Matterhorn Bobsleds
From MouseInfo
Squeeze into your bobsled and climb high into Matterhorn mountain for a thrilling journey down its icy slopes - watch out for the Abominable Snowman!
Contents |
Special Tips
| Location: | Fantasyland. |
|---|---|
| Ride Type: | Roller coaster. |
| Height Req.: | 35" (89 cm) or taller. |
| Fastpass: | No. |
| Single Rider: | No. |
| Child Swap: | Yes. |
| Avg. Wait*: | 30-45 minutes. |
| Ride Length: | 2 minutes. |
| Ride Capacity: | Up to 8 people per train. 2 people lap-sitting per row. Single seating can be requested. |
| Operating Hours: | Park opening to park closing. |
| *Wait times my vary widely on a number of factors including crowd levels, showtimes, and hour of the day. | |
- There are two lines for the Matterhorn which lead to two different stations. The tracks on both sides are completely different so if there’s time, try both sides!
- During parades, the queue on the western side of the mountain closes but the station does not. As such, the line on the eastern side feeds into both stations which shortens the wait time considerably.
- Two people may ride together in the same seat but you may also request to sit in a seat by yourself. When asked at the loading station for the number in your party, be sure to mention how many single riders there are. For instance, if all four people want to sit alone, be sure to mention that there are “four SINGLES” in your party, otherwise all four may be grouped into two seats.
- For a bumpier, more thrilling ride, wait in line on the eastern/Tomorrowland-side of the mountain. It’s about 30 seconds shorter than the western/Fantasyland-side which offers a smoother, more scenic ride.
- Ride the Matterhorn during the fireworks for a very different fireworks experience.
Fun Facts
- This attraction opened on June 14, 1959.
- This attraction can only be found at Disneyland in California.
- The Matterhorn was the first steel roller coaster to use cylindrical rails and polyurethane wheels, which are now used on most steel roller coasters.
- The Matterhorn stands tall at 147 feet; it is built at 1/100th scale of the real Matterhorn mountain which is 14,692 feet tall. Forced perspective is used to make the mountain look a lot taller than it really is.
- The Abominable Snowmen (affectionately and unofficially named Harold) were added in 1978.
- The Skyway cables that passed through the mountain were removed in 1994 and the holes were filled in. Parts of the holes, however, can still be seen if you look carefully enough.
- In the crystal cave, look for some hiking gear; a crate is marked “Wells Expedition” and is a tribute to Frank Wells, a former Disney COO who died in a helicopter accident in 1994.
- Watch for the mountain climbers that occasionally scale the Matterhorn's peak. They climb on the castle-side of the mountain.
- The body of water that the bobsleds splash into at the end of the ride is called Alpine Lake. However, the splashdown doesn't just provide a thrill. The water cools the braking mechanisms and also acts as a brake itself.
Safety and Accessibility
- Safety Considerations: For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride. Young children should be accompanied by an adult. This attraction contains strobe-lighting effects. Strobe-lighting effects are used throughout the Park, all uses may not be indicated.
- Wheelchair Accessible: No. Guests must be able to transfer from wheelchair or ECV to experience this attraction.
- Hearing Disability Services: No.
- Visual Disability Services: No.
- Service Animals: Not allowed.
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Attraction Details
Ever since Walt Disney filmed Third Man on the Mountain, he became intrigued with making the majestic Matterhorn into a ride for Disneyland. He decided to do a bobsled adventure down the mountain.
The Matterhorn originally served two purposes: it was an attraction and it hid the unsightly Skyway tower. Imagineers were skeptical at first to hear Walt wanted a Matterhorn sticking above Main Street, but Walt ended up getting his way.
The ride opened along with the Submarine Voyage and Disneyland Monorail as Disneyland's first expansion in Tomorrowland. The Matterhorn was one of the park's first E-Ticket attractions.
In 1970, the attraction was officially added into Fantasyland. The Yeti scenes were added in 1978 and the big open spaces in the ride were rethemed into smaller, icy caverns. The Skyway continued to travel through the mountain until 1994 when the ride was closed for good. Most of the Skyway holes were filled in, though you can still see the remnants of some of them if you look closely enough.
MI Community Contributions
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- Visit the MI Galleries for more photos of Matterhorn Bobsleds.
References
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