Splash Mountain was conceived by Imagineer Tony Baxter in 1983. It’s a log flume style ride that was Disney-find with classic Disney music and their state of the art audio-animatronics.

The plot behind Splash Mountain is based on the 1946 animated Disney film Song of the South. It follows Br’er Rabbit who leaves his home in search of adventure, but encounters Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox who are determined to catch him.

When Br’er Fox does eventually catch Br’er Rabbit this is when we follow him down the 52 foot drop into the briar patch.

Br’er Rabbit escapes uninjured and the other animals rejoice to have him back home safe and sound.

This fan favorite attraction opened in Disneyland California in 1989, and then in Tokyo Disneyland and here in Florida’s Magic Kingdom in 1992. There was a fourth version of the attraction scheduled for Disneyland Paris but was scrapped due to budget reasons and the colder weather in Europe.

Back in June 2020 it was accounted that the versions in California and Florida would be re-themed and based on the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog.

Currently there is no official date set for when these changes will be made and with many other planned refurbishments on hold it may be a little while before this change takes place.

To mark this imminent change, friend and fellow collector Don Cade created a special pressed penny. This design shows Br’er Rabbit “Leaving The Laughing Place”. The details on this are really great and I think this is a wonderful way for us to commemorate this iconic attraction.

As sad as I am to see some of these iconic characters like Br’er Rabbit, Bear and Fox head off into retirement, I understand the need for change and to progress forward. The Princess and the Frog movie is one I didn’t immediately watch when it came out, but once I did see it, that movie has quickly become one of my favorites. I can’t wait to see how it’s translated into this attraction. Fingers crossed when it does get completed we will find plenty new pressed penny designs, and maybe even a beignet stand. I don’t about you but that sounds pretty great to me.

Take care everyone and remember to have a Zip-a-dee-doo-dah day!

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