Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom
Update: Splash Mountain permanently closed on January 22, 2023.
Disney announced a few years ago that Splash Mountain would eventually close. They plan to transform the former ride into an attraction called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, featuring Tiana from The Princess and the Frog.
The information provided below is archived for historical purposes.
Splash Mountain is a log flume water ride at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, this attraction usually has long wait times due to its popularity.
This article covers everything you need to know for riding Splash Mountain. We’ll discuss the best times to ride and whether or not you’ll get wet. Spoiler, you probably will.
This article was updated on February 4, 2023.
The table below discusses extra magic hours, operation, and height requirements for Splash Mountain.
| Splash Mountain | Magic Kingdom |
Location: | Frontierland |
Disney World Height Requirement: | 40 inches |
Eligible for Disney Genie+ | Yes |
Ride Type: | Water Ride, Thrill, Drops |
Seats Per Vehicle: | 2 |
Disney Rider Switch: | NA |
Good For: | Thrill Seekers Nostalgia |
Scare Factor: | Medium |
Must-Do List: | High Priority |
Perfect For: | Tweens, Teens, Adults |
Special Mention: | *You might need a jacket or a poncho if you do not want to get wet. *On-Ride Photo Option |
Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain was introduced to Magic Kingdom in 1992 and has become a beloved attraction for many guests. While the ride has thrills, there are long breaks featuring over 100 audio-animatronics along the way to the Laughing Place.
Will you get wet on Splash Mountain?
Yes is the short answer. How wet? Well, that depends on several factors.
First, if the weather is on the cooler side for Orlando, Disney typically has a lot of the extra sprayers turned off. These main sprayers are the ones that cause guests to get wet.
The one significant drop at the end can cause a bit of a splash, but typically not enough to douse you completely. However, another log drops when your log starts around the bend after the drop.
That’s when you’re in trouble and where you’ll feel the effects of the sprayers.
When the sprayers are turned off, there’s no problem. However, if they are on, there’s a possibility you could get pretty wet.
I’ve never been drenched, but I also am shy to carry my camera on this attraction, hence no interior ride pictures.
Splash Mountain Drops: The drops on Splash Mountain range from tiny to the significant five-story drop at the end. The attraction has a fun way of playing on a guest’s anticipation of each approaching drop being the one.
But when you get to the main event, trust me, you’ll know it. Don’t forget to smile as you plunge into the Briar Patch because the finale drop has an on-ride photo opportunity.
Ponchos for Splash Mountain: I recommend picking up ponchos from a dollar store before your vacation. I try to keep three or four in my backpack regularly. The cheaper ones are lightweight, and I don’t feel bad about throwing them away after one use.
While I don’t use them often, they have come in handy. Make sure to have it on before you get to the loading area.
Best Time to Ride: In most cases, I think the best time to ride Splash Mountain is in the hotter portion of the day between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., depending on your touring strategy. Unfortunately, that is when lines for this attraction will be at their longest.
Since this attraction offers Genie+, you might be able to select a return time that works for you if you purchase the upgrade.
For those wanting to ride standby, get in line in the mornings before lunchtime or in the afternoon during the Festival of Fantasy Parade. During the parade, the area is cut off from the rest of the park, so guests can’t access this side of Frontierland.
Additionally, you can usually ride Splash Mountain with lower waits in the evening, especially during the nightly fireworks.
However, if this is your first visit, I would never recommend skipping the Festival of Fantasy Parade or the evening fireworks performance.
But if you have two or more days in the Magic Kingdom on your vacation, it’s good to implement different plans for each day. You can take advantage of shorter lines at attractions like Splash Mountain during high-priority entertainment times.
Splash Mountain is usually on most guests’ priority lists in warmer months. On the other hand, cooler months usually mean fewer wait times. So keep these things in consideration when planning your day.
Know Your Disney Rules When Riding With Children-Any child under the age of seven or younger must be accompanied by an adult fourteen years or older.
Check out these Magic Kingdom ride reviews located in the same proximity as Splash Mountain.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World
- Disney World’s Haunted Mansion Ride
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride
If you have plans to stay near Magic Kingdom park, you might like to check out our Walt Disney World Resort Reviews in the area:
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort Review
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Review
- Disney’s Polynesian Resort Review
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review
If you need something cute to carry all of your items in the park, pick up a fun Disney-themed Loungefly backpack. They are adorable, and there’s truly one (or more!) for everyone.
Our guide to using the Disney World monorail will help you learn how to get to and from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot when using the service.
Do you have a favorite part of Splash Mountain? I’m rather fond of the Laughing Place myself. What do you think about the ride closing? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
