Matterhorn Bobsleds recently reopened at Disneyland park, following a refurbishment that brought many new creative elements to this classic attraction – including a whole new look for its most famous resident, the Abominable Snowman. In the video below, Walt Disney Imagineering takes us for a behind-the-scenes look at how this new look was created.
Have you seen the Abominable Snowman’s new look for yourself? Tell us about it in the comments!
Comments
Why can you get this one to work, but not the one in Animal Kingdom?
Just saw your reply about the Frank Wells tribute. Thank you for putting a smile on my face with that news!
Just went to Disneyland the other day and LOVED the new changes!!! That being said, I took my 6 year old grandson on the ride and it terrified him. With the new sound affects, it sounds like the snowman is right behind you and could snatch you at any minute. Great improvement Disney! Don’t worry, the 6 year old will learn to love it too…
So what you are saying is, it’s time to plan another trip to Disneyland! The Matterhorn Bobsleds are my favorite Disneyland ride!!
I love the changes! The behind-the-ice projections are awesome and add to the attraction’s sense of story by making the Abominable Snowman (“Harold”) a bigger part of the experience and infusing a bit of excitement and suspense to the lift hill scene. The new animatronics are amazing and (dare I say it?) a bit scary–in a good way!
Now i only wish Disneyland would do something about the rougher parts of the track and the horrible seating that always leave me with a headache and a sore bum. The attraction is too painful for this fit, 6’2″ young man to ride more than rarely. I rode it yesterday for the first time in two years to see the updates. Now I’ll probably wait again until the next update–hopefully cushions!
My daughter just recently became tall enough to ride The Matterhorn. I was slightly concerned that the new Harold might be pretty frightening to a 4 year old. He looks fantastic, and my daughter loved the ride! My only complaint, is that I miss the old Harold roar! Hearing the old roar for 30 years, I felt so sad when I didn’t hear it this time. The new look is great, but would have loved the old roar for the nostalgia!
I love the new features! The animatronics are so life like, and I love the new features on the lift hill.
One tiny problem I have is that the voice changed. It sounds a lot like the old howl we used to hear and a lot more human.
All in all though I love the new additions.
I love the new abominable snowman, but what happened to the Frank Wells tribute? Will it find a new home, or was it thrown out?
Don’t worry, Kenny – You may see the Abominable Snowman add it to his collection soon …
Have not yet had the thrill of seeing Harold in person, but I so appreciate the behind-the-scenes look! I’ll see you in all your glory in September, Harold!
p.s. It seems I’m in the minority, but I think the bobsled design adds to the thrill of being chased around an icy mountain by the Abominable Snowman! I would expect one might get jostled around a bit…
Love the enhancements for the story line. But the ride itself definitely needs to be smoothed out and car made larger. I was in front car. with knees to chest not a great experience.
I’m still waiting for your one-on-one interview with the “new” snowman…
He doesn’t even return my calls anymore.
I love the new look of the abominable snowman! For years I felt that the character needed to be updated.
I like the new “Harold” figures but was disappointed that the ride is SOOOO uncomfortable for most guests. The new Bobsled vehicles are the most painful and cramped ride vehicles WDI has ever come up with! The Matterhorn used to be my favorite attraction but I’m really disappointed that it isn’t a ride I can enjoy any longer. I’m only 6’1″ and there is NO ROOM for my legs in the front seat – my knees are almost touching my chin and it’s a terribly uncomfortable ride. Why couldn’t they use the 3-person bobsled-type vehicles from WDW’s Space Mountain which are much more comfortable for larger guests???
Saw him while at the 24-hour party. Love the enhancements and updated story line! Great work, Imagineers!
Now, to just make those bobsleds more comfortable….pretty please?
Really looking forward to this! When I was younger, my favorite coaster was Space Mountain. But the Matternhorn has recently moved up to the top of my list.
Really like the treatment of infusing new technologies/presentations, yet keeping a bit of the original gems that made the attraction special.
Omg this so awesome. I pass my driving test and my mom is going to talk me to Disneyland can’t wait to see everything at Disneyland for the 60th so much to do where do I be begin ?
Good luck, Brett!
My wife and I like the new look!
The snowman moving and ‘collecting’ things adds to the completeness and excitement of the ride.
I totally agree, Richard!
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