Originally, these rides were based upon the idea of "Around the world in 80 days", indeed the River Caves at Blackpool Pleasure Beach advertises this at the entrance accompanied by illustrations of what riders should expect to see while on the ride. However this particular version incorporates not only the idea of journey around the world but also through periods of time. The River Caves at Blackp
ool has seen many alterations over the years including the instalment of a Tunnel of Love in order to make a TV appearance in ITV's Coronation Street. The ride consists of chambers or caverns containing a different part of the world or a period of time. Walkthrough
The Tunnel of Love - A short ride through an un-themed narrow cave tunnel featuring a waterfall at the entrance that turns itself off as the boat passes under. Mysterious China - A scene featuring a brightly clothed Chinese figures, a giant Buddha statue and trees lit with fairy lights. A gong and the voice of the narrator can be heard as the boats enter. The music used in this section is In A Chinese Temple Garden by Albert W.Ketelbey
The Land of the Dinosaurs - Atmospheric scenes depicting the Jurassic Era and the pre-historic age which feature a numer of large dinosaur models, cave-men models, plants and trees scenery and water dripping from overhead. Noises from the dinosaurs are played throughout this area. The Depths of the Ocean - In this cavern boats pass through tranquil scenes of mermaid models, fish, bubble tanks, fluorescent lights. The music used in this section is Spring Tide by Glynis Jones. The Impenetrable Jungles of Africa - This section of the ride features jungle theming and includes a moving snake hanging from a tree, an elephant model, tribal masks and shrunken skulls. The Magnificent Inca Civilisation - This scene greets riders with a warm, misty atmosphere of glowing amber and red lighting, the theming include a model of the sun god, gold idols and is reminiscent of the cubist era the park embraced. Bird song and other sounds of the jungle can be heard in this scene. The music used here is - Taboo by Arthur Lyman
The Blue Grotto - Based upon the actual Blue Grotto (Capri). The ride at this point opens up into a large cavern featuring an array of stalactites and stalagmites and gentle water fountains coming out of the water channels all lit with a serene blue light. Prior to the re-theme of the Gold Mine ride this area was a lot larger and the track from the gold mine ride could be seen overhead along with part of the old Magnolia restaurant in which diners could look out upon the blue grotto cavern and the boats passing by. Since the re-theme however, the cavern has been made a lot smaller in height and the restaurant and track from the Gold Mine ride (now Wallace & Gromit: The Thrill-O-Matic) is no longer visible, the ceiling of this cavern has also been covered in a net of tiny fairy lights. The music used in this section is - Prelude to Earthrise by John Keating
Ancient Egypt - The boats enter this scene under a sign that reads 'Valley of the Kings', this section of the ride features multiple rooms of theming and includes Egyptian statues and models of Egyptians. The narrator's voice can be heard once again and the music in this section is from a Vangelis track called Symphony to the Powers B. The Temples of Angkor Wat - The final scene of the ride is heavily themed and features a lift-hill, the scenery depicts a dark, humid Cambodian jungle and stone temples covered in overgrowth as well as animatronics of monkeys, snakes and elephants. The music used in this section is - The Pagoda Of Pillagi by Victor Young
Outside - Once leaving the final scene the ride emerges outside where there is a small drop before riders exit.
