Why Did Disney Close Splash Mountain?
A Look Back at the History of Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain is one of the most iconic and beloved attractions at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Florida. Opened in 1989, it has been a staple of the park ever since. However, in 2020, Splash Mountain was closed for an extended period, leaving many fans wondering why. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the closure of Splash Mountain and what it means for the future of the attraction.
A Brief History of Splash Mountain
- Original Concept: Splash Mountain was originally conceived as a log flume ride, inspired by the classic Disney attraction "It’s a Small World."
- Design and Construction: The ride was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and built by Arrow Dynamics, a company that specializes in water park attractions.
- Opening Day: Splash Mountain opened on August 21, 1989, as a single attraction in the Magic Kingdom.
The Closure of Splash Mountain
- Reasons for Closure: The closure of Splash Mountain was announced in November 2019, and it was initially expected to be temporary.
- Reasons for Closure: The main reasons for the closure were:
- Cost: The cost of maintaining and updating the ride was deemed too high.
- Safety Concerns: There were concerns about the ride’s safety, particularly with regards to the potential for injuries from the ride’s steep drop and water features.
- Technical Issues: The ride’s technology was also deemed outdated, and it was decided that it was not worth investing in new systems.
- Impact on Fans: The closure of Splash Mountain was met with widespread disappointment from fans, who had grown to love the ride over the years.
The Impact on the Magic Kingdom
- Impact on Other Attractions: The closure of Splash Mountain had a ripple effect throughout the Magic Kingdom, with other attractions also being affected.
- Impact on Employee Morale: The closure of Splash Mountain was also seen as a blow to the morale of the employees who worked on the ride.
- Future Plans: The closure of Splash Mountain has led to speculation about what the future holds for the attraction.
A Look Back at the Ride’s History
- Original Stats: When Splash Mountain opened in 1989, it was the second most popular attraction in the Magic Kingdom, after Space Mountain.
- Ride Stats: The ride has a height requirement of 40 inches and a speed of 45 miles per hour.
- Water Features: The ride features a 5-story drop, a 30-foot drop, and a 90-foot drop.
A Comparison to Other Attractions
- Comparison to Other Log Flume Rides: Splash Mountain is one of the few log flume rides in the world that features a 5-story drop.
- Comparison to Other Water Rides: Splash Mountain is one of the few water rides in the world that features a 90-foot drop.
The Future of Splash Mountain
- New Attractions: The closure of Splash Mountain has led to speculation about what new attractions might be added to the park.
- Ride Renovations: The park has announced plans to renovate the ride, which is expected to be completed in the near future.
- Reopening: The park has announced that Splash Mountain will reopen in the near future, although no official date has been announced.
Conclusion
- Conclusion: The closure of Splash Mountain was a significant event that had a ripple effect throughout the Magic Kingdom.
- Conclusion: The reasons behind the closure of Splash Mountain were complex and multifaceted, and it is likely that the park will continue to evolve and change in the future.
Table: Ride Stats
| Ride Stat | Splash Mountain |
|---|---|
| Height Requirement | 40 inches |
| Speed | 45 miles per hour |
| Drop Height | 5 stories (90 feet) |
| Drop Length | 90 feet |
| Water Features | 5-story drop, 30-foot drop |
Bullet List: Reasons for Closure
- Cost: The cost of maintaining and updating the ride was deemed too high.
- Safety Concerns: There were concerns about the ride’s safety, particularly with regards to the potential for injuries from the ride’s steep drop and water features.
- Technical Issues: The ride’s technology was also deemed outdated, and it was decided that it was not worth investing in new systems.