The Future of the Matterhorn at Walt Disney World: An Ongoing Quest for Thrills

Walt Disney World, often regarded as one of the crown jewels of the Disney empire, has always been keen on providing its guests with unique and thrilling experiences. One of the most anticipated rides for many visitors is the Matterhorn at Disneyland. However, the matter of replicating this beloved ride in Florida has always been a topic of speculation and discussion in the community of Disney enthusiasts.

Replicating the Matterhorn: A Challenge of Structure and Style

Will Walt Disney World ever get a version of Disneyland’s Matterhorn ride?

When it comes to recreating a ride that is built seamlessly into a mountain, the challenges are immense. The Matterhorn at Disneyland, constructed in 1959, is an iconic fixture due to its intricate integration with the mountain design. This seamless structure is a testament to the engineering prowess of the time, but it also presents a significant obstacle for replication—specifically, the mountain structure itself.

Disneyland's Matterhorn was built by pushing and carving the existing mountain, resulting in a bumpy and authentic ride experience. In contrast, Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad were designed with separate tracks, making them more maintainable and smoother for riders. The Matterhorn's unique construction required a mountain to be transformed entirely, which makes it nearly impossible to replicate.

Existing Alternatives: Expedition Everest

Instead of attempting to duplicate the Matterhorn, Disney World has opted to enhance the ride experience with a new and innovative attraction. Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom is a prime example of how Disney can take an existing concept and bring it to new heights (quite literally).

Unlike the Matterhorn, which is a replica of an existing mountain, Expedtion Everest mimics the Forbidden Mountain, a fictional peak. Set in the Himalayas, this ride challenges guests with an adventurous journey that includes encounters with a legendary giant ape. The ride is built around a removable track, allowing for maintenance and smoother rides compared to the original Matterhorn.

The concept of Expedition Everest includes:

Themed Authenticity: Similar to the Matterhorn, it captures the essence of an adventure through a mountainous terrain, providing visitors with a thrilling experience. Ape Encounter: One of the most thrilling parts of the ride is the encounter with a giant ape, adding an element of surprise and excitement. Smooth Rides: The track is built separately from the structure, ensuring a smoother ride and better guest experience.

While Expedition Everest brings a unique experience, it is different from the Matterhorn in terms of location, story, and construction. This highlights Disney’s approach to creating distinct experiences that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of their guests.

Future Possibilities: Dream or Reality?

Disney World could potentially build a Matterhorn at some point, but it would be significantly different from the original. Replicating the Matterhorn's exact structure would be highly impractical, and given the success of Expedition Everest, Disney might choose to enhance the ride experience with new technology and storytelling. Future iterations could include:

Modern Technology: Incorporating the latest ride technologies for smoother, more immersive encounters. Films and Media: Utilizing virtual reality and other advanced technologies to enhance the storytelling and guest experience. Environmental Considerations: Addressing modern environmental concerns and ensuring the new ride is sustainable and safe.

While the idea of seeing the Matterhorn at Walt Disney World remains a dream for many, the possibility of creating a completely new and unique ride experience is very real. Disney's approach to innovation in theme parks continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible, and future additions to the park could redefine the thrill of mountain exploration for generations to come.

For now, Expedition Everest and other innovative rides continue to captivate visitors, showcasing Disney’s commitment to offering unforgettable experiences. As Walt Disney World evolves, the possibilities for new and exciting attractions seem endless, ensuring that the magic of Disney remains timeless.