As we continue moving to the west, we come upon Splash Mountain, one of my favorite attractions. Of course, what always gets pictured is the big drop at the front of the mountain, but the attraction is much more than just the one drop. One time just after Splash Mountain opened, I tried my hardest to convice a guy that it really was a calm ride for the most part, and the drop was just about one tenth of the total experience, but I never could get him on it. I enjoy the music through the ride, which is much different than the music used at Disneyland. And I always enjoy being in the middle of the Uncle Remus stories.

This picture was taken during the summer of 1992, as construction of Splash Mountain was nearing completion. Either they hadn't started running the water yet or they had drained it all out. You can see a log waiting at the top of the drop, as well as two others at the bottom of the picture.

Next to Splash Mountain is the Frontierland Station of the Walt Disney World Railroad. This new station was built during the construction of Splash Mountain, since the mountain sits on the location of the original Frontierland Station. You may remember seeing a picture of the old station in our story on Walt Disney World celebrations a while back. I think this new station has a more rustic feel to it.

Another shot of Frontierland Station seen from Big Thunder Mountain.

Past Frontierland Station is Big Thunder Mountain, which opened in 1980. It may not be as fast as the Rock N Roller Coaster, but it is still quite a fun ride. Nighttime provides a completely different experience, especially if you plan it so that you are riding during the fireworks. The shot above shows the Big Thunder Mining Company, which is the entrance to the attraction. Of interesting note is that this version of the ride starts out at the bottom of a hill and takes you up, so that you walk down into the mine to board. At Disneyland, the ride starts off on top of a hill.

Across from Splash Mountain is the landing for the rafts to Tom Sawyer Island. I always enjoy spending time on the island, exploring the caves and the fort. Mornings are especially good times to go, because the crowds are smaller and the temperatures are cooler. This is a good view of Harper's Mill on Tom Sawyer Island as seen from the Frontierland walkway.

Tom Sawyer Island provides some excellent views across the river, such as this one of Big Thunder Mountain. Also in this picture is one of the Keelboats, which no longer operate.

Here is another view from the island, this time of the entrance to Big Thunder Mountain. Big Thunder Mountain got it's name from an American Indian legend, which said that the mountain thundered whenever men removed it's gold. If you listen closely, you can hear the thunder, or a dynamite blast, just before the train comes out of the mountain.

- Story and Photos by Steve Burns
Posted

Steve is a three-time Disney Store National Trivia finalist and webmaster of BurnsLand, home of Steve's Disney Railroad Adventures.

E-mail Steve at steve@startedbyamouse.com, discuss this article in the StartedByAMouse.com Disney Discussion Forums or use the Talkback feature below.

We Were Started By A Mouse Too!  •  When In Cyberspace ... Disney Link Directory  •  

  •  Purchase Walt Disney World Tickets here - DISNEY TICKETS via DWTickets.com  •  

  •  Receive discounts on ORLANDO VACATION HOMES near Disney World from OrlandoVacation.com  •