]

Walmart sells $1.99 ponchos.

well worth it.

 

[Timekeeper]

Your best bet for saving money, packing light, and staying dry on water rides is to pick up a "rain suit."

Something like this can be purchased almost anywhere that sells camping supplies for under $15.

You may recall seeing these worn by WDW parking attendants in the rain. They would keep them rolled up in their belt pouch and use them when needed.

Florida rain can be horrible, and umbrellas and ponchos do absolutely nothing to keep guests comfortably dry. It boggles my mind why anyone familiar with Florida weather or desiring to stay dry while riding "soaking" water rides wouldn't purchase one of these.

Since they are worn over your existing clothing, you don't have to change your clothes. Some are clear, but they also come in various colors. And since they are essentially a new layer of clothing that just so happen to be waterproof, you don't have to change in and out of them (further wetting yourself and others around you) in attractions where CMs ask that ponchos be removed.

When visiting during rainy seasons that promise to provide for a day full of rain, I suggest investing in waterproof pants and light jacket from a company like The North Face. Some nylon materials common to windbreakers "feel" like they would be waterproof, but most of them are not. Be sure that the apparel is specifically designated to be waterproof and you're good to go.

The final idea is to treat your existing clothing with a waterproof spray available in every store's shoe or camping section. But this seems like it would be much more of a hassle, and really only results in water repellant-like protection, and won't really be waterproof in the downpours.

I say, go with a rain suit.

:sohappy:

 

[dreamscometrue]

Great suggestions. Thanks for all the replies everyone. :wave: