DISNEYLAND’S EXPANSION : Trouble in Paradise

Not all of Disneyland’s rides and attractions have been raging successes. There were the Phantom Boats--finned fiberglass boats, a forerunner to today’s motorboat ride in Fantasyland. They often broke down and had to be towed to the dock. And even Splash Mountain, the now popular flume ride (right) had problems. It was months late, millions over budget. Disney fired the official in charge of the ride’s planning and was sued for wrongful discharge. When the ride finally opened, it had to be reworked extensively because guests got soaked during the big plunge.