One of our favorite attractions, the Disneyland Matterhorn Bobsleds, has reopened after being closed for a few months for refurbishment. While it was closed, the Matterhorn received an all new paint job (just look at all that snow!) and it has new bobsleds.
Although the ride itself is essentially the same, the new bobsleds do mean a few changes for families. First, the Disneyland Matterhorn now has a 42″ height restriction. Second, the seating arrangement is different too. Instead of sitting two people per compartment (for a total of four per sled), the bobsleds now seat a total of three people, each in their own individual seat.
The Disneyland Matterhorn’s new paint job makes the mountain look better than ever. To mimic the snow patterns on the real Matterhorn in Switzerland, more than 800 gallons of paint were used to create a “heavier” snowfall on the northern side of the Matterhorn and less snow on the granite-colored southern side. To add some sparkle to the snow, glass beads were mixed with the paint so that it reflects sunlight and glistens like actual snow. Also, more pine trees were planted on the exterior to add to the atmosphere.
One other fun item is that the mountain climbers have returned to the Disneyland Matterhorn. The show times vary each day, but if you are standing on Main Street or near Sleeping Beauty Castle you’ll catch a glimpse of the climbers. This is what Disney would call “atmosphere entertainment” instead of an actual show. But it is fun to see the rare sight of someone climbing this Disneyland icon.
Photos via MyThemeParkFanatic
That’s a bummer about the new height requirement.
Other than the cars, did they change anything else about the ride? Or is is still the same thing inside?
I’m glad that they changed the seats. My knees used to get banged up on the old ones. The individual seats looks a lot better.