Splash Mountain

About Splash Mountain

Taking its cue from the traditional log flume ride, Splash Mountain is a wildly creative ride designed by the masterminds behind all Disney park creations – the Imagineers. This team of engineers created the first Splash Mountain for Disneyland in 1989. Done up in the traditional “dark ride” format of many attractions found in Fantasyland, riders view adorable scenes re-enacted from Disney’s film “Song of the South.”

This includes the tale of Br’er Rabbit and his adventures in finding his Laughing Place. Continuously dodging his enemies Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox, our hero narrowly escapes being tossed into a briar patch – unfortunately riders aren’t so lucky. Splash Mountain culminates with a drop at a 47 degree angle, as guests see the briar patch looming ominously below. This combination of happily singing woodland creatures and a dramatic waterfall plummet has made Splash Mountain one of the most popular rides at the Disneyland Resort since its opening almost 20 years ago.

Some of the audio animatronics found inside of Splash Mountain are from another legendary Disney attraction – America Sings. This closed shortly before the mountain opened, and due to budget constraints, many of the animals were “re-cast” into their current roles inside of the ride. Die hard Disney fans will be able to point out those who remain from America Sings, and many enjoy reliving this part of Disney history when they take a float down Splash Mountain.

Other Versions

Splash Mountain was so successful in Disneyland, the Imagineers went on to create two other versions of this classic ride.

Walt Disney World

With its massive land size and ability to create magic on a supersized scale, it’s no wonder Disney World in Florida snatched up a Splash Mountain for their own. Unlike the Disneyland version where riders sit single file, the Disney World logs seat two in a row. The musical score is also a variant from Disneyland, and more roller coaster mechanics are used to transport the logs through.

Tokyo Disneyland

Opening in the 1990s, the Tokyo Splash Mountain is identical to Disney World. Sponsored by Nissan, the Japanese love this flume ride, and international visitors from all over the world stand in line for their chance to be thrown into the Briar Patch.

Splash Mountain Tips

If you are visiting the Disneyland Resort, where the original Splash Mountain resides in Critter Country, you may find you have quite the wait ahead of you. Especially during the hot summer months, Splash Mountain is a popular haunt for heat-exhausted guests. However, there are a few ways to experience this popular log ride without spending your whole day in line.

Disneyland has a Fastpass system, in which you make a “reservation” for your turn on the attraction. Simply stick your park admission pass into a Fastpass machine located in a hub near the ride, and a ticket will be administered with a window of time printed on it. Return to Splash Mountain during that time window, and you will stand in a much shorter line.

You can also dodge long wait times by visiting Splash Mountain first thing in the morning when the park opens, or late at night when it isn’t so warm outside. You may be soaked without the sun to dry you off, but you will breeze through the line and be on your way to further Disney adventures.

A Word of Caution

On Splash Mountain, you WILL get wet! Besides the long flume drop at the end of the attraction, there are a few other smaller dips and drops guaranteed to douse and drench. If you have small children who are afraid of getting wet in the dark, or are easily startled by sudden twists and turns, Splash Mountain may not be the best choice for your family. Overall, countless guests relish in the thrills of Splash Mountain every day at the Disneyland Resort and its sister parks around the world.

Check it out at your next visit, where you’re sure to leave with soggy socks and a guaranteed smile.