Splash Mountain

Opened: October 2, 1992.

Location: In the back of Frontierland to the left of the entrance to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Extra Magic Hours: No, somewhat surprisingly. The ride is typically unpopular late at night when temperatures are lower and it’s very expensive to operate.

Ride Length: 12 minutes.

Type: Log flume.

Similar To: Unique, though the drop is similar to other log flume rides.

Requirements: Must be 40” or taller.

Scary Factor: Medium. The “big drop” is clearly visible to all Disney World visitors and may make some guests apprehensive about riding. It’s really not that bad though and if you could handle any of Disney’s other roller coasters or a similar attraction at another theme park then you should be fine. The drop is a little over 50 feet at a 45 degree angle and is a lot more fun than it is uncomfortable or unpleasant. Even people who adamantly “hate” roller coasters enjoy Splash Mountain.

What to Expect: There is a lot more to Splash Mountain than “just a drop.”

The ride is actually about 12 minutes long and follows the story of Br’er Rabbit as he attempts to leave the briar patch in search of his “laughing place.” First, you’ll have to make it through the queue, which is mostly covered but not particularly interesting. Once you make it to the front of the line, you will board the log flume which has four rows of two people, for a total of up to eight riders per log.

Once aboard, your flume will take you slowly through a series of scenes featuring more than 100 animatronic characters.

The following contains spoilers:

There are three small drops before the “grand drop” at the end of the ride. Look for the vultures and the long incline up. It’s all downhill from there.

How to Stay Dry and Not Lose Anything: You won’t get anywhere near as wet as you would on Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, but riders sitting in the front row may still get a healthy dose of water. Put purses, cameras, phone, and other electronics in a plastic bag of some kind.

A shopping bag would do the trick and you can request one from any shop if you need one. Secure any hats or loose glasses because they have a tendency to fly away.

You may actually get the most wet near the end of the ride if you get stuck in front of this waterfall. Stick those more willing to get wet on the right.

Also shortly after the ride starts, you may get hit with the sprayers here if you time it “right.”

Where to Sit: The animatronic scenes occur throughout the attraction on both sides, so riders in any row have a good view of what’s going on around them.

Riders in the front row have the best view, but also risk getting the most wet after the drop. Request the back row for the best chance of staying dry or the front row for the best view.

FastPass+: Yes – high priority. Consider making it one of your three pre-selected experiences.

What You Miss Using FastPass+:

Not much, the entrance is located to the left of standby, but travels through the exact same areas as standby, save for the extended queue outside that you don’t want to find yourself in.

Total Average Experience Time with FastPass+: 30 minutes.

4th FastPass+ Availability: Availability depends a lot on the weather because people like to ride when it’s hot out.

Hot temperatures:

Cooler Temperatures:

Expect to Wait:

Hot temperatures:

Cool Temperatures:

When To Go: Visit before 10:30am or in the final two hours of operation when temperatures are 85+ degrees. In cooler temperatures, visit before 11am or in the evening. When it’s relatively cold and nighttime, there’s usually few people in line.

Rating: 10/10

Commentary: Splash Mountain is one of Disney’s most prolific attractions and a must-do for all visitors tall enough to ride. Don’t let the drop scare you off.