Fact or Fiction - Matterhorn Bobsleds

[Tink33]

I have read that the Matterhorn Track at Disneyland and the Space Mountain Track at WDW Magic Kingdom are identical. Does anyone know?

Here are a few Matterhorn facts

1. The attraction opened in June 1959.

2. It is based on the Disney film "Third Man on the Mountain".

3. Each track is a different experience.

4. There was/is a basketball court inside the Matterhorn.

5. Tinkerbell starts her flight from the top of the Matterhorn.

6. The yeti is nicknamed "Harold".

7. The track is tubular and runs on air pressure.

Add your own facts.

 

[crcormier]

Been a long time since I've been to DL. I dont' remember. Just another reason to go back!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

The line on the left side moves more quickly and the ride is faster. The line on the right moves more slowly and the ride is not as fast and you can take in the views a little bit longer! We liked both sides, but found the left one to be more fun!

 

[got2travel]

The SM track didn't feel like the Matterhorn track, but then again I wasn't trying to compare. This is the first I've heard of this theory.

Another thing about Matterhorn, don't ride if its windy outside, unless you are using it as a replacement for Splash Mountain. There are several waterfalls on the side of the mountain that you usually just speed past. Well, if its windy, the water gets blown directly onto the track. We got soaked this past weekend.

Also, I've heard that there will be a new flight track (or effect) for Tinkerbell. I'm not sure if she will still fly from Matterhorn. The old line she flew on has already been taken down.

 

[grinningghost]

Since I've never been to DL, I'm really looking forward to riding this. It's so legendary and I really thought I never would ride it - it's kind of like - pinch me, because it can't be real.

 

[jxgriffi]

I have read that the Matterhorn Track at Disneyland and the Space Mountain Track at WDW Magic Kingdom are identical. Does anyone know?

From what I remember, no they are not identical. They are close, but the two are different.

Here are a few Matterhorn facts

Ok, let's start....

1. The attraction opened in June 1959.

I believe this is correct....

2. It is based on the Disney film "Third Man on the Mountain".

Very true....

3. Each track is a different experience.

Abosolutely...TL side has a drop (not a big one, but bigger than the FL side)
FL side is great for new coaster beginners (my DS7 wants to ride the next time we are there)

4. There was/is a basketball court inside the Matterhorn.

Kinda true....basically, it's a basketball hoop hung on the interior wooden structure. Someone painted the free-throw line on the plywood floor. So, it's basically a half-court.

5. Tinkerbell starts her flight from the top of the Matterhorn.

Yes...before the 50th, she was "thrown" from the very top of the mountain and landed safely in the "mattress" between Big Thunder and Village Haus.

For the 50th, she will have a new path, but will still go back and forth between the Matterhorn and Big Thunder/Village Haus.

6. The yeti is nicknamed "Harold".

He has several nicknames, but Harold is the most common.

7. The track is tubular and runs on air pressure.

Yes, it was the first tubular steel roller-coaster. The rails are pressurized with sensors along various points of the track. If the system loses pressure, the ride will shut down.

That was fun...