Splash Mountain Water Effect Remains Broken For Months - Inside the Magic

At Walt Disney World Resort, one of the reasons that Guests love all of the theme parks is for the amazing attractions that are fluttered with immense details and amazing technology. But because there is so much going on, that means there is more of a chance that something may go wrong.

With so many moving parts on each attraction, it is so easy for some aspects to sometimes not function correctly. Typically, this means something very small is missing, but instead of closing the attraction, Disney just allows it to run for the day and will fix it later. A lot of the time, this could mean an animatronic not making a specific movement, but for a Guest who has never been on the attraction, they would likely never notice.

At Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain has a ton of animatronics, and is getting ready to eventually turn into a Princess and the Frog-based attraction. Until Disney announces that closure, however, Guests can continue to watch Br’er Rabbit and his adventures. During one of the scenes in the Laughing Place, Guests typically go under jumping water fountains that are shooting up from lily pads rock formations, but we have noticed that for the past few months, they have never been functioning while we ride.

There is a chance that this issue has not lasted months, but from our experience, it seems very possible that it might have. Earlier this year, in January, we saw the water effect working, but since the summer we have never seen it work while riding. Disney does turn off specific water effects depending on the cool temperatures to ensure that Guests are not soaking. Still, this feature left Guests very dry and was purely for aesthetic, so it would not fall under that category.

Related: Will Princess Tiana Be Human or Frog in Splash Mountain?

One speculation could be that the water effect needs maintenance, but since the ride will be changed over eventually, Disney may be waiting for that big refurbishment to make the adjustment. For now, we will have to wait and see what comes of the fun jumping water scene in Splash Mountain!

Disney describes the attraction as: 

A Hare-Raising Ride
Gently drift through a colorful Southern bayou along with happy-go-lucky Br’er Rabbit as he looks for his “laughing place.” But be warned: Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox are in hot pursuit of this wayward hare.

Glide by over 100 adorable Audio-Animatronics geese, frogs, raccoons, possums, bees, alligators and other down-home critters as they sing classic Disney ditties, including “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” and “Ev’rybody’s Got a Laughing Place.”

Then hang on to your hats—this delightful musical cruise ends in an exciting 5-story splashdown into a thorny Briar Patch!

You Will Get Wet
This attraction includes 950,000 gallons of water, 3 dips and a 5-story drop. Where you’re seated will determine how wet you’ll get. Riders in the back may experience a sudden splash or spray; those who opt for the front can expect to get soaked.

For Guests looking to ensure their personal items remain dry, lockers are available to rent near the Main Entrance.

An Alternative for Little Critters
Located near the Splash Mountain exit, the Laughin’ Place is a cheery play area designed for children under 40 inches tall who are too small to ride the attraction. Children must be supervised during their visit to the Laughin’ Place.

Are you a fan of Splash Mountain? Are you excited to see how Disney re-themes the attraction?

Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district!