What's New to Do: New Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland

By: Andrew Bermudez

     Sorry about the absence of new posts in here recently. I've been very busy lately and have just found time for this. Anyway, you should all be happy, since this is a new What's New to Do entry. So, let's get started!

     Back on June 15th of this year, Disney unveiled a refreshed version of the classic Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction (Buena Vista Street and Cars Land opened at nearby Disney California Adventure on the same day). It provided Disneyland with something new, even though California Adventure got all the attention.

     O.K. Let's be honest. This attraction is hard to classify as "new," since not that many changes were actually made. The track layout is exactly the same, the line is no different, and the scenery inside the mountain was pretty much left unaltered. So, what's new in this ride? For those of you who have ridden on this attraction in the past, but are not familiar with the new version, here is a run-down of the recent changes.

• The entire mountain has been repainted from top to bottom, which is the first time since the attraction opened in 1959. It looks very fresh and makes the spots of snow really pop out.
• OSHA-mandated safety adjustments were made, including new railing on the bridge facing Tomorrowland, railing next to cast member paths along the track, and other safety adjustments made in the loading area.
• All of the bobsleds have been replaced. Previously, the bobsleds were two joined, with two tandem seats per bobsled, resulting in eight people per vehicle. Now, the bobsleds are two joined, with three individual seats per bobsled, resulting in six people per vehicle. While individual bobsled capacity has decreased, the clarity on who sits where counteracts that, resulting in a balanced hourly capacity.
• The height limit has increased from 38 in. to 42 in., probably OSHA-mandated.
• The abominable snowman (affectionately nicknamed "Harold" by the cast members) has received some updating. He's much smoother in his motions and, while not on the same level as the animatronics for Pirates of the Caribbean or Radiator Springs Racers, looks very nice.
• Lighting effects inside the mountain have been updated. They are especially used effectively during your second encounter with the abominable snowman!

     That's pretty much it for changes. While not a lot was done to the attraction, it is still nice to see such a classic attraction being maintained. My only complaint? OUCH!
     Wait, where did that come from? That actually came from the new bobsleds. While the ride itself is smoother overall, the seating arrangement isn't the...er...most comfortable. While the seat aren't dinky (like what most people are claiming), they don't have any padding. So when your bobsled makes a fast turn, there is nothing stopping your hips from slamming into the side of your seat. Oh, well. At least it's more comfortable (and enjoyable) than the Technic Coaster at LEGOLAND California.
     So, should you check out this new version of a classic ride? Certainly. Even though the seats don't provide for the most pleasant ride, the inside looks great and, quite frankly, it's a fun attraction. If you haven't been on it before, it doesn't hurt to give this ride a try...at least not a lot.