Introduction
Splash Mountain Disneyland has long been one of the park’s most beloved and thrilling attractions. Known for its catchy tunes, charming characters, and exhilarating drop, Splash Mountain has captivated generations of visitors with its unique blend of storytelling and excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned Disneyland veteran or planning your first visit, Splash Mountain holds a special place in Disney history—and in the hearts of theme park fans.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Splash Mountain at Disneyland, explore its rich history, current status, ride experience, and what’s next for this iconic attraction. This guide is SEO-optimized to help you find everything you need to know about Disneyland’s Splash Mountain.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Splash Mountain at Disneyland
- The History of Splash Mountain
- Ride Experience – What to Expect
- Characters and Storyline
- Height Requirements and Accessibility
- Tips for Riding Splash Mountain
- Splash Mountain and Seasonal Improvements
- The Reimagining into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Fun Facts and Trivia
- Conclusion
Overview of Splash Mountain at Disneyland
Splash Mountain is a log-flume-style dark ride located in Critter Country at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. It originally opened on July 17, 1989, quickly earning its place as one of the park’s most iconic attractions.
The ride combines serene story scenes with high-energy thrills, culminating in a heart-racing five-story drop that splashes riders with cool water—perfect on a hot day in Southern California.
The History of Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain Disneyland was inspired by the 1946 Disney film “Song of the South.” While the movie itself has not aged well and faced criticism for its racial overtones, the ride focused on the animated segments, featuring characters like Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear.
Tony Baxter, a legendary Disney Imagineer, was the creative mind behind Splash Mountain. The attraction was developed to repurpose Audio-Animatronics from a closed Disneyland ride, America Sings, and featured a more thrilling element to attract teen audiences—thus, the log flume drop was born.
The California version of Splash Mountain was the first to open, followed by versions at Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland.
Ride Experience – What to Expect
Splash Mountain offers a one-of-a-kind experience combining charming storytelling, beloved characters, and a powerful drop at the end.
Key Ride Elements:
- Queue Area: The line takes riders through a rustic Southern bayou setting with picturesque scenery and whimsical animal homes.
- Story Scenes: As riders float along the indoor and outdoor sections, they follow Br’er Rabbit’s journey to find adventure and avoid Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear.
- Catchy Soundtrack: Songs like “How Do You Do?”, “Everybody’s Got a Laughing Place”, and “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” play as scenes unfold.
- The Drop: The centerpiece of the ride—a 50-foot drop at a 45-degree angle into a briar patch—ensures riders get a splash of water and a dose of adrenaline.
- Finale: After the dramatic fall, you’re welcomed with a musical finale full of lively animatronics celebrating “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.”
The ride lasts approximately 9 minutes, making it one of Disneyland’s longer attractions.
Characters and Storyline
The story follows Br’er Rabbit, who sets off in search of his “Laughing Place,” despite warnings from his friends, Br’er Frog, Br’er Turtle, and Br’er Raccoon. Along the way, he’s tailed by Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear, who want to capture and eat him. However, Br’er Rabbit uses his cleverness to escape danger and trick his foes.
The simple yet engaging story, full of animated charm, makes Splash Mountain enjoyable for both kids and adults.
Height Requirements and Accessibility
Height Requirement: Riders must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall.
Accessibility:
- Guests with mobility disabilities must transfer from wheelchairs or ECVs.
- Rider Switch is available for families with young children.
- Single Rider may be available during busy seasons to minimize wait times.
The queue and loading area are designed to support guests with different needs, though riders must be able to secure themselves in the log vehicle independently or with minor assistance.
Tips for Riding Splash Mountain
If you’re planning to experience Splash Mountain during your visit, here are some helpful tips:
- Visit Early or Late: Wait times are typically shorter in the early morning or late evening.
- Use Genie+ Lightning Lane: Splash Mountain is often included in Genie+, allowing for expedited access.
- Expect to Get Wet: Riders in the front row get the most splash—but everyone is susceptible. Ponchos are an option!
- Protect Your Gear: Keep phones, bags, and electronics stowed in plastic bags or inner pockets to keep them dry.
- Photos: The ride includes an on-ride photo taken just after the drop—check your Disneyland app to view and download it.
Splash Mountain and Seasonal Improvements
Over the years, Splash Mountain has seen various updates, from enhanced lighting to animatronic upgrades. Seasonal overlays are rare, but maintenance closures typically happen in the off-season—usually January or February.
Always check the Disneyland mobile app or website for the most up-to-date closure schedules before your visit.
The Reimagining: Splash Mountain to Become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
In June 2020, Disney officially announced that Splash Mountain would be reimagined as “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure”, themed around The Princess and the Frog. This decision was fueled by the desire to deliver a more inclusive story that reflects Disney’s diverse storytelling.
What We Know About Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- New Theme: The ride will follow Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen on a new magical adventure in the bayou.
- Music: Expect original tunes and familiar songs from the film.
- Opening Timeline: The reimagined attraction is expected to debut in 2025 at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
- Expanded Story: It picks up after the events of the movie, focusing on community, culture, and celebration.
This will mark a major transition, bringing modern storytelling to a classic ride format.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Splash Mountain was based on “Zip-A-Dee River Run”, its original project name.
- It features over 100 Audio-Animatronic characters.
- Riders drop at speeds nearing 40 MPH at the climax.
- The Disneyland version is the only one located in Critter Country; others are found in Frontierland.
- Many animatronics were reused from America Sings, innovatively giving them new life.
- The famous “Laughing Place” scene contains multiple hidden Mickeys.
Conclusion
Splash Mountain at Disneyland has stood as a testament to Disney’s ability to blend storytelling, music, and thrills into one unforgettable experience. While its legacy is mixed due to its historical ties to “Song of the South,” the ride remains a favorite among parkgoers.
With the upcoming transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the attraction is stepping into a new era—one rooted in cultural appreciation, family, and joy. Fans both old and new have much to look forward to as Disney continues to evolve.
Whether you’re reminiscing on past rides or eagerly awaiting your first splash, the legacy and future of this legendary ride are worth celebrating.
