Vince N.
Yelp
Opened in 1959, the Matterhorn Bobsleds was the first tubular steel coaster on the planet, and is the only Disney park featuring this ride.
EXPERIENCE:
Rising on the border of Tomorrowland and Fantasyland, the glistening, faux snow-covered mountain is modeled after the famous peak of the Alps. The coaster features dual tracks, one being a little over 100 feet longer than the other.
The first and only lift hill of the ride takes you up through a dark cave, complete with howling wind and monster noises and a cool, life-sized moving image of the abominable snowman giving chase from behind an ice shield (added recently).
Top speed is just 27 mph, but the peripheral effects of riding through ice-covered caverns, caves and tunnels, along with cutouts with views of the outdoors makes it feel like you're going a little faster. A combination of small drops, hills and banks ups the fun factor, but it's far from thrilling. Look for the resident abominable snowman (now animatronic) along the way. The finale is a splash through a small pond that actually aids the coaster's brakes with cooling and stopping, and is not a people-soaker.
FUN FACT:
The ride is perched on excavated dirt from Cinderella's Castle. Prior to the coaster being built, the "hill" was promoted as a picnic spot but also turned into a "lovers lane" site at night, LOL. So un-Disney-like!
OVERALL:
An exclusive classic that'll (hopefully) never die!