I vividly remember standing in line by myself in the early days, since my mom and dad refused to go on it way back when, could be due to the 3 hour wait. I loved it that much.
I traveled to Disney a few times there after never skimping out on this gem, always waiting the full queue.
I interviewed to work for Disney in 2002. When asked what my favorite ride was, there was no hesitations.
I got the job, and traveled on an unforgettable journey to Orlando not knowing a single detail of where I'd be working.
I was assigned to none other than... Splash Mountain.
In the first week, I rode that attraction 60 times. No joke... It was a training I'll never forget. I cried, I laughed, I cried. I never thought I would "get" it. Before long, I knew that attraction like the back of my hand... all 3 lifts, 5 drops, 15 doors, 36 cameras, and a multitude of animatronic friends. The songs How Do You Do, Laughing Place, and Zip A Dee Do Dah are engraved in my memory. I am familiar with all hidden Mickeys.
I learned the stupid things people did on this ride and saved many lives. I also learned the power of a magical moment. I learned that when a little girl dressed as Tink says that Tinker Bell is in her clasped hands, she really is... I learned the true meaning of what 40 inches is, try telling a kid who is 39 inches they can't go on... I learned that a Make A Wish kid comes before any other kid... I learned the phrase "2 feet and a cheek" would be the best form of advice when working... I learned to answer, "yes, you may get wet on this ride!" with a smirk.
Besides all the wonderful people I met on that ride, above all and most importantly, I met a boy. The boy that started out as my friend, soon after my boyfriend, a while after that my fiance, and then my husband. One day, we will take our kids there, and let them know that this is where their parents met. (when they are 40 inches tall, of course)
I am apart of the Splash Mountain legacy, I have a hand print on the wall there. (never mind that it has since been painted over!) It's there in my heart.
Splash Mountain will always bring back many memories, perhaps more than anything else in my life. I am grateful for the Imagineers who imagined it.
So Happy 20th Birthday Splash!!
