What is up with the Matterhorn?

[jlima]

The Matterhorn is fenced off all the way around and back to the character greeting area that was originally built for viewing the Light Magic parade, and you can't walk that way from Tommorrowland. What's up with that and how long will that fence be up??? Thank goodness the scaffolding is down from the castle!!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>They're making it all pretty for the 50th. Did you notice the big patch at the top of the mountain?

I heard that the castle will be covered up again after the holidays.

 

[got2travel]

They are repaving the walkway from Tomorrowland to Fantasyland. And at the same time working on the Matterhorn. The Matterhorn is scheduled to be back next week, so this walkway should be opended up too. Unless they are going to add any more theming to go along with the new sub ride.

And yes, the castle will get covered up again after the holidays.

 

[jgmklmhem]

But when will the castle be reunveiled??? We go April 18th...I hope it will be looking pretty by then!

 

[CrazyDreamer]

The deal with the Matterhorn is this: Roughly a decade ago, the Matterhorn was in very bad shape. It was examined and found to be so damaged that tearing it down would probably have been the cheapest option. Fortunately however, the cheap option was not chosen. Instead of forever destroying the Matterhorn, it was decided that every year it would be given a lengthy refurbishment and in that way slowly fixed. So every year different parts of the track are redone, portions of the mountain are rerocked, this year the waterfall was fixed up in addition to the mysterious hole being cut at the top and airgates being installed at loading.
It's scheduled to be reopened the 23rd of November, but the paving project fell behind due to rain, so they're in a bit of a hurry to get it all finished.

 

[madcoco]

Was wondering what they were doing with the "box" the top of the Matterhorn. Just returned. Excellent time even with the parks being very crowded with it being a long holiday weekend. Wonderful weather!

"Works in Progress"

 

[jxgriffi]

The "box" is part of the new Tinkerbell flight for the 50th. If you didn't notice, the "mattress" tower for Tink is now gone and has been replaced with a fake tree to hide the rest of the mechanics. Rumor has it that she will be going back and forth, up and down and flying all over the top of the castle. It should be pretty impressive.

 

[Horizons16]

That darn rain... i cant wait to go on it in a few weeks... im getting excited!

 

[denyd]

I was there last night and spotted a couple of electricians working on the wiring under the operators panel. The word is that it's supposed to open on the 23rd, but it's looks like it's a long way from being done. All of the track seems to be there, but the entry queue & landscaping don't appear to be started yet.

I was there with 3yo DS and was surprised by the ease of entry to some rides. Less than 5 for Small World, Merry Go Round & Storyland Boats and under 15 minutes for Dumbo & Autopia.

I'll confirm jxgriffi's comment about the 'door' at the top and tinkerbell's flight.

I also saw a couple of Disney Execs in a little huddle looking at the Matterhorn & the Submarine Lagoon while checking out the crowd (or lack of one) in the Tomorrowland area. With only Honey, I Shrunk the Audience & Autopia (and the train Station) open at 7pm, there wasn't really any attractions to draw people away from the other lands.

BTW: For those going in the next 6 weeks, Small World Holiday is a must see at night. The outside lighting is fantastic and the inside overlay made it seem like a whole new ride.

 

[Horizons16]

Landscaping usually doesnt take too long anyway. I would say its could take 4 days maybe not to mention that they may work nights as well.

 

[grinningghost]

What's the deal with the castle being re-covered after Christmas? How long is it supposed to be covered up again?

 

[maci]

Rumor has it that she will be going back and forth, up and down and flying all over the top of the castle. It should be pretty impressive.

If that is true, that is SO cool!!

Cant wait to see that!