Please do yourself a favor and ride the water rides. I know winter isn't the ideal time to ride these attractions, but they are so over top good it is worth it.
Popeye is a really long rapids ride with some unique elements. The best is the waterfall after the boat wash. Your boat stops at the edge of an aprox 3-4 waterfall before continuing over the drop. I wish there was an observation deck for the public to see this. It is really well done and there is a lengthy patent online describing how it works. However, unless you want to be soaking wet, a poncho is almost a requirement for Popeye. IOA has recently added 2 Haystack Dryers at the exit to Popeye's. They are basically family dryers that have heat lamps and blow dryers inside a small vertical cubible. You pay $3-4 bucks, put your family in and get dried off in a matter of a few minutes. I don't know how well these work, I think Dollywood is the only other park in the US that has these, but something to keep in mind.
Dudley Do Right is also a lot of fun. I really don't like the in line seating on this ride because it feels too confined. I prefer the side by side seating on Splash Mt, but I think Dudley is the better of the 2 rides. The drops are not only longer, but have some great surprises.
Finally, Jurassic Park River Adventure is lots of fun and not to be missed. The splash down into the lagoon looks like a tidal wave, but you don't normally get anything other than a mist.
Have fun on your trip.
