Ultimate Guide to the Three Magic Kingdom Mountains
One of the most magical places found in Walt Disney World is without a doubt the Magic Kingdom. Not only are there countless character opportunities and dining options, Magic Kingdom also holds some of the most timeless and popular attractions. Of these attractions, the three Magic Kingdom Mountains reign superior. Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder Railroad Mountain are continuously talked about as the leaders in thrill and adventure. Do you have what it takes to conquer the challenge of experiencing all three?
Splash Mountain
One of the three Magic Kingdom mountains is Splash Mountain, which is located in Frontierland. It has been open and running for almost thirty years. This attraction features the stories and characters found in Disney’s 1946 musical, Song of the South.
Upon entry, guests will find intricate details of wagons, barrels, and equipment before they make their way to a loading dock. Guests will board a log style boat and make their way down a winding river. Br’er Rabbit is followed through dark tunnels and turns as he looks to discover his laughing place. The rabbit goes on a journey away from home, constantly having to avoid the wrath of Br’er Fox and Bear.
As the story progresses, guests travel the river, eventually making their way all the way up the giant mountain. Hold on tight as the log drops fifty feet down, splashing everyone in the boat and in its path. After the plunge, the log boat travels back into the mountain where riders will find Br’er Rabbit and his friends singing the classic song “Zip A Dee Doo Dahh” to celebrate his return home.
The attraction features over a hundred animatronic models along the journey, plus colors and sets that will make you not want to bat an eye. Throughout the ten minute duration of the ride, the log boat makes three smaller drops before the grand finale plunge. Be sure to keep all valuables covered or put away as you will get wet!
Space Mountain
One of the most trilling rides found in Magic Kingdom and the second of the three Magic Kingdom mountains is Space Mountain. Opened in early 1975, Space Mountain has provided families with timeless memories and galactic adventures for over forty years.
The ride can be found inside a giant, white building that looks as though it may be from the future. Upon entry, guests will walk through galactic pathways, finding interactive games along the way. Eventually, guests will find their way to a loading station divided into two sections: Alpha and Omega. Once guests have chosen a side and have been asked to board, they will climb into a six person space shuttle before launching into darkness.
The ride is designed as a rocket ship roller coaster ride through the tunnels of space and stars. Unlike most modern roller coasters, this classic does not feature any large drops, corkscrews, or upside down turns. Guests will, however, encounter a few sharp corners and small drops throughout the duration of the three minute ride.
Starry-O Phonic sounds play in the background as the space shuttle moves through the darkness at a pace of twenty eight miles per house. Space Mountain represents the oldest steel and indoor roller coaster in the entire state of Florida, and still remains as one of the most popular attractions throughout all of Walt Disney World. This attraction is truly out of this world!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The third and final mountain found in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The attraction can be found in Frontierland right next to Splash Mountain. Although they may be close in proximity, the experiences couldn’t be more different.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was designed as a mine train roller coaster set in the late 1800’s gold rush. The theming throughout, entryway, waiting stations, and the attraction itself depict an abandoned gold mine and mining company. Once at the boarding dock, guests load into a five cart mine train before taking off into the abandoned town of Tumbleweed.
Along the ride, guests will spot canyons, rock formations, and even geysers. While traveling through the two hundred foot mountain at a speed of thirty five miles an hour, guests will experience some abrupt turns and drops. Before making your way back to the station, the three minute journey will take you through caves, past a falling boulder, and through a waterfall.
You may also be able to spot some native mountain creatures such as opossums and bats. At certain points in the ride, the path may become rickety and a bit sharp, so make sure to be aware of this before boarding. This attraction is one you surely won’t want to miss out!
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* Special thanks to Lexsie Ditter for writing this article!