“Painful” Disney Roller Coaster Gets Much-Needed Upgrade, but Not for Guests

in Disney Parks, Disneyland Resort

Family on the Matterhorn

Credit: Disney

An iconic Disney theme park ride has received a much-needed upgrade, but not in the way you might think.

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Few roller coasters are as beloved or infamous as Matterhorn Bobsleds. This classic coaster is found at the original Disneyland park in Anaheim, California, taking guests on a riveting adventure through the Swiss Alps.

Matterhorn Bobsleds opened in 1959, making it one of the oldest Disney theme park attractions. While the coaster is certainly one of Disney’s most popular and beloved rides, Matterhorn Bobsled’s age often hinders guests’ enjoyment.

Many have complained about the roughness of the ride, with guests claiming Matterhorn Bobsleds is uncomfortable, jerky, and even “headache-inducing.”

Disney has upgraded the ride in numerous ways over the years, with Matterhorn Bobsleds undergoing one of its biggest refurbishments back in 2015.

However, the ride recently received a much-needed upgrade, with Disneyland debuting brand-new items in the coaster’s queue.

Matterhorn Bobsleds Gets Cast Member Upgrade

Family on the Matterhorn
Credit: Disney

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Guests were quick to notice new umbrellas were added to Matterhorn Bobsleds over the last month. Permits for this installation were discovered earlier this summer, though it was unclear where exactly these umbrellas would end up.

These umbrellas act as sunshades for cast members, something that is needed for the hotter, sunnier California days.

Twitter/X user DisneylandDrive shared a few photos of this new addition to the Disney coaster.

Matterhorn Bobsleds

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Matterhorn Bobsleds is one of many mountain-themed roller coasters at the Disney parks, though it’s certainly one of the most unique.

While both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts feature their own versions of Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as do international locations like Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney, Matterhorn Bobsleds is completely and wholly unique to Disney’s original California theme park.

Despite its popularity and legendary status, Matterhorn Bobsleds certainly shows its age, with some riders claiming the coaster is “painful.” However, Matterhorn Bobsleds continues to be a fan favorite for many, acting as an unofficial mascot for the Disneyland Resort as a whole.

A group of people, including a young girl with braces smiling happily, are gazing up at a colorful space display on a large, dome-shaped screen in a futuristic setting. The scene is illuminated with vibrant purple and blue lighting.
Credit: Disney

At one point, a spiritual successor to Matterhorn Bobsleds, as well as a new mountain coaster based on Mount Fuji, were envisioned for EPCOT’s World Showcase, though neither of these projects ever came to fruition.

However, in 2022, EPCOT finally got its own roller coaster in the form of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which many consider to be the best ride at Walt Disney World.

Over the last several decades, The Walt Disney Company has continued to innovate at its theme parks, delivering some of the most impressive, exhilarating, and fun rides, attractions, and shows guests can find. While classic dark rides like Haunted Mansion and Peter Pan’s Flight continue to be popular, newer, more modern experiences are always around the corner.

New attractions like the previously mentioned Cosmic Rewind are the lifeblood of any theme park, ensuring interest from guests remains high.

During Disney’s D23 event in August, the company announced several more exciting rides and attractions are on the way, such as two brand-new Marvel-themed experiences and a new roller coaster inspired by Monsters Inc. (2001).

Do you enjoy riding Matterhorn Bobsleds? What is your favorite Disney roller coaster?

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