Splash Mountain (1989-2023) – DLR

Splash Mountain was a thrilling log-flume ride at Disneyland’s Critter Country, enchanting guests from 1989 to 2023 with its colorful characters, catchy songs, and a heart-pounding 52-foot drop. Inspired by the 1946 Disney film Song of the South, it featured Br’er Rabbit’s adventures before closing to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a Princess and the Frog-themed reimagining, due to cultural sensitivities around the original source material.

[Splash Mountain by Jonnyboyca]

Here are 10 fun facts about Splash Mountain, brimming with splashy charm and Disneyland nostalgia!

1. Grand Opening Splash: Splash Mountain debuted on July 17, 1989, transforming Critter Country (formerly Bear Country) into a major draw. Built for $75 million, it was one of Disneyland’s priciest projects, designed to rival Magic Kingdom’s 1988 version.
2. Br’er Rabbit’s Tale: The ride followed Br’er Rabbit’s quest for his “laughing place,” dodging Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear. Its story, drawn from Song of the South’s folktales, unfolded through 103 animatronics across vibrant sets like Chick-a-Pin Hill and the Briar Patch.
3. Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah: The ride’s iconic song, “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” won an Oscar for Song of the South and echoed through the finale, with critters singing in a sunlit bayou.
4. Epic Drop Thrill: The 52.5-foot, 40-degree plunge at 40 mph was Disneyland’s tallest and steepest drop until Radiator Springs Racers in 2012. The splashdown soaked riders, with Reddit posts joking, “You needed a poncho or a towel!”
5. Hidden Details: Imagineer Tony Baxter packed the ride with Easter eggs, like Br’er Frog’s fishing pole hinting at the drop and recycled animatronics from America Sings (1974–1988). Sharp-eyed fans on Daveland spot frog banjos reused as swamp critters.
6. Laughing Place Glow: The “Laughing Place” scene glowed with bioluminescent effects, using UV lights to create a surreal, cave-like vibe reminiscent of the Rainbow Caverns. Yesterland notes its “magical sparkle” as a fan-favorite moment.
7. Long Lines, Big Love: As an “E-ticket” ride, Splash Mountain drew 60–90-minute waits, especially in summer. Its 10-minute journey and 700-person hourly capacity made it a must-ride.
8. Controversial Closure: Splash Mountain closed on May 31, 2023, after debates over Song of the South’s racial stereotypes. Disney rethemed it as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (opened November 15, 2024), keeping the flume but swapping Br’er tales for Tiana’s New Orleans story.
9. Global Splash: Besides Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain ran at Tokyo Disneyland (still open as of 2025). Each version had unique touches—Disneyland’s had a single-rider line and a steeper drop.
10. Ride Showboat: The ride’s showboat in the finale was named “Zip-a-Dee Lady,” a nod to the song’s lyrics.

[The Zip-a-Dee Lady by Neelix]