On August 19, 1989, Disney aired a half-hour special featuring Ernest P. Worrell as the very first person to ride Disneyland’s newest attraction — Splash Mountain. In classic Ernest style, he trained, panicked, and finally took the plunge… with no safety restraints. The ride became an instant classic, blending music, storytelling, and that unforgettable drop. Though it closed in 2023 for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Ernest’s fearless first ride remains Disney legend. | Did You Catch This?