September 8, 2010

…It's The Truth, It's Actch'll…

Splash-Mountain-Poster

Opening on October 2, 1992, the Walt Disney World version of Splash Mountain is a little different from the Disneyland version. Without a Critter Country in Walt Disney World, Splash Mountain is located in Frontierland, across the way from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Construction of Splash Mountain here necessitated the demolition of the existing railroad station and temporarily turning the railroad into a shuttle between Main Street, U.S.A. and Mickey's Toontown Fair.

Because of the ride's location in Frontierland, the soundtracks for the songs are played with instruments like banjos and harmonicas, giving off a more western feel to the ride overall, and better fitting the ride into the theme of Frontierland. In this version, riders are seated two in a row in a four row log making it a total of 8 passengers per log (although exceptions can be made to accommodate three riders, making it possible for 12 riders to be seated in one log). The log first turns and begins to climb a small lift hill. An audio-animatronic of Br'er Frog greets guests and tells them that they will be traveling to a wet story. It seems to most that this is the big drop.

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After the initial climb is over, however, the log dips downwards and turns so that it is in the water in front of the drop. Riders then approach a barn-like structure. Lucky people may become wet from the splash made by the logs that have completed the big drop before entering the barn. The log then climbs a small hill and comes to the other side of the mountain where thematic props set the mood, and music comes out of rocks. The log eventually reaches the first drop, known in both the Disneyland and Disney World versions of the ride as Slippin' Falls. This drop leads to a scene full of audio-animatronics of animals singing How Do You Do? One of these animals is Br'er Rabbit who is being chased by Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear.

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Unlike the Disneyland version, Ev'rybody Has a Laughing Place begins to play before the log reaches a dark tunnel which leads to a drop with a sudden high speed climb after it. The log travels a very small path in which a smaller drop is revealed. Then, singing turtles and dancing water fountains guide the log to a dark area in which Br'er Rabbit has been caught by Br'er Fox in a cave of stalactites and stalagmites. Just after that, the log begins the longest and final climb of the ride in which vultures are anxiously waiting for your death at the "laughing place".

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At the top of this third lift hill, just before descending the big drop, riders can see the spires of Cinderella Castle with the more distant white dome of Space Mountain to the right, before descending the 52 1/2 feet drop at a 45 degree angle, reaching a maximum speed of 40 mph. After another outdoor flume segment, the log enters another cave in which all the animals are singing Zip-a-dee Doo-Dah because Br'er Rabbit got away from the evil clutches of Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear. Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear are seen trying to fend off a hungry alligator, like in the Disneyland version. At the end, Br'er Rabbit is seen smiling with Mr. Blue Bird, telling guests that he learned his lesson. After unloading the log, riders may purchase a picture of their log falling at the final drop.

This button was released as a ‘teaser’ for the attraction, which was scheduled to open in the Autumn of 1992.

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A few buttons were released for Splash Mountain.

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The attraction is considered an ‘E-Ticket’ attraction, and a few pins have been released with that in mind.

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There are many pins that were released featuring the attraction’s characters in the log vehicle.

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The final pin is an Anniversary pin released for the 15th Anniversary of the attraction in the Magic Kingdom.

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Pictures and Information from PinPics

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