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'''Splash Mountain''' is an elaborately themed [[Log flume (attraction)|log flume]] attraction at [[Disneyland]], [[Tokyo Disneyland]], and the [[Magic Kingdom]], based on the characters, stories and songs from the 1946 [[Walt Disney Pictures|Disney]] film ''[[Song of the South]]''. Although there are variations in the story and features between the three locations, each installation of Splash Mountain begins with a peaceful outdoor float-through that leads to indoor [[dark ride]] segments, with a climactic steep drop into a "briar patch" followed by an indoor finale.
'''Splash Mountain''' is a themed [[Log flume (attraction)|log flume]] attraction at [[Disneyland]], [[Tokyo Disneyland]], and the [[Magic Kingdom]], based on the characters, stories and songs from the 1946 [[Walt Disney Pictures|Disney]] film ''[[Song of the South]]''. Although there are variations in the story and features between the three locations, each installation of Splash Mountain begins with a peaceful outdoor float-through that leads to indoor [[dark ride]] segments, with a climactic steep drop into a "briar patch" followed by an indoor finale.


==Story==
==Story==
The different versions of Splash Mountain feature similar stories, albeit with small differences. Each ride presents scenes taken from the animated segments of ''[[Song of the South]]''. It tells the story of the adventures of [[Br'er Rabbit]], a mischievous rabbit that leaves his home in the briar patch to look for his "laughing place." Unfortunately for him, [[Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear]], the [[wiktionary:antagonist|antagonists]] of this story, are determined to catch and eat him.
The different versions of Splash Mountain feature similar stories, albeit with small differences. Each ride presents scenes taken from the animated segments of ''[[Song of the South]]''. It tells the story of the adventures of [[Br'er Rabbit]], a mischievous rabbit that leaves his home in the briar patch to look for his "laughing place." Unfortunately for him, [[Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear]], the [[wiktionary:antagonist|antagonists]] of this story, are determined to catch and eat him.


==Disneyland version==
==Disneyland==
Passengers ride aboard seven-seater logs with six single-file, two side by side in the back (adult and small child), individual so they can fit in their seats. The log departs the loading area, winding peacefully through scenery designed to evoke the feeling of a river in the [[Southern United States]]. Models of small riverside shacks and aged equipment are incorporated into the landscape, along with an instrumental version of "How Do You Do?" emanating from hidden speakers along the waterway. Several animal burrows are seen along the outdoor portion.
Passengers ride aboard seven-seater logs with five single-file seats, and one double seat in the back (adult and small child). The log departs the loading area and ascends two conveyor-type lifts before floating gently through scenery designed to evoke the feeling of a river in the [[Southern United States]]. The homes of the three main characters and aged farm equipment are incorporated into the landscape, along with an instrumental version of "How Do You Do?" emanating from hidden speakers along the waterway.


There are three lifts that raise the log up to higher levels during the ride, using friction on rubber-like conveyor belts to lift the logs. After a short drop down "Slippin' Falls", guests enter the indoor portion of the attraction, where various audio-animatronic animals, such as geese, frogs, and opossums sing the attraction's first musical number, "How Do You Do?". Most of the animals on Splash Mountain were reused from the departed attraction [[America Sings]]. Br'er Rabbit (voiced by [[Jess Harnell]]) is seen laughing at Br'er Bear's misfortunes, preceding a drop (unique for its roller-coaster-like hill at the base) into the surreal Rainbow Caverns, where "Ev'rybody's Got a Laughing Place" can be heard.
After a short drop down "Slippin' Falls", guests enter the indoor portion of the attraction, where various audio-animatronic animals, such as geese, frogs, and opossums sing the attraction's first musical number, "How Do You Do?". Most of the animals on Splash Mountain were reused from the closed attraction [[America Sings]]. Br'er Rabbit (voiced by [[Jess Harnell]]) is seen laughing at Br'er Bear's misfortunes, preceding a "dip-drop" into the surreal Rainbow Caverns, where characters sing "Ev'rybody's Got a Laughing Place."


Br'er Fox then manages to trap Br'er Rabbit in a beehive (originally planned, as in the original stories, as a depiction of the [[Tar Baby]] sequence, and altered to avoid the negative connotations associated with the image). The mood rapidly turns ominous as two mother characters sing the "Burrow's Lament." The logs begin climbing up the final and longest lift hill, passing beneath two vultures that taunt guests and tell of foreboding danger. Shortly before the attraction's climactic drop, Br'er Rabbit is seen alongside the hill, about to be eaten by Br'er Fox.
Br'er Fox then manages to trap Br'er Rabbit in a beehive. The mood turns ominous as two mother characters sing the "Burrow's Lament." The logs begin climbing up the final and longest lift hill, passing beneath two vultures that taunt guests and tell of foreboding danger. Shortly before the attraction's climactic drop, Br'er Rabbit is seen alongside the hill, about to be eaten by Br'er Fox.


But Br'er Rabbit [[reverse psychology|outsmarts]] Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear by tricking them into throwing him into the briar patch (where he was born and raised). Riders are sent down the final drop into the briar patch, mimicking his fall. The top half of the drop is highly visible from the adjacent areas of the park. A photo is taken as the log begins to fall, and it can be purchased after disembarking from the ride. From the top of the hill, riders looking toward the splashdown point will notice a full pond of water ahead of them.
But Br'er Rabbit [[reverse psychology|outsmarts]] Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear by tricking them into throwing him into the briar patch (where he was born and raised). Riders are sent down the final drop into the briar patch, mimicking his fall. The top half of the drop is highly visible from the adjacent areas of the park. A photo is taken as the log begins to fall, and it can be purchased after disembarking from the ride. From the top of the hill, riders looking toward the splashdown point will notice a full pond of water ahead of them.


The log then 'dives' under the water (an effect accomplished by well-placed mist guns, which create a sheet of foggy vapor on level with the pond) into a long splashdown—the collective weight of the riders generally determines the degree to which they're drenched here. An indoor segment follows the drop, after which the logs make a final entrance into a section of the mountain named Doo-Dah Landing, where a full cast of Audio-Animatronic figures sing "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" and the respective fates of Br'er Rabbit (reclined happily at home) and the antagonists (fending off a hungry alligator) are seen.
The log then 'dives' under the water into an underground runout. The collective weight of the riders generally determines the degree to which get wet here. An indoor segment follows the drop, after which the logs make a final entrance into a section of the mountain named Doo-Dah Landing, where a full cast of Audio-Animatronic figures sing "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" and the respective fates of Br'er Rabbit (reclined happily at home) and the antagonists (fending off a hungry alligator) are seen.


Before the return to the loading area, riders are given a preview of their picture that was taken on the final drop via an overhead screen. Barnaby Owl, an audio-animatronic overhead, calls the riders' attention to the screen with various phrases describing the looks on their faces. After disembarking from the log, riders walk up a ramp that leads into a barn-themed room. Inside are more screens with previews of the photographs, along with a cabinet of photography-related tools and framed pictures from ''Song of the South'', as well as other promotional character appearances. A final ramp leads riders back into Critter Country.
Before the return to the loading area, riders are given a preview of their picture that was taken on the final drop via an overhead screen. Prof Barnaby Owl, an audio-animatronic overhead, calls the riders' attention to the screen with various phrases describing the looks on their faces. After disembarking from the log, riders enter a "dark room," where they preview their on-ride photograph, before exiting to Critter Country.


===Hidden Mickeys===
===Hidden Mickeys===
Disneyland's version of Splash Mountain has several [[Hidden Mickey]]s, although not as many as the Magic Kingdom's version of the ride has:<ref>[http://www.hiddenmickeysguide.com/catalog.php?id=63 Hidden Mickey Sightings - Critter Country]</ref>
Disneyland's version of Splash Mountain has several [[Hidden Mickey]]:<ref>[http://www.hiddenmickeysguide.com/catalog.php?id=63 Hidden Mickey Sightings - Critter Country]</ref>


*At the standby queue entrance, the warning sign incorporates a hidden mickey into a wood knot at the 54" mark.
*Exiting the Haunted Mansion ride, look in the wood once you pass the Splash Mountain sign. On one of them, very small, is a Hidden Mickey. He looks like a knot in the wood and is a little lower than eye-level for an adult.
*A three-gear classic Mickey can be found on the left side of the queue on the first indoor segment.
*A three-gear classic Mickey can be found on the left side of the queue on the first indoor segment.
*At the very end of the ride, there is a picture on riders' left of Mickey Mouse.
*At the very end of the ride, there is a picture on riders' left of Mickey Mouse.
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===Songs===
===Songs===
Splash Mountain at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim features music in a classic "big band" style, fitting the attraction's proximity to New Orleans Square.
⚫
"How Do You Do?" - This song is a more upbeat, lively version of its counterpart at WDW and was recorded specially for the ride in 1988 by The Floozies, a 29 piece band from [[Oregon]]. The backing track of 'Bom, bom, bom, bom...' that can be heard coming from the [[bullfrog]]s in [[accompaniment]] to the lyrics sung by the Geese was sung by 13 of the 29 members. Walter Steven "Sim" Hurgle (b. 1963) is the band's lead vocalist, and his voice can be heard singing most of the words, while his fellow band members provide harmony and backing vocals. One of the bullfrogs is voiced by veteran voice actor [[Thurl Ravenscroft]].

⚫
"How Do You Do?" - Recorded specially for the ride in 1988 by The Floozies, a 29 piece band from [[Oregon]]. The backing track of 'Bom, bom, bom, bom...' that can be heard coming from the [[bullfrog]]s in [[accompaniment]] to the lyrics sung by the Geese was sung by 13 of the 29 members. Walter Steven "Sim" Hurgle (b. 1963) is the band's lead vocalist, and his voice can be heard singing most of the words, while his fellow band members provide harmony and backing vocals. One of the bullfrogs is voiced by veteran voice actor [[Thurl Ravenscroft]].


"Ev'rybody Has a Laughing Place" and "Burrow's Lament" - These songs are sung by Elisa, Georgia & Castell Newton, three sisters from [[California]] who worked for the [[Disney]] company at the time of the ride's construction. Castell and Elisa sing the words, while Georgia is responsible for the high pitched, operatic 'ahh's' in the background. The vultures above the third lift hill are voiced by Edward Conor and John Kelfreese, employees of the Disney company.
"Ev'rybody Has a Laughing Place" and "Burrow's Lament" - These songs are sung by Elisa, Georgia & Castell Newton, three sisters from [[California]] who worked for the [[Disney]] company at the time of the ride's construction. Castell and Elisa sing the words, while Georgia is responsible for the high pitched, operatic 'ahh's' in the background. The vultures above the third lift hill are voiced by Edward Conor and John Kelfreese, employees of the Disney company.


"Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" - A choir consisting of over 75 cast members was used to record this last score, recorded in the company's
"Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" - A choir consisting of over 75 cast members was used to record this last score, recorded in the company's
[[Burbank, California|Burbank]] studios in 1987. Many of them were men; this is evident from the deep voices that can clearly be heard coming from most of the audio-animatronic characters, particularly the alligators. A [[Jess Harnell]] solo can be heard as the logs perform their final turn back into the station.
[[Burbank, California|Burbank]] studios in 1987. A [[Jess Harnell]] solo is heard as the logs perform their final turn back into the station.


In total, it took animatronic programmers over 80 hours to synchronise each individual figure with all of this pre-recorded audio. The geese are rumoured to have been the most difficult to program. To re-wire and test each figure took an additional three months before the attraction could finally open, as programmers were tasked with having to make characters "forget" their old [[America Sings]] settings and then perform with a decent level of realism in accordance with the new settings. Each character can carry out 45 seconds of movement and dialogue, before a loop function resets it and it restarts the sequence from the beginning.
Animators took over 80 hours to synchronise each figure. To re-wire and test each figure took an additional three months before the attraction could open, as programmers were tasked with having to make characters "forget" their old [[America Sings]] settings and then perform with a decent level of realism in accordance with the new settings. Each character can carry out 45 seconds of movement and dialogue, before a loop function resets it and it restarts the sequence from the beginning.


==Walt Disney World==
==Walt Disney World==
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 [[Walt Disney World Railroad|railroad]] station and temporarily turning the railroad into a shuttle between [[Main Street, U.S.A.]] and [[Mickey's Toontown Fair]].
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 necessitated the demolition of the existing [[Walt Disney World Railroad|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 [[banjo]]s and [[harmonica]]s, 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.
Because of the ride's location in Frontierland, the soundtrack features a country feel, with [[banjo]]s and [[harmonica]]s as the primary instruments. Riders board eight-passenger logs, seated two by two (small children are permitted to sit between parents, making a possible capacity of 12). The log departs the loading area, where Brer Frog provides introductory narration. The log ascends two dual-chain lifts before floating gently through scenery designed to evoke the feeling of a river in the [[Southern United States]]. The homes of the three main characters and aged farm equipment are incorporated into the landscape, along with an instrumental version of "How Do You Do?" emanating from hidden speakers along the waterway.


After a short drop down "Slippin' Falls", guests enter the indoor portion of the attraction, where various audio-animatronic animals, such as geese, frogs, and opossums sing the attraction's first musical number, "How Do You Do?". Several vignettes establish the story of a restless Br'er Rabbit leaving home and being pursued by Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear.
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.


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".
''Ev'rybody's Got a Laughing Place'' begins to play as the log reaches a dark tunnel followed by a "dip-drop" into the Laugnin' Place. There, 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]]. Two vulture taunt riders as they begin their ascent up the final lift. A scene to the side shows Br'er Fox menacing Br'er Rabbit, with Br'er Rabbit pleading not to be thrown into the briar patch.


At the top of this third lift hill, the log descends the 52 foot drop at a 45 degree angle, reaching a maximum speed of 40&nbsp;mph.<ref>[http://disneyreporter.110mb.com/disneyreporter/transporter/wdw/mk/frl/sm.htm "Splash Mountain"] Disney Reporter - Where the Magic Lives</ref> 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.
At the top of this third lift hill, the log descends the 52 foot drop at a 45 degree angle, reaching a maximum speed of 40&nbsp;mph.<ref>[http://disneyreporter.110mb.com/disneyreporter/transporter/wdw/mk/frl/sm.htm "Splash Mountain"] Disney Reporter - Where the Magic Lives</ref> After another outdoor flume segment, the log returns to the mountain, where critters at "Doo Dah Landing" are singing ''Zip-a-dee Doo-Dah'' in celebration of Br'er Rabbit's return, while Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear try to fend off an [[alligator]]. At the end, Br'er Rabbit sings 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.


===Voice credits for the Walt Disney World version===
===Voice credits for the Walt Disney World version===
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===Hidden Mickeys===
===Hidden Mickeys===


There are a number of [[Hidden Mickey]]s scattered throughout the Florida version of Splash Mountain:<ref>[http://www.hiddenmickeysguide.com/catalog.php?id=14 Hidden Mickeys Guide: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets]</ref>
There are a number of [[Hidden Mickey]]s in Florida version of Splash Mountain:<ref>[http://www.hiddenmickeysguide.com/catalog.php?id=14 Hidden Mickeys Guide: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets]</ref>


*A red classic Hidden Mickey is painted on a yoke that hangs on a left wall of the entrance queue, in the first tunnel part of the queue that has lights on the walls.
*A red classic Hidden Mickey is painted on a yoke that hangs on a left wall of the entrance queue, in the first tunnel part of the queue that has lights on the walls.
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==Tokyo Disneyland==
==Tokyo Disneyland==
Splash Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland is very similar to the Florida version of the ride, with a few exceptions. The ride's layout differs from the two previous versions, with the outdoor sections starting from a bottom left first lift to a top left first hill. In the first two versions, riders would start out climbing a lift hill on the far bottom right, and going down the first drop at the upper right side of the mountain. The Tokyo version also lacks a mill or barn-like structure on the second lift. Instead, the logs venture into a cave-like opening to begin the second climb.
Splash Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland is very similar to the Florida version of the ride, with a few exceptions. The ride's layout is a a mirror-image of Florida's owing to the attraction's location on the opposite side of the river. The Tokyo version also lacks a mill or barn-like structure on the second lift. Instead, the logs venture into a cave-like opening to begin the second climb.


Like in Florida, the main melodies consist of [[banjo]]s, [[fiddle]]s and [[harmonica]]s. The vocals, however, are completely different between the two parks. The secondary characters are altogether different, the show scenes (and the specific verses sung in them) are in dramatically different orders, and choruses and back-up vocals arranged with different harmonies. Additionally, dialogue and lyrics in Tokyo are Japanese for "How Do You Do?" and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah", but English for "Ev'rybody's Got a Laughin' Place". In both instances, "Burrow's Lament" is heard as an instrumental track, using the original Disneyland soundtrack, with dramatic orchestra and choir.
Like in Florida, the main melodies consist of [[banjo]]s, [[fiddle]]s and [[harmonica]]s. The vocals, however, are completely different between the two parks. The secondary characters are altogether different, the show scenes (and the specific verses sung in them) are in different orders, and choruses and back-up vocals arranged with different harmonies. Additionally, dialogue and lyrics in Tokyo are Japanese for "How Do You Do?" and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah", but English for "Ev'rybody's Got a Laughin' Place". In both instances, "Burrow's Lament" is heard as an instrumental track, using the original Disneyland soundtrack, with dramatic orchestra and choir.


==History==
==History==
At the time it was built, Splash Mountain was one of the most expensive projects created by Walt Disney Imagineering ($75 million). Imagineer Tony Baxter wanted to attract guests to the often empty Bear Country land and make use of the audio-animatronics from [[America Sings]], which was receiving poor attendance. According to Alice Davis (wife of the late Marc Davis), when America Sings closed in April 1988, production of Disneyland's Splash Mountain had gone way over budget. The only way to recover was to close down America Sings and use the characters from that attraction.<ref>[http://www.songofthesouth.net/splashmtn/history/index.html Song of the South.net - Splash Mountain: History<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
At the time it was built, Splash Mountain was one of the most expensive projects created by Walt Disney Imagineering ($75 million). Imagineer Tony Baxter wanted to attract guests to the often empty Bear Country land and make use of the audio-animatronics from [[America Sings]], which was receiving poor attendance. According to Alice Davis (wife of the late Marc Davis), when America Sings closed in April 1988, production of Disneyland's Splash Mountain had gone way over budget. The only way to recover was to close down America Sings and use the characters from that attraction.<ref>[http://www.songofthesouth.net/splashmtn/history/index.html Song of the South.net - Splash Mountain: History<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


Baxter and his team developed the concept of '''Zip-a-Dee River Run,''' which would incorporate scenes from ''Song of the South''. The name was later changed to '''Splash Mountain''' after then-CEO [[Michael Eisner]]'s mostly-ignored suggestion that the attraction be used to help market the film [[Splash (film)|''Splash'']].<ref>The "E" Ticket, Summer 2009. Page 13-14</ref> The characters from America Sings were used in many scenes, though all of the main characters were specifically designed for Splash Mountain. When the ride was first put together, nearly all the animatronics were wired and put in place.
Baxter and his team developed the concept of '''Zip-a-Dee River Run,''' which would incorporate scenes from ''Song of the South''. The name was later changed to '''Splash Mountain''' after then-CEO [[Michael Eisner]]'s mostly-ignored suggestion that the attraction be used to help market the film [[Splash (film)|''Splash'']].<ref>The "E" Ticket, Summer 2009. Page 13-14</ref> The characters from America Sings were used in many scenes, though all of the main characters were specifically designed for Splash Mountain.


Dave Feiten was then brought in to animate and fix story and staging problems. Feiten then moved nearly all of the animatronics to new locations and then took out 10 animatronic figures and removed them from the ride completely to improve the show.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}} A version of the popular attraction was planned for [[Disneyland Paris]] but scrapped due to budget reasons and the cold weather in [[Europe]]. A Paris version of [[Grizzly River Run]] is a running rumor in Frontierland, since the park never got a Splash Mountain in the first place.
Dave Feiten was then brought in to animate and fix story and staging problems. Feiten then moved nearly all of the animatronics to new locations and then took out 10 animatronic figures and removed them from the ride completely to improve the show.{{Citation needed|date=May 2009}} A version of the popular attraction was planned for [[Disneyland Paris]] but scrapped due to budget reasons and the cold weather in [[Europe]].


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
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==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==


In the sing along songs video [[Disney Sing Along Songs#Disneyland Fun|Disneyland Fun]], during "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah," Splash Mountain was one of the rides the kids rode on. In 1989, ''[[Ernest Goes to Camp]]'' aired during [[The Magical World of Disney]]. Prior to the movie a special called "Ernest at Splash Mountain" aired in it [[Ernest P. Worrell|Ernest]] was seen training for, and finally riding, the newly opened Splash Mountain. The end result had Ernest bewildered and collapsing to the ground, leaving guests to step on him while boarding the attraction. In ''[[Scary Movie 4]]'' as Cindy is looking at pictures of the man and the woman, there is a brief photograph of them going down the drop of Splash Mountain.
In the sing along songs video [[Disney Sing Along Songs#Disneyland Fun|Disneyland Fun]], during "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah," Splash Mountain was one of the rides the kids rode on.
In 1989, ''[[Ernest Goes to Camp]]'' aired during [[The Magical World of Disney]]. Prior to the movie a special called "Ernest at Splash Mountain" aired in it [[Ernest P. Worrell|Ernest]] was seen training for, and finally riding, the newly opened Splash Mountain. The end result had Ernest bewildered and collapsing to the ground, leaving guests to step on him while boarding the attraction. In ''[[Scary Movie 4]]'' as Cindy is looking at pictures of the man and the woman, there is a brief photograph of them going down the drop of Splash Mountain.


In the [[Roger Rabbit]] [[animated short]] ''Trail Mix Up'' makes several visual references to Splash Mountain. At one point, though extremely briefly, it can be seen that the log Roger and [[Baby Herman]] are riding has a bumper sticker that reads "We Visited Splash Mountain."
In the [[Roger Rabbit]] [[animated short]] ''Trail Mix Up'' makes several visual references to Splash Mountain. At one point, though extremely briefly, it can be seen that the log Roger and [[Baby Herman]] are riding has a bumper sticker that reads "We Visited Splash Mountain."

Revision as of 20:16, 18 December 2010

Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain is a themed log flume attraction at Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, and the Magic Kingdom, based on the characters, stories and songs from the 1946 Disney film Song of the South. Although there are variations in the story and features between the three locations, each installation of Splash Mountain begins with a peaceful outdoor float-through that leads to indoor dark ride segments, with a climactic steep drop into a "briar patch" followed by an indoor finale.

Story

The different versions of Splash Mountain feature similar stories, albeit with small differences. Each ride presents scenes taken from the animated segments of Song of the South. It tells the story of the adventures of Br'er Rabbit, a mischievous rabbit that leaves his home in the briar patch to look for his "laughing place." Unfortunately for him, Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear, the antagonists of this story, are determined to catch and eat him.

Disneyland

Passengers ride aboard seven-seater logs with five single-file seats, and one double seat in the back (adult and small child). The log departs the loading area and ascends two conveyor-type lifts before floating gently through scenery designed to evoke the feeling of a river in the Southern United States. The homes of the three main characters and aged farm equipment are incorporated into the landscape, along with an instrumental version of "How Do You Do?" emanating from hidden speakers along the waterway.

After a short drop down "Slippin' Falls", guests enter the indoor portion of the attraction, where various audio-animatronic animals, such as geese, frogs, and opossums sing the attraction's first musical number, "How Do You Do?". Most of the animals on Splash Mountain were reused from the closed attraction America Sings. Br'er Rabbit (voiced by Jess Harnell) is seen laughing at Br'er Bear's misfortunes, preceding a "dip-drop" into the surreal Rainbow Caverns, where characters sing "Ev'rybody's Got a Laughing Place."

Br'er Fox then manages to trap Br'er Rabbit in a beehive. The mood turns ominous as two mother characters sing the "Burrow's Lament." The logs begin climbing up the final and longest lift hill, passing beneath two vultures that taunt guests and tell of foreboding danger. Shortly before the attraction's climactic drop, Br'er Rabbit is seen alongside the hill, about to be eaten by Br'er Fox.

But Br'er Rabbit outsmarts Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear by tricking them into throwing him into the briar patch (where he was born and raised). Riders are sent down the final drop into the briar patch, mimicking his fall. The top half of the drop is highly visible from the adjacent areas of the park. A photo is taken as the log begins to fall, and it can be purchased after disembarking from the ride. From the top of the hill, riders looking toward the splashdown point will notice a full pond of water ahead of them.

The log then 'dives' under the water into an underground runout. The collective weight of the riders generally determines the degree to which get wet here. An indoor segment follows the drop, after which the logs make a final entrance into a section of the mountain named Doo-Dah Landing, where a full cast of Audio-Animatronic figures sing "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" and the respective fates of Br'er Rabbit (reclined happily at home) and the antagonists (fending off a hungry alligator) are seen.

Before the return to the loading area, riders are given a preview of their picture that was taken on the final drop via an overhead screen. Prof Barnaby Owl, an audio-animatronic overhead, calls the riders' attention to the screen with various phrases describing the looks on their faces. After disembarking from the log, riders enter a "dark room," where they preview their on-ride photograph, before exiting to Critter Country.

Hidden Mickeys

Disneyland's version of Splash Mountain has several Hidden Mickey:[1]

  • At the standby queue entrance, the warning sign incorporates a hidden mickey into a wood knot at the 54" mark.
  • A three-gear classic Mickey can be found on the left side of the queue on the first indoor segment.
  • At the very end of the ride, there is a picture on riders' left of Mickey Mouse.
  • In the final scene, with the song, "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah," as you enter, to the log's left is a porcupine beating a turtle's shell to produce a xylophone-like effect. On the turtle's rear-left leg, three callous marks suggest the form of a classic (though upside-down) Mickey.

Voice credits for the Disneyland version

Songs

Splash Mountain at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim features music in a classic "big band" style, fitting the attraction's proximity to New Orleans Square.

"How Do You Do?" - Recorded specially for the ride in 1988 by The Floozies, a 29 piece band from Oregon. The backing track of 'Bom, bom, bom, bom...' that can be heard coming from the bullfrogs in accompaniment to the lyrics sung by the Geese was sung by 13 of the 29 members. Walter Steven "Sim" Hurgle (b. 1963) is the band's lead vocalist, and his voice can be heard singing most of the words, while his fellow band members provide harmony and backing vocals. One of the bullfrogs is voiced by veteran voice actor Thurl Ravenscroft.

"Ev'rybody Has a Laughing Place" and "Burrow's Lament" - These songs are sung by Elisa, Georgia & Castell Newton, three sisters from California who worked for the Disney company at the time of the ride's construction. Castell and Elisa sing the words, while Georgia is responsible for the high pitched, operatic 'ahh's' in the background. The vultures above the third lift hill are voiced by Edward Conor and John Kelfreese, employees of the Disney company.

"Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" - A choir consisting of over 75 cast members was used to record this last score, recorded in the company's Burbank studios in 1987. A Jess Harnell solo is heard as the logs perform their final turn back into the station.

Animators took over 80 hours to synchronise each figure. To re-wire and test each figure took an additional three months before the attraction could open, as programmers were tasked with having to make characters "forget" their old America Sings settings and then perform with a decent level of realism in accordance with the new settings. Each character can carry out 45 seconds of movement and dialogue, before a loop function resets it and it restarts the sequence from the beginning.

Walt Disney World

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 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 soundtrack features a country feel, with banjos and harmonicas as the primary instruments. Riders board eight-passenger logs, seated two by two (small children are permitted to sit between parents, making a possible capacity of 12). The log departs the loading area, where Brer Frog provides introductory narration. The log ascends two dual-chain lifts before floating gently through scenery designed to evoke the feeling of a river in the Southern United States. The homes of the three main characters and aged farm equipment are incorporated into the landscape, along with an instrumental version of "How Do You Do?" emanating from hidden speakers along the waterway.

After a short drop down "Slippin' Falls", guests enter the indoor portion of the attraction, where various audio-animatronic animals, such as geese, frogs, and opossums sing the attraction's first musical number, "How Do You Do?". Several vignettes establish the story of a restless Br'er Rabbit leaving home and being pursued by Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear.

Ev'rybody's Got a Laughing Place begins to play as the log reaches a dark tunnel followed by a "dip-drop" into the Laugnin' Place. There, 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. Two vulture taunt riders as they begin their ascent up the final lift. A scene to the side shows Br'er Fox menacing Br'er Rabbit, with Br'er Rabbit pleading not to be thrown into the briar patch.

At the top of this third lift hill, the log descends the 52 foot drop at a 45 degree angle, reaching a maximum speed of 40 mph.[2] After another outdoor flume segment, the log returns to the mountain, where critters at "Doo Dah Landing" are singing Zip-a-dee Doo-Dah in celebration of Br'er Rabbit's return, while Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear try to fend off an alligator. At the end, Br'er Rabbit sings 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.

Voice credits for the Walt Disney World version

Hidden Mickeys

There are a number of Hidden Mickeys in Florida version of Splash Mountain:[3]

  • A red classic Hidden Mickey is painted on a yoke that hangs on a left wall of the entrance queue, in the first tunnel part of the queue that has lights on the walls.
  • Halfway up the second lift hill, on the right side, three barrels in the lower right corner of a stack of barrels form a classic Mickey.
  • At the very beginning of the ride, just before the U-turn to the first drop, riders pass by an upright barrel with "Muskrat Moonshine" painted on the side. The words face riders and the barrel is only about 2 to 3 feet away from the right seat in the logs, giving the viewer a great opportunity to see the Hidden Mickey. Its located above the "s" in Muskrat. It is made by the absence of the paint that covers the barrel.
  • Look for a picnic basket up on a small ledge. Riders can spot it just past Brer Frog, who is sitting on an alligator and fishing with his toe. Near the basket are three red-and-white-striped fishing bobbers in the shape of a classic Hidden Mickey.
  • On the right side of the logs, in the room with the jumping water, a classic rope Mickey is hanging halfway down from the ceiling. It can be found in the shadows behind a lantern and just past the turtle lying on a geyser.
  • The hole in the mountain at the top of the big drop is sculpted to form a side profile of Mickey's face. As riders approach the big drop in your boat, Mickey's nose juts out from the left side of the hole. This is also visible from the walkway over the bottom of the big drop.
  • One of the clouds in the final scene of the ride is in the shape of a Mickey.
  • A birdhouse with a rope ladder in the entrance queue (also visible at the exit) has a classic Mickey acorn formation above a door and below blue roof slats. It is located just past the photo viewing area at the exit. Another classic Mickey made of acorns is near the peanut shell chimney, above the curve of the red rail.
  • Next to Splash Mountain's exit, there is a little play area. Inside the log in the play area there is an inverted Hidden Mickey.

Tokyo Disneyland

Splash Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland is very similar to the Florida version of the ride, with a few exceptions. The ride's layout is a a mirror-image of Florida's owing to the attraction's location on the opposite side of the river. The Tokyo version also lacks a mill or barn-like structure on the second lift. Instead, the logs venture into a cave-like opening to begin the second climb.

Like in Florida, the main melodies consist of banjos, fiddles and harmonicas. The vocals, however, are completely different between the two parks. The secondary characters are altogether different, the show scenes (and the specific verses sung in them) are in different orders, and choruses and back-up vocals arranged with different harmonies. Additionally, dialogue and lyrics in Tokyo are Japanese for "How Do You Do?" and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah", but English for "Ev'rybody's Got a Laughin' Place". In both instances, "Burrow's Lament" is heard as an instrumental track, using the original Disneyland soundtrack, with dramatic orchestra and choir.

History

At the time it was built, Splash Mountain was one of the most expensive projects created by Walt Disney Imagineering ($75 million). Imagineer Tony Baxter wanted to attract guests to the often empty Bear Country land and make use of the audio-animatronics from America Sings, which was receiving poor attendance. According to Alice Davis (wife of the late Marc Davis), when America Sings closed in April 1988, production of Disneyland's Splash Mountain had gone way over budget. The only way to recover was to close down America Sings and use the characters from that attraction.[4]

Baxter and his team developed the concept of Zip-a-Dee River Run, which would incorporate scenes from Song of the South. The name was later changed to Splash Mountain after then-CEO Michael Eisner's mostly-ignored suggestion that the attraction be used to help market the film Splash.[5] The characters from America Sings were used in many scenes, though all of the main characters were specifically designed for Splash Mountain.

Dave Feiten was then brought in to animate and fix story and staging problems. Feiten then moved nearly all of the animatronics to new locations and then took out 10 animatronic figures and removed them from the ride completely to improve the show.[citation needed] A version of the popular attraction was planned for Disneyland Paris but scrapped due to budget reasons and the cold weather in Europe.

Soundtrack

The ride features variations of the three songs found in the animated segments from Song of the South though not in the same order. In the order heard in the attraction's ride-through segments;

  • "How Do You Do?"
  • "Ev'rybody's Got a Laughin' Place"
  • "Burrow's Lament" ("Laughin' Place") in a minor key (the vocal version of which heard only in Disneyland version of ride))
  • "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah"

Releases

Despite being released on CDs attributed to the Magic Kingdom or Walt Disney World in general, as well as often bearing specific track attribution (such as "from Walt Disney World's Splash Mountain"), the country-western style soundtrack actually found at the Florida and Tokyo parks has at least managed to surface on the 2003 Walt Disney World CD entitled "The Official Album/Where Magic Lives". Banjos are heard for over halfway through the 7:57 length, as well as at the end. It is a very different musical arrangement when compared to many other "Walt Disney World", "Disneyland", or combination "Walt Disney World/Disneyland" CDs labeled as "The Official Album". The Disneyland ride does not incorporate this particular country-western themed soundtrack. Fan-credited versions of the country-western version from The Magic Kingdom have also surfaced as MP3 downloads online. Tokyo Disneyland versions have surfaced also, but have been harder to locate. All of the tracks listed below represent arrangements or medleys of the Disneyland score.

In the sing along songs video Disneyland Fun, during "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah," Splash Mountain was one of the rides the kids rode on.

In 1989, Ernest Goes to Camp aired during The Magical World of Disney. Prior to the movie a special called "Ernest at Splash Mountain" aired in it Ernest was seen training for, and finally riding, the newly opened Splash Mountain. The end result had Ernest bewildered and collapsing to the ground, leaving guests to step on him while boarding the attraction. In Scary Movie 4 as Cindy is looking at pictures of the man and the woman, there is a brief photograph of them going down the drop of Splash Mountain.

In the Roger Rabbit animated short Trail Mix Up makes several visual references to Splash Mountain. At one point, though extremely briefly, it can be seen that the log Roger and Baby Herman are riding has a bumper sticker that reads "We Visited Splash Mountain."

In an episode of The Golden Girls, Dorothy tricks her mother, Sophia into going to counseling by giving her a life jacket and telling her they were going to Splash Mountain.

In an episode of George Lopez (TV series), George and his family visit Disneyland and Benny Lopez and George were shown on Splash Mountain taking the final descent.

Despite Disney's great attention to detail and audience management, the monitoring represented by both security cameras and the strobe cameras have not proven wholly successful at eliminating one of the most salacious phenomena of the "Splash Mountain" experience. Hoping to make illicit use of the in-ride photographs that Disney later sells to ride patrons, some riders briefly expose themselves (e.g., a woman baring her breasts) during a particular descent.[6] Collected on a website called "Flash Mountain" in the mid-to-late 1990s, the shots continue to circulate online. The "Flash Mountain" controversy at both Disney parks was used as a segment & was seen on TMZ on May 5, 2009.

See also

  • Disneyland Park - Splash Mountain
  • Walt Disney World Resort - Splash Mountain
  • Splash Mountain at IMDb
  • L.A. Times article about "Flash Mountain"
  • The Unofficial Song of the South website: Splash Mountain page
  • Walt Disney World Magic
  • "Amusement ride for traveling down a water chute with reduced splash - Patent #5,613,443". US Patent & Trademark Office. Retrieved November 17, 2005. - Patent for reduced splash logs used in Tokyo.
  • Disneyland Splash Mountain construction photos

References

  1. ^ Hidden Mickey Sightings - Critter Country
  2. ^ "Splash Mountain" Disney Reporter - Where the Magic Lives
  3. ^ Hidden Mickeys Guide: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets
  4. ^ Song of the South.net - Splash Mountain: History
  5. ^ The "E" Ticket, Summer 2009. Page 13-14
  6. ^ "For Disney, It's a Case of Unzip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" at L.A. Times
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