How Steep Is Splash Mountain at Disney World?

Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is home to a variety of thrilling and exciting rides, one of which is the popular water flume ride, Splash Mountain. This ride is known for its steep drop, immersive storytelling, and engaging animatronics. But how steep is Splash Mountain’s drop exactly? Let’s dive in to find out!

The Steepness of Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain features a main drop that is 5 stories high, or approximately 50 feet, at a 45-degree angle. This steep plunge propels the ride’s log flume vehicles to speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. While the drop may seem intimidating to some, others might not find it as steep or intense as other rides.

To give you a better idea of what a 45-degree angle looks like, imagine standing in the corner of a room and looking up at the ceiling. The corner formed by the two walls is a 90-degree angle. A 45-degree angle is exactly half of that.

Comparing Splash Mountain to Other Disney World Rides

Compared to other popular rides in Disney World, Splash Mountain’s drop stands out. Space Mountain, another fan-favorite, features a steepest drop at a 39-degree angle, while Pirates of the Caribbean, known more for its immersive storytelling than its drops, has a much less steep drop of around 21 degrees. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, another thrilling ride, has several drops, but none as steep as Splash Mountain’s.

Unique Features of Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain combines steep drops with Disney’s best special effects. The ride features four main drops, with three smaller flume drops and a high-speed, smooth five-story drop down. The final drop is 52.5 feet tall and reaches speeds of up to 40 mph. The steepness of the drops varies across the three Splash Mountain locations (California, Florida, and Tokyo), creating different ride experiences depending on which one you ride.

Safety Measures on Splash Mountain

Despite its steepness, safety is a top priority on Splash Mountain. The ride has several safety measures in place, including height restrictions (guests must be at least 40 inches tall), health and safety advisories, and requirements for accompanying children. In 2011, lap bars were added to the ride vehicles to prevent riders from standing up or getting off before the end of the ride.

The Steepness and the Overall Experience

The steepness of Splash Mountain contributes to its thrilling ride experience. The sudden drop and the sensation of speed combine with the immersive storytelling to create a memorable ride. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the steepness and drops may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain health conditions or those who are not comfortable with heights or high speeds.

Splash Mountain Over the Years

The steepness of Splash Mountain has remained consistent since its inception, with the drop being 52.5 feet at a 45-degree angle. Although updates and refurbishments have been made over the years, none have affected the steepness of the drop.

Fun Facts About Splash Mountain’s Steepness

Did you know that the drop on Splash Mountain is equivalent to a 5-story drop? Or that the ride uses 950,000 gallons of water? These are just some of the fun facts related to the steepness and overall design of Splash Mountain.

Conclusion

Splash Mountain at Disney World offers a unique and thrilling ride experience with its steep 5-story drop. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a Disney fan looking for a fun and immersive ride, Splash Mountain is a must-try. Just remember to hold on tight during that 45-degree drop!

Remember that individual experiences may vary, and your comfort level with drops may influence how you perceive the steepness of Splash Mountain’s drop. Always adhere to the safety guidelines provided by Disney to ensure a fun and safe ride experience.