Matterhorn's line entrances?

[Timchat2]

It's been almost fifteen years since I've been to Disneyland, but I remember Matterhorn having two separate lines for each of the two tracks on the mountain.

Where are the entrances for each of these lines? Does one tend to be shorter than the other or do they generally stay the same length most of the time? Do they ever run just one side?

 

[TechGuy]

There are two lines and they wrap around the base of the mountain. The lines come together at the back of the mountain.

I don't know about a side preference. I think the ride is slight different the two sides.

 

[DisneyWhiz]

Yes, on busy days there are two lines.
The first is in the Tomorrowland side of the mountain, across from Finding Nemo's Submarine Voyage. The second is in the Fantasyland side, across from Alice in Wonderland.
I was just at Disneyland today, and the Fantasyland line was shorter, but that could've just been today.

If the park isn't busy, there will probably only be the one line at the Tomorrowland side.

 

[HydroGuy]

The FL side is the one people see first and to get to the TL side you have to go all the way around back. The TL side tends to be a little shorter. Especially in the morning.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

IMO the FL side is smoother and less bumpy than TL side.

 

[specialks]

I have never seen both lines because our 2 trips have been during Sept off-peak times. The one that has always been open is the TL side one. So, if you are going during an offpeak time don't count on 2 lines being open.

 

[NewbieMouse]

Any thoughts on which line's ride is "tamer"? Taking dd's 5 and 6 and don't want to freak them out completely.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

Any thoughts on which line's ride is "tamer"? Taking dd's 5 and 6 and don't want to freak them out completely.

I would take them on the FL side first. IMO it's much smoother and doesn't hurt my back as much.

 

[Mugglemama]

Any thoughts on which line's ride is "tamer"? Taking dd's 5 and 6 and don't want to freak them out completely.

Both sides have equal abominable snowman exposure, and it seems to me that the amount of time spent in the dark is nearly equal for both sides, as well.

Check YouTube. There are several Matterhorn videos, and there's even one that shows the entire ride, both sides of the ride, side-by-side (at least, there used to be.).

 

[iheartdisney]

Yes, on busy days there are two lines.
The first is in the Tomorrowland side of the mountain, across from Finding Nemo's Submarine Voyage. The second is in the Fantasyland side, across from Alice in Wonderland.
I was just at Disneyland today, and the Fantasyland line was shorter, but that could've just been today.

If the park isn't busy, there will probably only be the one line at the Tomorrowland side.

Except on REALLY busy days, when there is one line, and they split it into the seperate lines when you get up to that point.
FYI- I think Matterhorn is the fastest loading coaster ever! The signs posted said 35 minutes, and it was about halfway around the mountain. I set the stopwatch on my cell phone, and it ended up being 17 minutes. So don't let a big number scare you!

 

[Timchat2]

Are both sides running when the park opens on what will likely be a busy day (like the middle of summer or peak holidays)?

 

[DisneyWhiz]

FYI- I think Matterhorn is the fastest loading coaster ever! The signs posted said 35 minutes, and it was about halfway around the mountain. I set the stopwatch on my cell phone, and it ended up being 17 minutes. So don't let a big number scare you!

I'd actually give that award to Big Thunder Mountain. The line is almost always moving, 45 people fit on a train, and there are usually four or so trains on the track. But yeah, Matterhorn is pretty fast too

 

[sahbushka]

The two sides are different. The FL side is smoother, slower, and a bit longer of a ride whereas the TL side is faster, jerkier and a bit shorter.

SarahMay

 

[HydroGuy]

Are both sides running when the park opens on what will likely be a busy day (like the middle of summer or peak holidays)?

Yep!

The only times I have not seen both sides running is when they close Fantasyland side line because it interferes with the parade route there. They often just keep it closed all evening because that is easier. In which case the Tomorrowland side line is the only line but feeds both the FL and TL sides of the ride.

 

[NewbieMouse]

The two sides are different. The FL side is smoother, slower, and a bit longer of a ride whereas the TL side is faster, jerkier and a bit shorter.

SarahMay

Thanks for that. We'll try the FL side, and then I can gauge whether Indy would be advisable or not