Behind the Scenes Story of Splash Mountain: One Last Ride Before the Transformation
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ต.ค. 2024
- From its inception to its recent reimagining, the story of Splash Mountain is one of creativity and innovation.
The Early Days
The story of Splash Mountain begins in 1983 when Imagineer Tony Baxter was tasked with finding a way to attract more guests to the often-empty Bear Country in Disneyland, which at the time only featured the Country Bear Jamboree, an import from Walt Disney World, and a gift shop.
Initially, Disney executives, including then-president of Walt Disney Attractions Dick Nunis, pushed for a log flume ride, a popular theme park staple. However, Imagineers were skeptical, feeling that a log flume was too ordinary for a Disney park. While brainstorming solutions, Baxter was inspired by an animated sequence in the 1946 Disney film, Song of the South. He proposed a ride that combined the thrill of a log flume with the film's animated characters and catchy tunes.
Originally, Baxter planned to name the ride Zip-a-Dee River Run, a nod to the film's famous song. Around the same time, the success of the 1984 mermaid film Splash, starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, led then Disney CEO Michael Eisner to suggest calling the attraction "Splash Mountain" and incorporating characters from the movie, specifically Daryl Hannah's mermaid character, into the attraction. While Baxter did not agree with incorporating the mermaid characters, he did agree to rename the attraction Splash Mountain.
Construction and Opening
Plans for Splash Mountain at Disneyland were unveiled in January 1987. The project, initially budgeted at $75 million, became one of the most expensive undertakings by Walt Disney Imagineering. By the time America Sings closed in April 1988, its character figures were repurposed for Splash Mountain to help manage costs. Bear Country, home of the Country Bear Jamboree, was renamed Critter Country in anticipation of the ride's opening.
Scheduled to open in January 1989, Splash Mountain faced delays due to technical issues and boat redesigns. Test rides revealed that the boats soaked guests too much, leading to a redesign that included a lighter build, seating for seven instead of eight, and an underwater scoop to reduce water intake.
Finally, on July 17, 1989, Splash Mountain opened at Disneyland, coinciding with the park's 34th anniversary. The opening was celebrated with a TV special, Ernest Goes to Splash Mountain, featuring actor Jim Varney as Ernest.
Expansion to Other Parks
Splash Mountain's success led to plans for new versions at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland. Construction for both began in 1991, with the Tokyo and Magic Kingdom attractions opening within a day of each other in October 1992. Since neither park had an America Sings attraction, all animatronics for these versions were created specifically for Splash Mountain.
Reimagining
In June 2020, Disney announced that Splash Mountain would be reimagined. The new theme, inspired by The Princess and the Frog (2009), will be called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and will take guests on a musical journey through the Louisiana bayou.
While we look forward to the future, let’s take one last trip on Walt Disney World's Splash Mountain. Thanks for joining me! Hit that subscribe button for more. Share your memories and opinions in the comments below. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more deep dives into Disney history. Until next time, keep the magic alive!
00:00 Intro
00:21 Back Story
01:29 Earnest goes to Splash Mountain
02:15 1989 Christmas Day Parade
03:46 1992 Christmas Day Parade
05:10 Opening Day Walt Disney World
06:26 Splash Mountain Queue
08:12 Splash Mountain POV
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Splash Mountain holds a special place in my heart
Splash mountain was my favorite ride! I fell in love with the ride when I first rode it at 9 years old.... seriously going to miss this look 😭
Tony Baxter's creativity truly shines in this story
The music will NEVER be topped
i almost forgot how long the ride at Splash Mountain was... over 10 minutes. Thanks for sharing
Such a classic ride with a rich history
The legacy of Imagineers is truly remarkable
Can't wait to visit these parks again
Love learning about the history of Splash Mountain!
The dedication of Imagineers is awe-inspiring
Splash Mountain's journey is full of surprises
This video is a must-watch for Disney fans!
I'll never look at Splash Mountain the same way again
Such a lovely video!
#savesplashmountan at Disneyland
Disney magic truly knows no bounds
So interesting to hear the origins of the ride
GOODBYE Brocolil Hill
Walt Disney World's influence is evident in this narrative
I will miss Splash and the music. But I am glad Tiana is getting her shine. Although I don't like drops or heights lol.
#DisneyDiva
I do wish Tiana had a diff such as Snow bc i do it all day. When it was Splash I don't i like drops. Smh. But i love Tiana so I am going to support my girl..and the hate 4 her and the ride is unreal and sad. Smh.
Agree. The ride system is the same. You will get wet
Excited to see how Splash Mountain has been reimagined
Can't imagine Disneyland without Splash Mountain now
I mean you have about a few weeks 😂
@@MaxxStephennot to be nitpicky but he said Land, not World.
And besides the original theme felt more Disney than the new one
Thank you, Disney, for bringing magic into our lives
Omg the bots in these comments
Disney Parks are truly the happiest places on earth
Did anyone else feel all those uncomfortable racist undertones in this controversial ride?
No, me neither.
This looks like a fucking horror movie 🙄💀 Disney is so lame
The legacy of Imagineers is truly remarkable
The legacy of Imagineers is truly remarkable
@@mahmoudalptrekbottt