JMcMahonEsq
Well-Known Member
I have to agree. I had similar experiences at Hershey park with their flume ride not being close to as popular as SM or the other rides there.I've seen multiple people say this and I don't think the data backs it up, although I could be mistaken.
The drop is definitely part of the appeal, but I don't think it would get the wait times it gets if it was just a log flume with bare minimum theming. Last time I was at the Magic Kingdom, Splash had the second longest wait in the park behind 7DMT, and this was in January when it wasn't even hot. The last time I was at Universal, neither of the log flume rides were among the busiest rides at Islands of Adventure. Jurassic Park did have a longer wait than Ripsaw Falls, though, and I'm guessing the more elaborate theming is a big part of that.
Obviously just a personal opinion but I enjoyed Splash in spite of the drop. When I finally begrudgingly rode splash for the first time back in 16, I was shocked at how amazing the animatronics and the "ride" portion of the ride was. I had always thought it was just a big drop, and didn't realize how much more the ride offered. That's why I am hopefully for the conversion. I love Navi River, but echo most of the complaints i have heard with it being too short. They have a chance with this ride to really build out a great dark water ride....which then has a big drop. If we get Navi...but over the length of the Splash Mountain ride, it will be one of the best attractions out there. If we get Frozen.....well, the drop is still going to get people there, but I don't think the Princess and Frog IP is as strong as Frozen to still have kids clamoring for the ride.