Ride similar to Matterhorn?

[Isatricia]

My 9 yr old asked me this evening if there is a ride like the Matterhorn at WDW? I have never been to WDW, but have been to DL many times. We took the girls in 2012 to DL and the Matterhorn was down for refurbishment. So, is there anything like it?

 

[egile]

Space mountain?

 

[Isatricia]

DL has Space Mountain. Matterhorn is different.

 

[DOOM1001]

You could say Matterhorn is somewhat a combination of space mountain with the similar bobsled style cars and Expedition Everest since it also has a mountain with a yeti.

 

[L&Lfan]

Imo, Matterhorn is unique. Expedition Everest has a similar "theme" and features a yeti, but the ride vehicles and sights are completely different. So, bottom line, imo, WDW has nothing similar to DL' s Matterhorn.

 

[Crystal824]

There is nothing at WDW like the Matterhorn. The closest would be EE because of the theme but the ride is completely different.

 

[rwdavis2]

Nothing at all like Matterhorn.

 

[mom2rtk]

I agree Matterhorn is nothing like EE except the presence of the Yeti.

I get the comparison to Space though. The version of Space at WDW is rougher than Space at DLR. So while the theming is nothing alike, there are some similarities in how it "feels".

 

[rwdavis2]

I agree Matterhorn is nothing like EE except the presence of the Yeti.

I get the comparison to Space though. The version of Space at WDW is rougher than Space at DLR. So while the theming is nothing alike, there are some similarities in how it "feels".

Yep. I felt like a shaken martini after riding the Matterhorn. A lot like SM at the Magic Kingdom in that respect.

 

[larryz]

Matterhorn has the distinction of being the "great-grandaddy" of ALL tubular steel roller coasters. It's unique -- there's nothing else like it anywhere.

The closest you're going to get is EE or BTMRR... and there, only in concept of "coaster thru the mountain." The seating is completely different.

 

[egile]

Yep. I felt like a shaken martini after riding the Matterhorn. A lot like SM at the Magic Kingdom in that respect.

I was thinking along these lines, not thematically. The other posters are right that thematically, there's nothing like Matterhorn at WDW. But I do think that the ride mechanics of SM at WDW come closest to Matterhorn.

 

[Baptist]

Why would you want anything like the Matterhorn anyway (maybe except for nostalgic reasons)? I think that coaster is too jerky and not really that fun. 7DMT, EE, SM, BTMR, and RNRC are much more fun in my opinion.

 

[Isatricia]

Thanks

I like the Matterhorn for nostalgia. I remember riding it many times growing up. DD loves roller coasters of all types and feels like she missed out because Matterhorn was closed when we were there. She has never been on it.

 

[jprieur]

If you are talking similar in theming the closest would be Expedition Everest, though obviously EE much wilder for a 9 year old.

If you are talking similar in 'feel' I would say Space Mountain, just the fact that the track construction and physics are of similar design. We are talking about 2 roller coasters where punch cards were used to calculate the track curvature since computer CAD programs were not yet available! and if you are talking what will feel most similar to your back, well honorable mention goes again to Space.

 

[DOOM1001]

If you are talking similar in 'feel' I would say Space Mountain, just the fact that the track construction and physics are of similar design. We are talking about 2 roller coasters where punch cards were used to calculate the track curvature since computer CAD programs were not yet available! and if you are talking what will feel most similar to your back, well honorable mention goes again to Space.

Hey cut it out,you're making me feel old,WDW's Space Mountain is only like 9 months older than me.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks

I like the Matterhorn for nostalgia. I remember riding it many times growing up. DD loves roller coasters of all types and feels like she missed out because Matterhorn was closed when we were there. She has never been on it.

Like your daughter I always thought I was missing out because the Matterhorn was closed for refurb every single time we visited DL when I was a kid. I finally rode it in my 20's and realized that although there are fun aspects about it - and some nostalgia too just because it was like the golden grail I finally achieved - it does show it's age and was a bit disappointing in that regard. Of course the single lap belt that went over hooks at that time made things fairly thrilling! For feel hit Space Mt at WDW and for theme I'd say EE is the closest at WDW but otherwise nothing close enough to compare.

 

[bumbershoot]

DL has Space Mountain. Matterhorn is different.

Space at wdw is a totally different ride as at DL. That's why people are saying it. Space at wdw is very much like Matterhorn in terms of what the ride is like in the vehicle and what it does to your body. DL's is totally different in everything but theming.

Both wdw space and Matterhorn make many feel like they were simply thrown down a mountain not put on a roller coaster.

If you are talking similar in theming the closest would be Expedition Everest, though obviously EE much wilder for a 9 year old.

If you are talking similar in 'feel' I would say Space Mountain, just the fact that the track construction and physics are of similar design. We are talking about 2 roller coasters where punch cards were used to calculate the track curvature since computer CAD programs were not yet available! and if you are talking what will feel most similar to your back, well honorable mention goes again to Space.

Yes to both.

 

[Isatricia]

Wow, I am surprised to hear that SM in WDW is rough. We loved SM in DL because it was so smooth. Oh well, we will still have fun!

 

[jprieur]

Wow, I am surprised to hear that SM in WDW is rough. We loved SM in DL because it was so smooth. Oh well, we will still have fun!

You will absolutely still have fun. While SM in Disneyland is much smoother, I still prefer SM at WDW. The track has more of a random/wild profile with turns in both directions and some reasonable dips and peaks. Disneyland is just one giant descending turn.

For the best experience, ask for spots 1&2 when boarding - best seats on the rocket. Another tip, sit behind your son (so you can put your arms on/around him just in case he gets a little freaked/scared during the ride). I never found SM scary even in my younger years, but have seen many kids get a little freaked since you can't see where you are going.

 

[DOOM1001]

Space Mountain at MK is right up there on my list of favorite rides at WDW.I don't consider it too rough,I've been on real rough coasters and SM isn't even on the same charts when compared to those.It's fun and not seeing where you're going makes for a wild ride.I know I could ride it over and over without issue,I would never say that about coasters that are truly rough.