Matterhorn

[Momof2]

Can someone describe the Matterhorn ride to me. Trying to plan ahead which rides I'll be brave enough to try. Is it at all like Space Mountain? Thanks.

 

[DisneyOhio]

I have never been there but I know that it careens through the mountain and the speed is based on the weight of the passengers in your car. It was the first steel roller coaster though it doesn't get much credit for it. You have a better sense of direction than on SM because it isn't in complete darkness. I'm not an expert but this is what I do know.



EVAN

My opinions may not be popular, but dude I don't care!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>The Matterhorn Bobsleds take 4 people per car, and there are two cars hooked together. You sit two to a seat, one behind the other. There are two tracks, and the one on the Fantasyland side is a bit smoother, in my opinion. The bobsleds go up about a third or halfway up the mountain, then they race down on steel tracks, winding their way back down the mountain, going through the mountain and outside, too.

It's a fun ride, and fast, though not nearly as fast as today's rollercoasters. My dd went on it when she was 3 yrs old, and liked it. There are no real dips on it, although on the Tomorrowland side there is a tiny dip.

My favorite time to ride this is at night, when Disneyland is all lit up.

I'd say to at least try this once, before deciding if you want to miss it next time.

 

[tiggeroo42]

It's not scary at all! It's more bumpy than anything. The bobsleds look like they're moving very fast, but when you actually get on the ride, it's not that fast at all. Definitely not like Space Mountain.

I think the close seating arrangement will comfort you if you're scared. Try to sit in the "middle" of the bobsled. Watch out for the abominable snowman!

 

[Momof2]

Thanks for the replies. I am truly a ride wimp, but sounds like I might be able to do this.

 

[MarkRG]

Space Mountain is nastier, by far. This is one those coasters with lots of plant you in the seat banked turns, with a little zig-zaggyness thrown in. I'd compare it to a coaster that's being retired by me this year called Willard's Whizzer. Which is the only coaster I will ride at Six Flag's(Mariott's when they put the coaster in) Great America. And I am definitely a coaster wimp.

 

[tinagirl]

Just so you know there are differences between the tracks.

The left side is faster and shorter, while the right is smoother, slower, and has more track length. If you're afraid, try right first, then go for the left.

Little Known Fact:
There is a Basketball court inside the Matterhorn! Talk about taking it to the rim of the mountain.

All my best
~Tina

 

[Kaelyn]

As I remember it, the matterhorn is very mild but very interesting. It is one of my favorite rides at DL and was even as a child when I was scared to death of Space Moutain. Don't miss it. Especially on a hot day, it is really nice to swing around and feel the air as you move through the mountain. If you can take Splash Mountain, the Matterhorn will be a breeze.

 

[Captain_Nemo]

The Matterhorn bobsleds were built in 1959, well before the big-dropping-stomach-turning coasters like space mountain came into fashion. It is a bumpy ride, but not so bumpy that you feel like its going to come off the track. In fact, real bobsleds are probably as bumpy. I don't know if that was intended, or just a result of the technology of the time.

Go ahead and ride it, I think you will like it!

BTW- Bobsleds got their name because you got into the sled, and then had to bob up and down to start the sled moving . Later on they allowed you to push start the sled and then jump in.

 

[tinagirl]

Just remember that the Matterhorn was one of the first steel coasters built. Previously wooden coasters ruled. Everything from Space Mountain to Rock & Roller Coaster (MGM) and nearly every Six Flags coaster, owes some history to this magnificent mountain.

All my best
~Tina

 

[Momof2]

Just back - and I did it. I found the Matterhorn much more enjoyable than Space Mountain - probably because I wasn't scared to death! The rest of my family found it a little slow. Unfortunately, the line for the Matterhorn was always very long, and it doesn't have fastpass, so we only did it one time.

 

[scanmom]

The Matterhorn was THE FIRST coaster to use the tubular steel tracks that we see so much of today! Disney was always on the cutting edge, and I think still is today! To answer your ? though, the matterhorn is very tame. I took my 3 y/o sis on it....she rode 3 times!!! Have a great trip!