Payback...
There is a new-ish
addition to some theme park rides that takes the boredom away from sitting a
ride out. The large raft rides that are popular at many theme parks are now
accompanied by water cannons strategically placed along the raft route. Now the younger sibling that are on the
smaller side of tiny have the ability to get in on the action without the need
to meet the height requirement, soaking the unsuspecting riders with a blast of
chilly water; all for the price of a single quarter. More often than not, parents are found at
these lovely machines eagerly waiting to dish out some payback. I've sat back and watched a few of these over
eager parents and they all have the same first experience.
Gleefully jamming a
quarter into the water cannon, hands hovering over the button, eyes straining
to get a glimpse of the telltale black hoodie indicating that my child is in
the boat that just plummeted down the ramp, frustration felt after the realization
that the boat is full of screaming poncho laden girls instead of the smelly
boys that we are so "patiently" waiting for, the giddy excitement of
recognition, the tense anticipation as they approach the designated soak zone,
the loving greeting that is called out to the boat in a disarming manner
drawing their attention away from the track ahead, the look on their faces as
they recognize that their parents are standing near the water cannon, the
oh-so-sweet malicious joy that surges through our body as we mash down on the
trigger button sending a column of water directly at the boat, the screams of
shock as the cold water assaults their senses, and that final satisfying laugh
as they exit the ride completely soaked yet somehow still smiling.
Having already
experienced this money making miracle myself, I let some first timers have a go
at the cannon. This parent must have
been a regular at the arcade during her youth because I don't think I have ever
seen anyone jam quarters into the slot with that much speed and precision. She mashed the button in glee, whooped in
excitement, and realized that they were
still within range and then whipped a second quarter in the slot and mashed the
button again with twinkly in her eye. I
can only imagine her thoughts: "That's for not cleaning up your room! And
that's for jumping on the bed!"
That experience was
almost worth the $5 drying station that are so cleverly placed at the
exit…..almost.
That day was a lot of fun! Our boys were so funny and couldn't stop talking about the raft ride or getting wet. They must have known we would be there waiting by the cannons but when their little round raft floated by we all yelled "Hey, boys!" Their eyes were huge with excitement and knowing there was nothing they could do about the inevitable soaking, they all tried to duck or put their hoods up. Seconds barely passed when the screaming boat of boys suffered two more direct hits from next two cannons, also manned by parents. We all cheered and laughed but the eruption of squeals and laughter from one of the fathers was just priceless. I am so happy it was caught on video. We all walked away all proud of ourselves! The more soaked each boy was as they walked towards the adults after the ride, they more admiration they received from the other boys. The photo of the 5 boys in the $5 dryer was also priceless.
ReplyDeleteI too have fallen victim to the hosing that is the drying station... While convenient and well placed, it sure would be nice if they accepted wet bills. I sure can't peanut butter that bill into the slot.
ReplyDelete-FCJ