Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom is a log flume ride that plummets you down a 5-story waterfall. Based on the 1946 Disney movie Song of the South, the ride first takes you through the story of Br’er Rabbit and his “laughing place” and features over 100 Audio-Animatronic critters.
Length of Ride: 11 minutes
Height Requirement: 40 inches
Scare Factor: Big drop
Rider Switch (for small kids): Yes
Weather Procedure: Closed in inclement weather
Ride Photo: Yes
Flash Photography: Ok
Queue: Portion of the queue is outdoors. You will have to climb a bunch of stairs. There is Br’er Rabbit theming throughout the queue.
Extra Magic Hours: Open for morning and evening hours
Fastpass: Yes
When to Ride: First thing in the morning but I highly recommend that you book a Fastpass for the hotter part of the day. You’ll appreciate getting wet.
Our Touring Strategy: We usually get a Fastpass. Emily and Jason love this ride. Jacob and I hate it.
Secrets/Tips and Tricks:
- If you don’t want to get wet, ask to sit in the middle.
- If you have younger kids who don’t want to ride, you can take them to the playground located under Splash Mountain at the exit area of the Walt Disney World railroad.
- There is a bridge over the drop area. Stand here and you can see the rest of your party plummet down the mountain.
- There are lap bars in the boats that help secure you to the seat. They added these a few years ago.
- You can wear rain panchos if you are worried about getting wet.
- Just before you reach the big drop, watch for the character that screams go FSU!
- Every year, Splash Mountain is closed for the month of January. If this ride is a must do, don’t schedule your vacation during that time.
- In colder weather, Splash Mountain will turn down the splash so you don’t get as wet.
- At Disneyland, Splash Mountain sits people single file in a the log. At Walt Disney World, guests sit 2 to a row.
Be sure to pick up your free souvenir – a printed Ziploc bag to keep your phone and other small items dry. They complimentary and while supplies last daily.
You might also enjoy the Streets of America in Hollywood Studios.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.
I think the biggest thing that gets missed and forgotten by people not wanting the drop or getting wet is the wonderful and unbelievable amount of animatronics inside. Everyone must experience this really “done right” ride. It provokes such beautiful emotions and really embraces that old school Disbey feeling in you:) My favorite without a doubt.
A character who screams “Go FSU??” Now, as an FSU grad myself, how did I ever miss that??? :)
Really love Splash Mountain, BUT really hate the yucky smell from the hand bars.
Thank you for this! We have never done Splash Mountain in our 6 WDW trips. We are going in May and I think we will do it.
I would add that the ride does have lap bars. I think they added them just a few years ago, so some people who haven’t been in awhile might not know. And I know that the lap bar makes me feel a lot safer.
Yes, good point! :)