Long Lines and High Emotions as Guests Rush to Ride Splash Mountain on its Final Day!
Today’s the day, folks, as Splash Mountain takes its final plunge over at the Disneyland Resort!
As expected, it’s looking like a very busy day ahead, with huge numbers of poncho-clad guests all ready to soak up the atmosphere as the beloved attraction prepares to stop flowing permanently, ready for its Princess and the Frog-inspired reimagining.
Our MickeyBlogger Greg is there to keep us posted on what the day brings, so let’s see what’s going on so far!
In the early morning in California, we witnessed huge crowds of guests making their way into the park for this monumental occasion.
The crowds subsequently formed orderly queues waiting to ride the attraction, with mixed emotions running high throughout!
Eager guests formed a line stretching into New Orleans Square as they waited for the Critter Country gates to open.
You just know it’s going to be a busy day when those temporary “Line Forms Here” signs make an appearance!
Back in January, when the East Coast Splash Mountain plunged its final plunge at Walt Disney World, we witnessed mayhem at the Magic Kingdom, with crowds high at the park from rope drop right through to park close.
We’ve been expecting similar sorts of levels at the Disneyland Resort and, from the looks of the lines in these photos, we’re on the right track!
Not only are guests going to want to ride the attraction one last time, but there’s also going to be a rush to take photos of the iconic facade, stock up on merchandise, and enjoy views of the area before the construction efforts move in.
For many of us, Splash Mountain is a symbol of nostalgia and classic Disney magic, so it’s only natural for fans to be disappointed to see it close.
Back in January, our MickeyBlogger Justin wrote an incredible post that sums up the inevitable emotion and sadness that comes with losing such an iconic part of our childhood, and I’d definitely recommend you give that a read here.
However, at the same time, it’s important to also look at this change as an exciting step towards a new future at Disney Parks. From what we’ve already heard about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – the new, reimagined attraction set to move into Splash’s former space – it’s sure to be a phenomenal work of Disney Imagineering.
We’re excited for it to beautifully build on all the characters, adventures, and stories we already love from Princess and the Frog, and we look forward to the new experiences it’ll bring to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 2024.
Despite the mixed feelings, it’s undeniable that the energy levels among guests are high today in Critter Country. After all, we’re all here to celebrate the same, long-beloved attraction!
It’s such a significant day, and we’re happy to be here to soak up this unique atmosphere.
So, after today, Splash Mountain will be permanently closed at Disneyland Park, and we’re sure some readers may be wondering what this will mean going forward.
Well, our MickeyBlog reporters have been closely monitoring the development over at Magic Kingdom’s former Splash Mountain site, and you can check out our photos of the current construction progress here.
The Magic Kingdom site is now four months into its overhaul, and we’ve seen an increase in scaffolding and other signs of construction over the past few weeks.
If the Disneyland site is going to follow the same pattern, guests can expect to see Tiana start to make her mark on the area very soon, with themed construction walls and other signage advising visitors of the transformation to come.
For today, however, we hope guests visiting the park have a magical, zip-a-dee-do-dah day of posing for photos in front of Splash Mountain, riding the ride, and cheering along as each flume plummets down.
If you can’t be there, however, don’t worry! MickeyBlog will be sharing full coverage of the day over on our social media accounts as well as the blog, so be sure to follow along over there if you can’t be at the park in person.
We’re sure every Disney fan is there in spirit right now, so join in the fun and let’s bid Splash Mountain the most magical farewell together!