Matterhorn, May 1964
Considering how many times I have seen photos of the mighty Matterhorn, it might surprise you to know that I still get a bit of a thrill, remembering those childhood days when you could see it from the freeway. And 50-some years after its debut, it is still a terrific ride! 2 tracks, abdominal snowmen (they do 500 situps a day), glittering ice crystal caverns, and a free cookie for everyone at the end (OK, no free cookie, but wouldn't that be awesome?). I wish I could ride it RIGHT NOW.
Another look from the northern Fantasyland side....
15 comments:
I love the Matterhorn, too. Just rode it last Wednesday. Good thing, too. It's closing on Monday and not reopening until the summer. They're putting in the new 3 seat bobsleds. I'm a little worried that it won't be as much fun now.
Er. 3 seat? Wide? A bobsled?
I was also not aware of any need for increased capacity.
*deep breath.
*returns to photos taken when Disney was under more sensible management.
Seeing the Matterhorn is thrilling. It's a thrill ride before you ride it!
The Skyway worked well with the mountain thematically. Keen thinking of Walt to incorporate the pre-existing Skyway with the Matterhorn in that way.
Neat scenes but the Autopia looks so inviting in the top pic I think I'll step in and go for a spin...
Lots of memories looking at the Matterhorn. Watching for it's snow capped peak from the highway was always a thrill for everyone in the car. Standing in it's lines was always a worthy price to pay for a complete day in the park. Saying goodnight and good bye to it from the parking lot and leaving was always the best way to end the suspension.
Yep, well I remember looking for the Matterhorn as we approached Disneyland. The signal proof that you were really there. Almost as good: the parking lot. The journey toward the gate in the far far distance. *sigh* Good times.
Not to worry, people. The new vehicles will be more comfortable and you won't have to squash yourself into someone's lap (hopefully someone you know!) I read that when the attraction opened originally, the vehicles were sized for single riders and they are returning to that mode.
I've never liked the look of the current bobsleds. The incoming remodels (three single seats in line per car) look a lot sleeker, and I'm looking forward to trying them out, but I've heard that they're going to be a bit cramped for anyone much over six feet tall.
The original single sleds remain the best-looking, though! Connie, the originals could comfortably fit an adult and child. That's what's going to be missing from this new version: Small kids'll be on their own with no parent on the same seat to reassure them.
I like the varied colors of the originals, too! Coolest bobsled: Red and Black! :)
It sounds like the new bobsleds are going to be similar to Walt Disney World's Space Mountain vehicles....three seats per vehicle with a lap bar for each seat. And yes, those vehicles are a little bit of a tight fit for someone six feet tall.
Ah three seats in-line! That's different. Well I eat my hat (good thing I idolize Chaplin and I wear items made of licorice). (Short of returning the 'sleds to original form, for reason mentioned by Rich T. above), Good move, Disneyland management!
Great old shots, I really miss the swiss mountain effect, it was such a kinetic sculpture. Let me echo what everyone has said so far, esp Chiana, Thufer, Connie and HBG2.
That's good news about the refit, TM. I have come to cringe when I hear that attractions are to be refitted. Maybe this return to common sense will make the ride more fun, even if the queue increases. I remember the jerking and g-force as much greater in the single cars.
Speaking of cringe-worthy refits...Pirates was closed during our recent visit in Sept 2011. Has anyone been on since it reopened...has it reopened? Is it still OK?
JG
JG, I had some friends return recently; they said POC looks great. The main change was a redesign for the unload dock to give more room for wheelchairs. Also the recent waterfall mist effect now alternates between Davy Jones and Blackbeard (it'd be funnier if it alternated between Davy Jones and Davy Jones from the Monkees.)
Heh, I used to have a roly-poly-bellied white cat whose nickname was The Abdominal Snowman.
bloefeld, I didn't know that the Matterhorn was closing for so long. Bummer!
Chiana, the new bobsleds won't be 3 seats wide... I believe that each will be 3 seats long, with individual seats instead of having to sit in somebody's lap.
Thufer and HGB2, our family did the same thing; we couldn't wait to see that "snow-capped" peak from the freeway; and upon leaving the park, we'd look behind us and think, "Until next time!".
Connie, thanks for the info!
Rich T. I am over 6 feet tall, so we'll see if they manage to make it roomy enough for us tall folk!
TM!, I am almost certain that I read that the new bobsleds were very similar to the WDW Space Mountain vehicles, so you are probably right.
Chiana, I hate licorice, so I think I'd rather eat a real felt hat!
JG, see Rich T.'s comment! Seems amazing that the ride needed to be closed for so long just for dock changes and the mist screen effect.
Melissa, I always call the Abominable Snowman the "Abdominal Snowman"!
bringing up the rear again but I love that first picture,going to ride with Chiana on the Autopia
the Skyway always look so cool from a distance...love it!
Ummm,stupid question,but do you mean you can't see it from the freeway anymore?
Dave, if you look exactly at the right instant, and are in the proper lane you MIGHT be able to see it for a moment. There are large sound barrier walls now.
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