History of Splash Mountain in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

Splash Mountain is a log flume ride formerly located at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, with a current version at Tokyo Disneyland. Based on the animated segments of Disney's 1946 film Song of the South, the ride combines a leisurely float-through with dark ride elements and culminates in a significant 52.5-foot drop. Its narrative and theming draw heavily from the movie, creating a memorable, albeit now re-themed, experience for park visitors.

1946: Song of the South release

In 1946, Disney's film "Song of the South" was released, and the animated sequences from this film served as the basis for the Splash Mountain attraction.

1955: Original park cost

In 1955, the original park cost $17 million to build, which translates to around $80 million in 1987.

1972: Country Bear Jamboree opening

In 1972, Country Bear Jamboree opened at Disneyland, which led to the addition of a gift shop, the land becoming the basis for the creation of Splash Mountain in 1983.

1974: America Sings opening

In 1974, America Sings opened at Disneyland, which led to the Audio-Animatronics figures being used for Splash Mountain in 1983.

1983: Splash Mountain Concept Originated

In 1983, Imagineer Tony Baxter originally conceived the idea for Splash Mountain to revitalize Bear Country in Disneyland.

1984: Splash film released

In 1984, the film "Splash" was released, leading to studio executives suggesting the Imagineers include Daryl Hannah's mermaid character in the ride.

January 1987: Plans to build the ride unveiled

In January 1987, plans to build Splash Mountain were unveiled, with Disney officials stating that they did not expect criticism for the ride's Song of the South theming.

April 1988: America Sings Closes

In April 1988, America Sings closed, and the character figures from the attraction were used to recover from Splash Mountain going over budget.

1988: America Sings closing

In 1988, America Sings closed at Disneyland, which led to the Audio-Animatronics figures being used for Splash Mountain in 1983.

January 1989: Delayed Opening

In January 1989, the opening of Splash Mountain was originally planned, but it was delayed to mid-February due to technical issues.

July 1989: Disneyland Splash Mountain Opens

In July 1989, the original Splash Mountain attraction opened at Disneyland.

July 17, 1989: Disneyland Opening

On July 17, 1989, Splash Mountain officially opened at Disneyland, and a television special called "Ernest Goes to Splash Mountain" was created to celebrate the opening.

January 14, 1990: Addition to Magic Kingdom

On January 14, 1990, Disney announced that Splash Mountain would be added to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

November 1990: Photo Camera Plans

In November 1990, plans were unveiled to install a camera that took photos of guests as they went down the final drop.

1991: Construction Began

In 1991, construction began for the Splash Mountain attractions at Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland.

July 17, 1992: Soft Openings Began

On July 17, 1992, soft openings for Splash Mountain began at Magic Kingdom.

October 1992: Official Openings

In October 1992, both the Tokyo Disneyland (October 1) and Magic Kingdom (October 2) versions of Splash Mountain officially opened.

October 1992: Tokyo Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Versions Open

In October 1992, the Tokyo Disneyland and Magic Kingdom versions of Splash Mountain both opened.

2001: Country Bear Jamboree closing

In 2001, Country Bear Jamboree closed after having been open since 1972, but the attraction and gift shop led to the creation of Splash Mountain in 1983.

2003: "The Official Album/Where Magic Lives" released

In 2003, "The Official Album/Where Magic Lives" was released, featuring the Splash Mountain soundtrack found at Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland.

2009: The Princess and the Frog Release

In 2009, "The Princess and the Frog" film was released, which would later inspire the retheme of Splash Mountain.

January 2011: Lap Bars Installed

In January 2011, the Magic Kingdom location of Splash Mountain received lap bars for its ride vehicles, while Tokyo Disneyland received individual lap bars.

2018: New Sponsorship

During the 2018 season, the Magic Kingdom location of Splash Mountain received a new sponsorship from Ziploc, who created custom plastic bags to protect belongings for guests who rode the attraction.

2019: Retheme Project Began

In 2019, prior to online petitions, Disney began developing the project to retheme Splash Mountain.

June 2020: Retheme Announcement

In June 2020, it was announced that the Disneyland and Magic Kingdom attractions would be rethemed based on the 2009 film "The Princess and the Frog."

June 2020: Announcement of Retheme

In June 2020, the retheming of the U.S. versions of Splash Mountain was announced, with a new theme based on Disney's 2009 film "The Princess and the Frog."

August 2021: New Artwork Revealed

In August 2021, new artwork and details for the Splash Mountain retheme were revealed.

July 2022: Tiana's Bayou Adventure Title Reveal

In July 2022, it was announced that the new ride would be called Tiana's Bayou Adventure, with an opening date of "late 2024" at both parks.

August 31, 2022: End of Get Wet MAX Event

On August 31, 2022, the Splash Mountain "Get Wet MAX" event at Tokyo Disneyland concluded, during which guests got more soaked than usual.

December 2022: Closure Announcement and Artwork Reveal

In December 2022, new artwork was unveiled, and it was announced that the Magic Kingdom version of Splash Mountain would close on January 23, 2023.

January 23, 2023: Magic Kingdom Splash Mountain Closes

On January 23, 2023, the Magic Kingdom version of Splash Mountain officially closed in preparation for its retheme.

April 2023: New Audio-Animatronics Figures

In April 2023, it was announced that Tiana's Bayou Adventure would include new Audio-Animatronics figures, and that the Disneyland version of Splash Mountain would close on May 31, 2023.