The Matterhorn - help me decide please

[pammypooh]

We are planning our first trip to DL and I am trying to decide if I can handle the Matterhorn. Would you describe it as a rollercoaster or is it more like the bobsleds start at the top and coast down the mountain?

Do you know how fast they actually go?

I should let you know that I did not handle Test Track at Epcot so well, and usuallly avoid coasters...but I have read that everyone loves Matterhorn.

Please give me some ride details.

Thank you for your input and advice!

Pam

 

[Maridw]

A quick question - Do you ride Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain? If you do then you will have no problem with the Matterhorn.
I love the Matterhorn and have been riding it since I was a kid. Even my daughter who isn't a big roller coaster fan, she does ride Space Mountain and for years would not ride Big Thunder Mountain, rides the Matterhorn.

I think you will like it. If you get a chance and decide to ride it, try it at night. I think it is even better then during the day.

Here is a link to some interesting facts about the Matterhorn.

Fun facts about the Matterhorn

 

[pammypooh]

Thanks for the cool link. I haven't done Space Mountain or BTM for about 10 years, but I really enjoy Splash Mountain at DW.

 

[Liz]

Just giving you my perspective . . . I've never been on Space Mtn. (and never will!) I went on Splash once this last trip and did NOT like it!!! I don't like drops! I enjoy Big Thunder Mountain. This last trip I also rode Matterhorn for the first time and really enjoyed it! It is fast enough to still be thrilling but not too scary. I was kicking myself for being afraid of it all these years. I say give it a try at least once! Good luck and have fun!!

 

[daannzzz]

The Space Mountain cars supposedly went 28 mile per hour. The Matterhorn goes slower than that so it is probably between 15-20 mph. There are two different tracks inside the mountain. If you are facing the loading area, the loading area on the right, near the Alice in Wonderland ride is a bit more mellow. There might be a small drop on that side of 6-8 feet or so. The other side is a bit more exciting but even there, the tallest drop can't be more than 10-12 feet. It really is sort of like bobsleding down the side ( and through a mountain) with a few small scenes of ice crytals and the abomnibal snowman. It is not a super smooth ride either but it is great fun.

 

[exDS vet]

You can't experience Disneyland without experiencing the Matterhorn. This was the first roller coaster that I ever rode and I have been loving it ever since that night in 1978.

The Matterhorn is not gentle, but it appears more scary than it actually is. One fact that might persuade you even more to ride it is this. In a time when safety restraints on rides are so important, riders on the Matterhorn still sit in pairs front/back and not side by side. And you only need to wear a seatbelt. I guarantee you will love it.

And Liz....
Space Mountain is another must. First off, there are no major drops on the ride. If the darkness scares you, don't let it. It trully only makes the ride that much more fun. The DL version is much better that the MK version (IMHO). But if you liked the Matterhorn, then you'll love this one. My mom was scared to death of Space Mountain, but I managed to get her on it and she loved it.

 

[disneychrista]

Originally posted by exDS vet

Space Mountain is another must....The DL version is much better that the MK version (IMHO). But if you liked the Matterhorn, then you'll love this one. /B]

My understanding is that WDW's Space Mountain is the Matterhorn track only in the dark.

 

[exDS vet]

Originally posted by disneychrista
My understanding is that WDW's Space Mountain is the Matterhorn track only in the dark.

I've ridden SM at the MK many times, and I can assure you that it is not the same track as the Matterhorn. There are two tracks like the Matterhorn and they go up side by side, but any similarities end there. The ride still has as many twists and curves as the DL version and it ends pretty much the same way with a spin out into a light tunnel. There is no music and you sit single file, but in individual seats.

 

[HaleyB]

I like the Matterhorn and consider it a mild ride. However with Space Mountian closed (it is still, I think- rehab for 50th anniversary) the lines for Matterhorn can be awful. If they say 2 hours that is what it will be! And I have seen it that long on days with short 15-30 minute lines everywhere else (but Splash, which also always seems to have a huge line... but it has fast pass...).

 

[MrsMud]

with Space Mountian closed (it is still, I think- rehab for 50th anniversary) the lines for Matterhorn can be awful. If they say 2 hours that is what it will be! And I have seen it that long on days with short 15-30 minute lines everywhere else (but Splash, which also always seems to have a huge line... but it has fast pass...).

No FP for Matterhorn?

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Nope-

But its never that bad of a wait esp in the morning- Its quite decieveing as its a single line around the 'horn but its never been bad-

-em

 

[AnNaNiCoLe]

The Matterhorn IS NOT SCARY!!! Its fun, go ride it!