Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds Secrets You Probably Don’t Know

The Left-Side Track Has A Smoother Ride

Many of you will already know that Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds has two separate tracks, but did you know that many Cast Members swear by the fact that the left side’s track offers guests a noticeably smoother ride? Many park guests also report the left-side track offering a less-jarring, and more smooth ride throughout the attraction. It could be a wise choice to pick the left side if you are suffering from a bad back or other ailment that makes it difficult to ride a jarring attraction.

One Of The First 3 “E-Ticket” Attractions

E-Ticket Attractions at Disneyland refer to the most popular and thrilling rides in the park. The term “E-Ticket” dates back to Disneyland’s early years when attraction tickets were sold containing various individual tickets labeled from A to E. The E-Tickets were the most expensive attraction tickets, and were reserved for the most sought-after, exciting, and innovative attractions.

Over time, Disneyland stopped using the ticket system, but the term “E-Ticket” remains synonymous with the best and most iconic rides in the park. The first three classic E-Ticket Attractions at Disneyland include:

• Monorail
• Submarine Voyage (Now known as Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage)
• Matterhorn Bobsleds

Harold The Yeti

Harold the Yeti is the infamous and fearsome audio-animatronic character that resides within the Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction at Disneyland. This abominable snowman has been a prominent feature of the ride since the 1970s, making appearances throughout the course of the roller coaster to startle and entertain riders.

The Yeti’s name, Harold, might seem unassuming, but it adds a touch of humor to the otherwise terrifying creature. Over the years, Harold has gone through several updates and makeovers to keep him looking fresh and frightening for park visitors. The most recent renovation in 2015 brought significant improvements to the character’s design, including enhanced lifelike movements and more realistic facial features.

As riders navigate the twists and turns of the Matterhorn Bobsleds, they’ll encounter Harold multiple times. The animatronic figure growls, roars, and reaches out towards guests as they speed past, creating an adrenaline-pumping experience that adds to the ride’s overall excitement.

Despite being a fearsome character, Harold the Yeti has become a beloved part of Disneyland’s history and lore. His presence in the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride adds an element of surprise and thrill, making it one of the most iconic attractions in the park.

The Matterhorn Is Built To 1/100th Scale

The Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction at Disneyland was designed to be a 1/100th scale replica of the real Matterhorn mountain in the Swiss Alps. This impressive feat of engineering and design was inspired by Walt Disney’s own visit to Switzerland, where he was captivated by the majestic beauty of the mountain.

Walt Disney wanted to bring a piece of the Swiss Alps to Disneyland, and he challenged his team of Imagineers to create an authentic representation of the Matterhorn. The result was a 147-foot tall structure that, while not as immense as the actual 14,692-foot Matterhorn, still stands as one of the most iconic and recognizable features of the park.

In order to achieve the 1/100th scale, the Imagineers carefully studied photographs and measurements of the real Matterhorn mountain. They used these references to develop the detailed design and realistic appearance of the Disneyland version, complete with craggy rock faces, snow-capped peaks, and cascading waterfalls.

The Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction is not only a thrilling roller coaster experience but also a testament to the ingenuity and attention to detail of the Disneyland Imagineers.

Basketball Court Inside The Matterhorn

One of the most intriguing and lesser-known secrets about the Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction at Disneyland is the existence of a small basketball court inside the structure of the mountain. This unique feature is not accessible to the general public, but it has become a fascinating piece of Disneyland lore.

The basketball court was originally installed as a recreational space for Disneyland’s mountain climbers who used to scale the Matterhorn’s exterior during park hours as part of the entertainment. During their breaks, the climbers could enjoy a quick game or practice their shots on the basketball half-court.

The court is located in a small attic-like space near the top of the mountain, and it features a wooden floor, a backboard, and a hoop. Over the years, there have been occasional photos and videos shared by cast members or climbers that offer a glimpse into this hidden gem within the Matterhorn Bobsleds.