7 Fun Facts About Disney's Splash Mountain That You Probably Didn't Know

Splash Mountain rounds out the iconic trio of mountains (along with Big Thunder and Space Mountain) at both Disney World and Disneyland. With 950,000 gallons of water roaring through this attraction, you may get a bit wet, but you'll also have some serious fun doing it.

In true Disney style, the history behind this popular attraction is almost as exciting as the ride itself. If you've ever been curious about the music, the cute singing critters, or how this log flume adventure even came to be, these fun facts will grant you "Splash Mountain expert" status. We even found out where to sit if you don't want to get too wet (or where to sit if you do).

01

You Can Try to Spot a Hidden Mickey

In Disney World's Splash Mountain, there's a hard-to-spot hidden Mickey among the clouds in the final scene of the ride. Look for a pink cloud floating above the Zip-A-Dee-Lady riverboat that resembles Mickey lying on his back, probably humming along to the ride's catchy tune.

02

You'll Get More Wet If You Sit Up Front

According to the Walt Disney World website, riders who sit in the front will most likely get soaked at the end of the thrilling five-story drop. Those in the back of the flume, however, may only have to deal with a smaller splash of water.

03

Some of the Singing Characters Were Repurposed For Splash Mountain

Disneyland is home to the original Splash Mountain, which opened in 1989. Before they found a home in the briar patch, however, many of the animatronic critters were part of America Sings, a show that ran in Tomorrowland's Carousel Theater from 1974-1988.

04

Not All Disney Resorts Have a Splash Mountain

Of the six Disney resorts around the world, you can only ride Splash Mountain at three of them. You can float along with Br'er Fox and Br'er Rabbit at both of the US parks and at Tokyo Disneyland, but you won't find this log flume attraction in Paris, Hong Kong, or Shanghai.

05

It Almost Had a Completely Different Name

When the first Splash Mountain was being imagineered at Disneyland, it was slated to be called Zip-a-Dee River Run. According to Disney historians, Michael Eisner, then CEO of The Walt Disney Company, suggested the name be changed to Splash Mountain to help promote everyone's second favorite mermaid film, Splash.

06

The Grand Opening Was Delayed Because Riders Were Getting Too Wet

Splash Mountain was set to open in early 1989, but the first guests to ride (mostly company executives) were getting more than just a light soaking. The ride had to be closed for a few months so the boats and the ride could be redesigned to create less splash.

07

It's Home to One of the Largest Animatronic Props Ever Built

The jubilant Zip-A-Dee Lady that you pass by during Splash Mountain's grand finale is one of the largest animatronic props ever built. In Disneyland, the paddleboat measures 50 feet wide and 30 feet high, while the Disney World version is much smaller (but still quite impressive) at 36 feet wide and 22 feet high.