Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges

Get ready to get completely soaked on Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, one of the most exciting and water-packed attractions at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This wild whitewater raft ride plunges you into the chaos of navigating turbulent rapids as Popeye races to rescue Olive Oyl from Bluto.

Expect surprise splashes from every direction—whether it’s water crashing over the sides or a waterfall overhead, you never know who in your group will get drenched next! This ride is a family-friendly favorite, and even younger children can enjoy the fun with the proper supervision and height requirement met.

For the ultimate cool down on a hot day, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is the go-to water ride at Universal Orlando Resort.

Ride Information  Ride Restrictions  Location  Tips

Ride Information

Opening Date: May 28, 1999

Type of Ride: Water Ride

Age Recommendation: All Ages

Duration of Ride: 7 Minutes

Typical Wait Time: 30 – 40 Minutes

Single Rider Line: No

Express Pass: Yes

Child Swap: Yes

Wheelchair Accessible: No

Ride Photo: No

Ride Restrictions

Height Requirements: 42″ (106.7cm) Minimum

Wheelchair Accessibility: Guests need to be able to transfer from a wheelchair (ECV) either alone or with assistance from a party member or attraction attendant.

Location

Nearby Attractions: Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls | Me Ship, The Olive

Dining: Blondie’s | Comic Strip Café | Captain America Diner

Shopping: Toon Lagoon Games | Gasoline Alley | Wossamotta-U

The Mouse For Less Tips

• As you are coursing through the rapids of Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, you will pass the attraction Me Ship, The Olive. Watch out, the water cannons are active (and operated by other park visitors) and located on the bow of the ship.
• On this Universal Orlando Resort attraction, you will definitely be getting wet. (And we’re talking soaked.) Along with any belongings you bring with you. There is a storage compartment in the middle of the raft with a cover for keeping items dry. It’s best to store electronics in a locker (for a fee) or with someone not riding.
• Zip-lock bags are also great for storing your small electronics, such as smartphones or headphones. If you prefer to keep these things on you, choose your most-trusted zip lock brand, put that in your backpack/purse/etc. If all of this is in the storage compartment, you should be okay.
• It is a good idea to ride both this and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls back to back so that you only have to be sopping wet for 1 portion of the day.
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges opens about an hour after the parks open, most of the time.