The Genius (Magic?) of Splash Mountain

[darthmacho]

This is not a new subject, but I wanted to start a thread about how great an attraction Splash Mountain truly is. After all, Disney Imagineers took a questionable story from a controversial movie, and made what arguably could be the signature ride in all their realm.

So, what it your opinion, makes it so great?

You can make a general statement, or point out small details, but I want to hear what you think. Let's hear it!

[DVC2004]

The telling of a story is so prominent in this ride, and it's a nice length (not over too fast or too long). I really like how it feels, very leisurely and but still has thrills. And you don't get too wet most of the time ha ha which I like! There is a ton of detail in the ride from the little birhouses to the possums. My son always loves the vultures up at the top before you plunge down into the Briar Patch. I haven't said anything too profound here but I really think it's an enjoyable ride.

[emerzmom]

I love the ride however I wish the "drop" was an option. My mom would absolutely love this ride however she would have a heart attack on the drop. I think many folks (young and old) miss out on this ride because of the drop.

[Gator]

No argument here from Splash's biggest fan. This ride really brings to life Song of the South, and yes I own a not-so-high-quality disc of it. This "dark ride", if you will, tells the story in so much detail, plus it let's you move at a relaxing pace down a lazy river. It's the "river" that makes you feel you're in the South, enjoying all it has to offer. And then, unlike all the other dark rides, it gives you the big thrill and rush at the end.

For me, it's the perfect attraction.

[darthmacho]

The telling of a story is so prominent in this ride, and it's a nice length (not over too fast or too long). I really like how it feels, very leisurely and but still has thrills. And you don't get too wet most of the time ha ha which I like! There is a ton of detail in the ride from the little birhouses to the possums. My son always loves the vultures up at the top before you plunge down into the Briar Patch. I haven't said anything too profound here but I really think it's an enjoyable ride.

Well said. The story, details, and leisurely pace are great features of the ride, as important as that plunge.

[darthmacho]

No argument here from Splash's biggest fan. This ride really brings to life Song of the South, and yes I own a not-so-high-quality disc of it. This "dark ride", if you will, tells the story in so much detail, plus it let's you move at a relaxing pace down a lazy river. It's the "river" that makes you feel you're in the South, enjoying all it has to offer. And then, unlike all the other dark rides, it gives you the big thrill and rush at the end.

For me, it's the perfect attraction.

Good point! The blending of dark ride and thrill ride is what makes SM stand out, then add the story, music and all the details...

[A Big Kid]

This is a sore spot with me. A very sore spot, indeed! I usually go to WDW during Marathon Weekend. SpM has been closed every Marathon Weekend for as long as I can remember. EVERY ONE!

[figmagination]

I think it's the family nature, fun story, the water (especially the drop!), and the song! It's one of my favorite. We have to ride it at least twice every trip!

[Suzi Q]

A tiny detail I love...the paper-looking red lamp shades...

[darthmacho]

A tiny detail I love...the paper-looking red lamp shades...

Interesting! On what part of the ride are they found? I've probably seen them but failed to make note...good detail!

[FloridaTeacher]

As a southern girl who saw the movie as a child....I must say I love, love, love this ride. Tons of sweet memories and a fun ride too.

[ransam]

it's my favorite ride. It's perfect, and what makes it so perfect is the small things...the details.. the details in the que, the ride, the songs, the set, everytihng.

[SBETigg]

The big drop is the climax, but the smaller drops build in significance as they lead to the big drop, an escalation in the thrills of the ride that matches the progression of the story. So, without the drops, the story would be less. The attraction would be less. This is one ride that doesn't offer thrills simply for thrills sake, but marries the thrills to story in perfect harmony.

[HackLaSalle]

It's just the perfect ride for Walt Disney World should be. The story, the music, the detail. It's a subtle combination of dark ride and thrill ride. It gets a little creepy at times but it ultimately ends happily. Has anyone read the story of how Splash Mountain came to be? Oh that Rackety Raccoon!

[joonyer]

Splash is our family's favorite WDW attraction, also. What makes it so special for us?

1. It has great songs. Fun, happy sing-along, songs. It is almost impossible to sing "zippity doo dah, what a wonderful day" while riding the final section of this attraction at the Magic Kingdom and not feel happy.

2) It has classic characters and tells a story

3) It is a long ride about 10 minutes, so its worth waiting for, even without a fast pass.

4) As others have said, it combines indoor dark ride scenes and spookiness feel with big thrills (the plunge), plus it has outdoor sections with great views of the MK.

5) It's cool on the inside on hot summer days, and it gets you wet. Great summer fun!

6) Did I mention it has great songs?

7) It's full of magic.

[KAJUNKING]

I think many folks (young and old) miss out on this ride because of the drop.

I think the drop is a big part of what makes this attraction special, the anticipation of the drop makes you miss some details, and that in turn makes you go back again and again noticing all the details you missed because you were so worried about the drop, and thats what makes it magic!!!!

[Jforrest2]

I like the little gopher that pops out of the ceiling and shouts FSU!

[JPL]

Splash Mountain may just be the perfect WDW attraction it mixes a great story that is part dark ride and part thrill ride! It definitely was high mark of imagineering.

[Jim&AngieMarriner]

This is the best Log Flume ride. EVER. Like so many others have said, great music, great story, mid level thrills. Deffinate E ticket. Of the many classic rides that could use updating, I dont think this is one of them.

[mousetrapper]

Wow, what a great question! I've thought about this too. We NEVER tire of this ride.

Here's my take:

1. It's longer than many rides! Of course, if not for all of the great features, that wouldn't be a plus! But this one just has so many details and various great "feels" to it and it goes on and on.
2. The music is contagious.
3. There are so many funny things throughout the ride -- intentional and unintentional. One thing my DH, two DDs and I always get a kick out of is turning around and watching Brer Rabbit duck back down into position before popping up again when the next log boat goes by...for some reason we find it funny the way he does his little u-turn! (this is on the left side when Brer Rabbit is leaving with his stick and bandanna pouch slung over his shoulder).
4. There are too many cute things to count -- the characters and their little squeaky voices!
5. The drops. I agree that the last one could be a tad less dramatic (but that's just me - my DDs and DH LOVE that drop) but I love the way the drops build and build toward that last scary (to me) fall.

The two things I wish were different about Splash Mountain are a) the smelly rubber hand rests in front of you (I can't imagine how germy those things are! BLECCHH ) and b) how freezing cold they keep it inside that ride! BRRRRR....especially when you get wet!

Ahhh...can't wait to go back in November!