On this day 34 years ago, Splash Mountain officially opened at Magic Kingdom with a grand opening dedication. Guests had actually been riding the log flume since July 17, when it opened without the big celebration.
The July date carries extra meaning, since Disneyland first opened on July 17, 1955. The original Splash Mountain also debuted at Disneyland on July 17, 1989. Across the Pacific, Tokyo Disneyland opened its own version just one day earlier, on October 1, 1992.
Making Room in Frontierland
Disney built Splash Mountain on empty land in Frontierland, right next to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The project required moving the Walt Disney World Railroad’s Frontierland station, which sat in the way. While crews worked, the train ran as a shuttle between Main Street, U.S.A. and Mickey’s Starland. A new two-story station opened alongside the ride on October 2, 1992.
Inside Splash Mountain
The ride told the story of Br’er Rabbit, who leaves home to find his laughing place. Along the way, Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear chase him through swamps and woods. The soundtrack featured songs like “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” “Ev’rybody’s Got a Laughing Place,” and “How Do You Do?”
More than 100 Audio-Animatronics filled the attraction, bringing its characters to life. The finale featured a giant Showboat that measured 36 feet wide and 22 feet tall. It rocked back and forth as 12 animatronic characters sang and danced to “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.” Behind the scenes, the flume stretched more than 2,600 feet and relied on a 950,000-gallon water reservoir.
Magic Kingdom’s version had five drops, compared with three at Disneyland and four at Tokyo Disneyland. Riders also sat side by side in eight-passenger logs, while Disneyland guests rode single file. The biggest thrill was a 50-foot plunge into the Briar Patch, which soaked plenty of guests over the years.
Farewell to the Briar Patch
Splash Mountain was based on Disney’s 1946 film Song of the South, which has faced heavy criticism. Critics point to its racist stereotypes and idealized portrayal of plantation life, and the film remains locked in Disney’s vault. In June 2020, Disney announced plans to rework the ride around The Princess and the Frog. Splash Mountain gave its final rides at Magic Kingdom on January 22, 2023, after more than 30 years. Disneyland’s version closed a few months later, on May 31, 2023.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Today
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened in Splash Mountain’s place on June 28, 2024, and it kept the famous 50-foot drop. Its story is set after the events of The Princess and the Frog. The attraction made headlines this week when a guest jumped out of his log right before the big drop. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will also close on November 2 for its first scheduled refurbishment, with a December return expected.
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