Two Tips For the Matterhorn Bobsleds

Here we are, settled into our bobsled and ready to plunge into the icy caverns of the Matterhorn! While we wait, I'd like to share two great tips for this classic attraction.

Bobsleds & Abominables (with Fish Heads & Crumbs)

Bobsledders prepare for their wild coaster trip through the Matterhorn. Since this is the Tomorrowland side, they're getting the track with craziest turns, the bridge drop and the best splash.

If you've visited Mouse Troop before, you know I like to keep a positive attitude around here. So I'm not going to say how I really feel about these new bobsleds.  Let me just nod toward those guys in the second sled and remark that the new seating arrangement is every bit as comfortable as it looks.

Fortunately, the ride itself is as awesome as ever, and the Abominable Snowman (unofficially known as "Harold") has never been louder or more startling. And speaking of loud things, here's our weekly walrus..

An Abominable Footprint

While strolling around the perimeter of Disneyland's Matterhorn, you're bound to come across this footprint casting that appeared in 1978 as the Matterhorn re-opened after a lengthy refurbishment.

The remodeling turned the mountain's interior (which previously had been one big open space with minimally-decorated beams, stairs and framework) into a maze of artificial ice caverns. The original single bobsleds were redesigned and coupled into two-car trains.

Best of all, the Abominable Snowman (unofficially dubbed "Harold") moved in, turning the unique roller coaster into a full-fledged Fantasyland adventure.

The footprint, with it's cartoon-like stylization, perfectly captures the spirit of the mountain's sole inhabitant (there are three abominable snowman figures on the ride, but they all represent the same guy pursuing you down the mountain). Unlike the Yeti in Animal Kingdom, which was designed to appear as much like a realistic beast as possible, Harold looks like a monster from a storybook -- a really good, scary storybook.

If fact, he'd look right at home stomping around Fantasyland looking fierce and reluctantly signing autographs. Come to think of it, why hasn't he ever appeared as a walk-around character?

Inside and Out of the Matterhorn

How about a brisk Matterhorn Bobsled run to wake you up first thing in the morning? On-ride Matterhorn photos always make me want to shout, "Woooooooooo"...or something like that.

Hello, teacups! These shots were taken just before the recent refurb, so we're in the older bobsleds. One of the many things I love about the ride is how little of the track support structure is visible. You see the two rails, and that's all, makinge the zippy descent all the more thrilling.