The Lap Bar at Splash Mountain

No, it's not that kind of a bar

- by Bob McLain, January 23, 2011

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If you're like me, you dislike restraints.

I'm not talking about handcuffs or the restraints in use at mental institutions. (Please, let's not talk about those, okay?)

I'm talking about the restraints on rides at theme parks.

In a few rare cases, such as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, I understand. But Splash Mountain? I've been comin' down the mountain for years and not once have I felt like I might fall out.

But Disney isn't worried about guests falling out of the logs as they plummet down Splash Mountain. Its rationale - unofficial - for adding lap restraints to the logs at Splash Mountain is to prevent imbeciles from wandering around the attraction during ride stoppages.

I've not yet seen anyone drunk or stupid enough to leave their log. But people do it. And thanks, partly, to them, the ride experience at Splash Mountain will soon include one of those familiar bars nestled uncomfortably on your lap.

What are the consequences?

A lengthier wait time, mostly. It'll take Cast Members a few extra seconds to ensure that the lap bars are in place before they let loose the log. Cast Members, of course, enjoy this additional step. They love tugging on lap bars.

In the past, three smaller people (typically two adults and a child) could squeeze into one of the rows on the log. Now, with the lap bars, only two people may ride in each row, no matter their size. Will guests argue about that? Sure.

Not so bad, really. I can live with it.

By the way, there's no truth to the rumor that Disney will have armed 'log marshals' aboard random logs to make sure folks don't wriggle free from their lap bars and try to pose for a doofus picture with Brer Bear.

Snipers armed with tranquilizer darts in the briar patch?

Well, yeah, that one's true...

Don't stop there! More Tidings Await...