Visit The Song Of The South On Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain made its Walt Disney World debut in 1992 at the Magic Kingdom, after originally opening in 1989 at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. The classic flume ride was made into a Disney fan favorite under the guidance of Disney Legend Imagineer Tony Baxter. The attraction draws its inspiration from the classic 1946 Disney Movie "Song of the South" with a storyline that explores the adventure of a restless Br'er Rabbit heading off from his home and being pursued by the wily Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear.

Splash Mountain is Based On Stories from Disney Movie Song of the South

Guests climb into eight-passenger logs, where they sit side by side for a ride a little over 10 minutes long. They head off on what begins with a peaceful float down the river through swamps and bayous. More than 70 Audio-Animatronics are used to tell the story, or should I say sing the story, because a bright spot of this attraction has got to be the Academy-Award winning music including "How Do You Do," "Everybody Has A Laughing Place," and "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah."

Splash Mountain Rises 87ft Above the Landscape

Each floating log is carefully monitored along its path by computer to pinpoint where they are in case of and emergency. Slippin' Falls provides a minor drop inside the mountain where the dark ride continues through fifteen bright and colorful vignettes, as guests travel through the story. It's a fun adventure through the briar patch.

Chickapin Hill Is A Five Story Drop

Don't get too comfortable on the peaceful ride though because before it's finished Splash Mountain lays claim to having one of the highest speeds achieved on a Disney ride. Riders (who must be over 40" tall) should be ready for a "soakin' good time." On Splash Mountain you will be getting wet as you plummet down Chickapin Hill at no less than 40 MPH. If you want to stay a little drier, ask to sit in the back, but honestly, it won't help much.

Br'er Rabbit and Mr. Bluebird

The denouement of this attraction heads back into the dark for a rousing chorus of friendly forest animals singing the feel good Disney favorite "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah." My-oh-my it's a wonderful ride and a favorite of many die-hard Disney fans.

Splash Mountain totally makes our Top 10 list of Disney's Best Boat Rides. Thanks so much to Loren Javier for some fantastic Splash Mountain Images via Creative Commons. Is Splash Mountain a must do on your Disney trips? Did you smile for your picture as you raced down the final drop? Leave a comment below and tell us what makes this ride part of your wonderful day.