Tag Archives: Disneyland

The Matterhorn Bobsleds has been one of Disneyland’s most iconic attractions since it first opened in 1959. Arguably, it is just as recognizable as Sleeping Beauty Castle, as no other Disney park in the world has a Matterhorn mountain dominating its skyline.

Over the years, the Matterhorn has seen many changes, the most notable coming in 1978, when Imagineers filled in the mountain, creating icy caverns, show scenes, and a new resident moved in – the Abominable Snowman. You kids old enough to remember certainly recall the company’s very successful “What’s Gotten Into The Matterhorn?” marketing campaign that was on television ads, billboards, and in print. Those Disneylanders born in the ’80s, ’90s or after, the Abominable Snowman has always just been there. Regardless, the monster (lovingly referred to as “Matterhorn Harold” by Cast Members and fans alike) in the mountain is one of the most popular and well-known attraction-based characters at any Disney park. And, he’s undergone a huge change in the past several weeks.

In the shadow of other Disneyland 60th Anniversary components, especially the new Paint the Night, Disneyland Forever, and World of Color – Celebrate! shows, the Matterhorn’s recent rehab/renovation has gone virtually unnoticed on everyone’s radar, despite the fact that the entire show inside the mountain has been changed. Even the long-anticipated return of the Hatbox Ghost at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion has completely eclipsed what’s taken place inside the Matterhorn. The ride is no longer exactly “kid-friendly”, nor is it your daddy’s Matterhorn anymore…