All About the Matterhorn Bobsleds

By
Betsy Malloy
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Betsy Malloy
Betsy has been writing about California for nearly more than two decades as TripSavvy's expert on the state.
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Updated on 07/10/19
Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland

Disneyland Resort

The Matterhorn might look like a mountain, but it's actually a metal-railed roller coaster that pulls riders up eight stories high before sending them flying down to earth past mountain scenes. Riders get to catch a glimpse of the elusive Abominable Snowman along the way. If you went to Disneyland before 2015, you might even remember that snowman, with his glowing eyes. Today's version is much more exciting but not quite a creepy-looking as the old one.

What You Need to Know

  • Location: Matterhorn Bobsleds is in Fantasyland
  • Restrictions: 42" (107 cm) or taller. Regardless of height, children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person aged 14 years or older.
  • Ride Time: 2 minutes 15 seconds
  • Recommended for: Roller coaster lovers of all ages
  • Fun Factor: High. Matterhorn Bobsleds is one of the best rides at Disneyland. 
  • Wait Factor:  High. You can shorten your wait time with Disneyland's Fastpass though.
  • Fear Factor: Matterhorn Bobsleds is more exciting than it is scary. For some reason, the Abominable Snowman scares a lot of children. Warning them in advance can prevent an unwanted fright.
  • Herky-Jerky Factor: This is a fast, jerky ride that is not suitable for anyone with conditions it might aggravate.
  • Nausea Factor: If you need it, your favorite motion sickness remedy is a good idea for this ride.
  • Seating:  Ride vehicles are a little like a real bobsled. Each two-car bobsled holds six people. Riders sit single file, each one in a seat with a back. You have to step over the edge and into them from the boarding area. To get fully seated, you also have to wriggle your feet into recesses, which could be a little tricky if you have trouble bending your legs. The good news is that Disneyland adding a padded cushion to this ride in 2016, which made it a little more comfortable.
  • Accessibility: The regular line at Disneyland is wheelchair and ECV accessible up to the switchback. At that point, a Cast Member can help you. You'll have to step down to get into the ride vehicle and up to get back out. 
  • Apps: There are great Disneyland iPhone Apps to help guide you throughout your journey in the Park.
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Tips for the Best Experience

Abominable Snowman on the Matterhorn Bobsleds

Disneyland Resort
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds Lines - The first line begins across from Alice in Wonderland, and the other on the Tomorrowland side, near the lagoon. One of them is often shorter than the other, so check them both first for the shortest wait.
  • Single Rider Option - Matterhorn Bobsleds has a single rider option that may help you get on faster. Cast members use single riders to fill in otherwise empty seats. If you're willing to split up from the rest of your group while riding, it can shorten your wait time significantly. 
  • Put Away Hats & Glasses - Belongings can be easily lost, so make sure to secure them. 
  • Fireworks Shows - On days when the fireworks show is running, the ride closes early.
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds is one of the Disneyland roller coasters. When you're done with Matterhorn Bobsleds, explore the rest of the Park.
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Fun Facts About Matterhorn Bobsleds

On the icy slopes of The Matterhorn

Carlos / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

 

This replica of the Matterhorn is 1/100 as big as the real thing, which is in the Swiss Alps.

The ride has become much more popular than the film which inspired it, Third Man on the Mountain, a story about a young Swiss man who conquers the mountain that killed his father.

There are plenty of urban myths about basketball courts inside the Matterhorn, the most extravagant claiming that it's a full-sized court. The truth (as best we can find out) is that there's a basketball hoop up in the empty area near the top.

Inside the ride, you may see a pile of mountaineering equipment which is a tribute to former Walt Disney Company CEO Frank Wells, who was an avid climber.

On some days, you can see real mountain climbers near the top of the mountain.

For a fun photo, get a Matterhorn Macaroon from the Jolly Holiday Bakery and take a picture of it with its namesake.

According to a sign posted outside the ride during the renovation, when King Baudouin of Belgium visited Disneyland, he asked Walt Disney why his Matterhorn has holes in it. To which Walt replied: "Because it's a Swiss mountain!"