How Tall Is the Matterhorn at Disneyland?

The Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, is a unique and iconic attraction that has captured the imagination of visitors for over six decades. Its towering presence offers a thrilling alpine adventure for thrill-seekers and Disney enthusiasts alike. But have you ever wondered just how tall is the Matterhorn at Disneyland? Let’s dive into the details.

The Height of the Matterhorn at Disneyland

The Matterhorn at Disneyland stands at a height of 147 feet, which is approximately 44.81 meters. This height was carefully chosen to maintain a 1/100th scale of the original Matterhorn, a majestic mountain in the Swiss Alps that reaches a staggering 14,700 feet.

Forced perspective, a technique commonly used in theme park design, is employed to make the mountain appear larger than it actually is, enhancing the illusion that visitors are embarking on a bobsled journey down a massive, snow-capped mountain.

The Construction of the Matterhorn

The Matterhorn was constructed using 2,175 individual steel girders, each of varying weights and lengths, which were then covered by hundreds of plywood shapes to create the contour of the mountain. The entire form was then covered with tons of concrete that was sculpted to resemble the majestic mountain. The concrete was then covered with 800 gallons of paint to give it the appearance of the real Matterhorn mountain.

The Matterhorn was designed by Bob Gurr and Harriet Burns, two notable Imagineers in Disney history. Bob Gurr was responsible for designing the track plan for the Matterhorn Bobsleds, which was the world’s first tubular steel roller coaster. Harriet Burns, on the other hand, created the model and sculpture that the Matterhorn was based on.

The Matterhorn Ride Experience

The height of the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride contributes significantly to the overall ride experience. The 80-foot (24.4 meters) drop offers a thrilling experience for riders, as the bobsleds travel down the mountain at speeds of up to 27 mph (43.5 km/h). The height also allows for a longer ride duration, with the Tomorrowland track lasting 2:07 minutes and the Fantasyland track lasting 2:26 minutes.

However, it’s important to note that the height of the ride also necessitates a height requirement for riders. The Matterhorn Bobsleds has a height requirement of 42 inches (107 cm). This requirement is in place to ensure the safety of all riders. Disneyland enforces these height requirements strictly, measuring guests who appear to be close to the requirement for each attraction.

Renovations Over the Years

The Matterhorn Bobsleds ride has seen several updates and renovations over the years, but these have not affected the physical height of the mountain structure itself. However, the ride has seen several updates to its bobsleds and safety features. For example, in 2012, the ride underwent a six-month renovation that included new bobsleds with different restraints.

In terms of height requirements for riders, there have been changes over the years. About ten years ago, the requirement was changed to 35 inches, but with the locking lap bars and redesigned seats in the new bobsleds, the requirement was raised to 42 inches.

Conclusion

The Matterhorn at Disneyland is a marvel of engineering and design, standing tall as a testament to Disney’s commitment to creating immersive and thrilling experiences for guests. Its impressive height not only adds to the excitement of the ride but also contributes to the overall aesthetic and authenticity of the Disneyland landscape. So next time you find yourself at Disneyland, don’t forget to look up and marvel at the towering peak of the Matterhorn.