It is hard to walk past Splash Mountain in Frontierland at Walt Disney World without feeling the least bit excited- or nervous. Before you can even really see the attraction itself, you can hear the screams and then a plunging sound, followed by a definite SPLASH! I am a Disney enthusiast, but I also love thrill rides- Splash Mountain is pretty much all that I could ever want in a theme park attraction.

Should you decide to venture on to Splash Mountain- a few words of advise. First of all, yes, you most likely will get wet. This is usually a welcome thing on a hot day, but even though this is Florida, it can still get cold during the winter months. Sometimes too cold to risk getting soaked, in my opinion. Second, despite the big drop-off where you see everyone screaming and see giant splashes, Splash Mountain is definitely not what you would expect just from looking at that one aspect of the ride. Though, if you get all the way through the queue and decided you just can’t go through with it, there is an “opt out” exit at the end of the queue, if your nerves just can’t take the suspense.

So what about this queue? Well, unless it is fairly cold out (below 75 degrees or so), you will probably find that the wait time is really long. I would say sometimes one of the longest in the park, around an hour or so is a good bet. There is a FASTPASS option that will allow you to get a ticket with a specific time frame to return to Splash Mountain and by-pass most of the queue. We usually get a FASTPASS for Splash Mountain and then wait in like for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or go over to Tom Sawyer’s Island to pass the time. If you do end up waiting in line, there are plenty of fun things to look at that go along with the theme of Splash Mountain.

So what is the theme of Splash Mountain? While many may be too young to remember seeing Song of the South with tales from Uncle Remus on the Wonderful World of Disney, for those who do remember, Splash Mountainwill be a real treat. Even for those who don’t remember, Brer Rabbit and friends (characters from the story) are just too cute not to love. Brer Rabbit was a cute little cartoon fellow, who was always being chased after by Brer Bear and Brer Fox. Splash Mountain is full of audio-animatronic versions of these, and various other critter characters.

Splash Mountain is a log flume type ride. Unlike its Disneyland counterpart, though, instead of being seated one passenger in front of the other, passengers are seated side by side, with four rows per “log”. I don’t think I have much of a preference either way, they are just different. Sitting in the front is said to get you more wet than in the middle, but I am inclined to think it is more a question of timing and there’s not much you can do about getting (or not getting) splashed.

~*~Spoilers~*~
Although there are some fun drop-offs on this attraction, really the best part is what the majority of the ride consists of- peaceful floating along, listening to the fun music and watching all the cute Critter Country characters as they play out the story leading to the big giant 5 story drop into the briar patch.
~*~End Spoiler~*~

The biggest downside to the best part of this ride is that there is a height requirement of 40 inches. I have no doubts that my three year old would absolutely love this ride, but because of the “thrill ride” portions of Splash Mountain; she will still have to wait a few more years.

As for getting wet, it always seems to me that on those real hot days when getting wet doesn’t bother me, I usually get the least amount of splashes. The times I have gone during cooler weather have left me quite soaked. So far, I am of the belief that Murphy’s Law will prevail here. In any case, if you absolutely do not, in any way whatsoever, want to get wet, do not go on Splash Mountain. Even watching from a distance as your love ones plummet down the steep slope, you may feel a slight splash!!

There is a camera waiting to take your picture as you descend and you will be able to see the picture before your journey is over. Of course, they are available for purchase, and many times they are also good for a laugh. Slightly overpriced, as is to be expected with everything else Disney, it’s still a good memento to have.

After the grand finale splash, you will be treated to a fun, happy ending, with Zippity-Do-Dah performed by many of the characters throughout the Splash Mountainride. In my opinion, this is the best place for a sure smile and lift in Disney spirit.

As I mentioned, there is a height minimum of 40 inches. Although most of the ride is fairly tame, that final drop can be seen by guests before riding and can seem pretty intimidating. There is little more to hold on to than the person next to you and a (usually wet) handlebar in front of you. My youngest sister got all the way through the queue and then decided at the last minute to bail on me, leaving me to ride by myself! Another time, my other sister was slightly forced on by the rest of us and practically had a panic attack at the age of 10 as we ascended the top of Splash Mountain. If you have any back, neck or heart problems, you probably shouldn’t ride. Those ‘with child’ are also advised not to ride.

Overall, I love this ride- it is definitely one of my favorites at the Magic Kingdom. I don’t love it enough to risk getting wet when it is cold out, but that’s what Pirates of the Caribbean is for- a water ride where you don’t get wet! A perfect combination for both Disney fanatics and thrill seekers, Splash Mountain should not disappoint!



~*~Like thrill rides? Here is a list of Top Thrill Rides at Walt Disney World~*~

Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug