How Splash Mountain Differs at Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World
A beloved attraction has closed its doors today, much to the disappointment of fans around the world. Let’s celebrate this iconic ride, by taking a look at how Splash Mountain differs at Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World.
Splash Mountain
This nostalgic attraction opened its doors on July 17, 1989. Disneyland was the first to offer the ride, debuting in Critter Country, where it still sits today.
Walt Disney World premiered its own version a few years later, on October 2, 1992. Located in Frontierland, it follows suit with Disneyland’s theme but has some distinguishing differences.
Both rides take their inspiration from a controversial 1946 Disney film, entitled Song of the South. As reported in the Insider, the movie has been criticized for its “depiction of Black Americans in a post-slavery era.”
Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s versions will be reimagined into a The Princess and the Frog theme. Entitled, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, it premieres in late 2024.
As reported by Visit Orlando, the storyline and characters for both Splash Mountain rides are similar. Br’er Fox is after Br’er Rabbit, culminating in a drop into Briar Patch.
Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World
One of the most obvious differences between Disneyland’s and Disney World’s versions is the orientation of seats. In Disneyland’s ride, Guests sit single file, one behind the other.
Comparatively, Walt Disney World’s version offers side-by-side seating. In addition, Disney World has some unique effects that are absent in Disneyland’s version, such as the scene where Br’er Rabbit hops away.
Disneyland’s version is notorious for getting Guests wetter! The splash typically hits pretty hard, often drenching the person in the front from head to toe!
Guests are swept through the ride more quickly at Disneyland, and its drop is steeper. That being said, Disney World’s queue is longer with a backstory provided by Brer Frog.
We hope you enjoyed this quick rundown of the differences between Splash Mountain at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Although it’s hard to say goodbye, Walt Disney anticipated changes occurring at the Parks from their inception.
In a famous quote, he said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”
His philosophy continues to manifest itself in all of Disney’s Parks today. Although we are saying goodbye to one very special ride, soon, we get to welcome a brand new one!
Have you ridden both U.S. versions of the attraction? Can you think of any other ways Splash Mountain differs from coast to coast?