When you have two theme parks created by the same man, you’re bound to have some overlapping entertainment. Such is the case with the hit ride Splash Mountain. Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World offer the popular thrill ride at their park but if you’ve ever had the chance to ride both, you know they aren’t quite the same. Best of Orlando recently made a trip to Disneyland to see for ourselves which one was more smooth, entertaining, splashy and thrilling. What we came up with is a list of the ride’s similarities and differences for you to decide.
It is important to note that there is a three-year time difference between each ride. Disneyland’s Splash Mountain opened in July 1989, while Walt Disney World’s ® version opened in October 1992.
The Similarities:
- On both rides, you follow the story of Brer Rabbit and his attempt to escape from Brer Fox. The attempt results in Brer Fox throwing Brer Rabbit, and you down the waterfall into the Briar Patch.
- They both have intense drops, one more intense than the other but still intense!
The Differences:
- Walt Disney World’s ® Splash Mountain seats riders in on a flume ride, while the ride at Disneyland has guests sitting in a single file line. This is the biggest difference between the rides. The Orlando version allows more people to ride the ride at once, which usually translates to shorter wait times.
- In addition to the side-by-side seating in Orlando, the version also has special effects such as Brer Rabbit hopping away. The Disneyland ride does not have such audio animatronics.
- Disneyland’s version of Splash Mountain is typically wetter than Disney World’s ®. That means during the drop and splash down at the bottom, guests will get a bigger splash than in Central Florida. Depending on your preferences, you may find this appealing. You can, however escape the soaking at Disneyland if you sit in the back three rows.
- Walt Disney World’s ® version moves a little slower through the scenes than Disneyland’s does.
- Disneyland’s final drop is sharper and at a bit more of an angle.
- At Walt Disney World ® guests can enjoy a much longer queue than in California. In fact, it seems to go on for days compared to Disneyland’s with Brer Frog providing a bit of a back-story while you wait. The storyline is also easier to understand than the original Disneyland version.
There you have it! Which one do you prefer? To try Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World ® look for discounted tickets right here on Best of Orlando.
Orlando, FL – 05/22/14
By: Jena Pugh
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