Splash Mountain . . . It's A Long Way Down!!
Written: Sep 02 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Thrilling drop, great 3D scenes, fun music
Cons: Drop is jarring and may scare children; kids not familiar with characters
The Bottom Line: Splash Mountain is one of the best rides in Disney!
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Splash Mountain - Disneyland |
We rode on Splash mountain in August 2005. The ride isn't new anymore but it still attracts some of the longest lines in Disneyland. The reason is that the ride is really one of the best in Disneyland because it combines thrills and Disney's great scenery and theming. The odd thing is that the theming is based on "Song of the South" which doesn't get too much air time these days due to its treatment of African Americans. Still, the songs and animal characters live on in Splash Mountain. While adults may recognize the catchy tunes including Zip-a-de-doo-dah most kids won't know them from any source other than Splash Mountain. In my opinion, none of this detracts from the appeal of Splash Mountain, still I am surprised that Disney couldn't reach further into its stash of characters to come up with some that are more appropriate and not offensive for its new rides. Okay, enough social preaching and on with the review . . .
THE LINE
There are fast passes for this ride. Waits can top an hour and I have seen Disney run out of fast passes. Even on slow days, the waits can be 45 minutes so you have to plan how you will work this ride into your day. The ride is located in Critter Country and, as you get to the entrance to the ride, you can see part of the outside of the ride. There is some cute theming - and you can see the very long drop and hear the people scream as they go down the drop. This definitely builds anticipation for the ride.
The initial part of the line is not very interesting once you can no longer see the drop. You are outside, along the side of the ride, and kept to a narrow path. There is really no place to sit. As you get closer to the ride, you enter a structure that looks like a barn. You have to climb up a flight of stairs to get into the barn which may not be for everyone. There are some decorations and theming including ceramic jugs and gas lanterns but it is not particularly entertaining. The best part is that you are under cover so you are out of the hot sun and, very occasionally, rain. You proceed in the line through the barn for about 10-15 minutes. In classic Disney fashion, you can't really tell how far the line stretches on because each part of the line is in different rooms and around corners.
Eventually, you get to a cave-like area where you can see the boats being loaded. This area is great, you really feel like you are entering a cave. Finally, it is time to load into the boats.
LOADING
The boats looks like logs and the riders sit single file facing forward. The boats used to have only single seats. However, they now have a double seat in the back. This double seat is great for an adult and a child that may feel uncomfortable about riding themselves. I sat in the back with my five year old and it definitely make the experience more enjoyable. I don't think the back seat could comfortably accommodate two adults.
Loading requires you to step down and into the boat. It would be hard for those with mobility issues. Also, you have to sit with your legs in front of you which isn't comfortable for everyone.
THE RIDE
The ride is a flume-style ride. You are in a boat and being propelled along a canal of water. The boat moves surprisingly fast. There is a quick ride up to the top. You travel along the canals quite quickly outside past some scenery. The best part of this ride is the view of the park from up high. The ride itself has only minimal scenes during the outside portion. The initial part of the ride also has a minor drop that was thrilling enough for me but nothing compared to the long final drop. Quickly, your boat enters a series of inside areas with the great Disney theming and characters. There are lots of 3D characters in various scenes. The best part of the inside ride is a portion through caves. There are water fountains that spray water and lots of cute scenes with Brer Rabbit, some oppossums babies and Brer Bear. Soon enough the mood of the ride turns dark, literally and figuratively. You are towed up a small incline and then . . . the drop.
As you begin the drop it does seem shockingly high. It was quite scary for me and my five year old although my fearless nine year old loved it. The drop was also jarring as we splashed down. I would have preferred a more gradual landing. After the drop, there is another short trip through some inside scenes including a very elaborate scene of a large paddle boat with lots of characters dancing on it.
We did get wet on the ride, mostly as we splashed down after the large drop. Unlike some other Disney rides, there were no little fountains or drips intended to fall on riders. I got a lot less wet than I expected to.
SAY CHEESE
Your picture is snapped just as you begin the huge drop in the ride. You can see a digital print of the picture as you exit the ride. Of course, you can buy a copy of the picture as well.
OTHER NOTES AND LIMITATIONS ACCORDING TO DISNEY
You must be 40" (102 cm) or taller to ride.
Guests should be in good health, and free from heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride.
Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a responsible person.
Guests may get very wet on this attraction.
Guests in wheelchairs should enter through the exit located across from Pooh Corner, and contact a Cast Member at the unload area for boarding instructions. Service animals may not accompany Guests on this attraction.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I loved Splash Mountain and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys thrill rides. The scenes are great and the ride lasts long enough to justify the long wait. Personally, I could do without the huge drop but know that it adds lots of thrills for riders.
MY REVIEWS OF THE DISNEY THEME PARKS IN CALIFORNIA
Disney's California Adventure
Disneyland
MY REVIEW OF THEME PARK HOTELS IN CALIFORNIA
Disney’s Grand Californian
MY REVIEW OF THEME PARK RESTAURANTS
Storyteller’s Cafe
Blue Bayou
MY REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS IN DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Soarin’ Over California
Grizzly River Run
The Sun Wheel
Orange Stinger
Mulholland Madness
Jumpin’ Jellyfish
Playhouse Disney Live on Stage
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3D
Princess Dot Puddle Park
Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
Flik’s Flyers
Francis’ Ladybug Boogie
Misson Tortilla Factory Tour
Boudin Bakery Factory Tour
MY REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS IN DISNEYLAND
Pirates of the Caribbean
Indiana Jones Adventure
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Snow White’s Scary Adventures
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Peter Pan’s Flight
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Alice in Wonderland
Matterhorn Bobsleds
It’s a Small World
Tarzan’s Tree House
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Autotopia
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience 3D
MY REVIEWS OF OTHER THINGS TO SEE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Legoland
SeaWorld San Diego
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Wild Animal Park
Balboa Park
The Museum of Making Music
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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modernmarvel
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Can anyone recommend a western family dude ranch for a vacation this summer?
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