Big Thunder Mountain Railroad vs Matterhorn Bobsleds

[George Lucas on a Bench]

Could you imagine walking into Disneyland and not seeing the Matterhorn? I do think however that these days more people have good memories and positive feeling towards BTMRR than they do the Matterhorn. Also the abominable snowman’s legendary growl is gone so it’s kind of a tough call.

You can't even really see Thunder Mt in DL unless you're near it. Matterhorn is more imposing. Maybe not the better ride, but I'm not sure why we're pitting them against each other. Either way, you win, so what's the point?

 

[1HAPPYGHOSTHOST]

Could you imagine walking into Disneyland and not seeing the Matterhorn? I do think however that these days more people have good memories and positive feeling towards BTMRR than they do the Matterhorn. Also the abominable snowman’s legendary growl is gone so it’s kind of a tough call.

Good point, I can't. seeing it back in the day from the freeway meant I was really going to Disneyland. I get its historical place in Disneyland lore but I would be more sad to lose Big Thunder than Matterhorn to be honest. I love Matterhorn. But Big Thunder means more to me. sorry, it does.

 

[Disneysea05]

Big Thunder.

I wish they would restore the Matterhorn’s show lighting. It’s been years. Strange that Disneyland’s tallest icon would be completely dark for so long.

 

[PiratesMansion]

I love Big Thunder, but if I had to choose a visit to Disneyland without one of the two rides listed here, I would pick a visit without Big Thunder.

The Matterhorn is unique and special, even if it's not the smoothest. No other castle park feels quite right without a Matterhorn.

I do like the unique styling of Disneyland's Big Thunder compared to the others, but the ride itself is inferior to the versions from Tokyo and (especially) Paris. The Matterhorn is more unique, and historically significant not just to the park, but to the amusement industry as well. Therefore, it gets my vote.

 

[Old Mouseketeer]

Matterhorn and Space Mountain FL are just too rough for me. It's just not fun. If I'm not straddling someone cute anymore (and I DO have fond memories), what's the point of getting shoved around?

 

[PiratesMansion]

How rough Matterhorn and MK's Space Mountain are is a matter of perspective.

If you go to Disney and rarely anywhere else, I can understand seeing them as rough.

But if you go anywhere else? Matterhorn and MK Space Mountain aren't anywhere near the conversation of roughest rides.

Perhaps for that reason, they've never bothered me in the way they bother many other people.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

You'd think that through the insights of modern engineering, Disney could reproduce the Matterhorns tracks making the ride smoother. Its probably just down to money is my bet.

 

[Brer Oswald]

Big Thunder is a better ride experience. But I’m a sucker for that polka music and yodelling. That’s as integral to Fantasyland as Peter Pan or Snow White to me.

 

[PiratesMansion]

You'd think that through the insights of modern engineering, Disney could reproduce the Matterhorns tracks making the ride smoother. Its probably just down to money is my bet.

To a point, but they can't keep the same track layout and completely smooth out 1959 Arrow design and track work.

 

[DLR92]

I don’t find Matterhorn too rough. It a fun rollercoaster.

but however I love the seating on Big thunder Mountain.

 

[denyuntilcaught]

Could you imagine walking into Disneyland and not seeing the Matterhorn? I do think however that these days more people have good memories and positive feeling towards BTMRR than they do the Matterhorn. Also the abominable snowman’s legendary growl is gone so it’s kind of a tough call.

For many reasons, I think that's why HKDL always lacked some oomph to me. They duplicated the castle and Main Street, but had real mountains as the backdrop instead of the faux Matterhorn, which made the original castle seem even more puny.

 

[DavidDL]

Ugh, this is an incredibly difficult choice to think about. Love them both, obviously.

But at the end of the day, I think if I had to pick one to say is "better", it'd be Thunder Mountain. The way I decided? Imagining their respective lands without them.

Fantasyland doesn't need Matterhorn to succeed. It would still be charming and filled with worthwhile attractions. Frontierland, however, needs Thunder. Otherwise you're left with the river ships, the shooting range and a handful of eateries and shops. Arguably, Big Thunder Mountain is Frontierland.

 

[Old Mouseketeer]

Ugh, this is an incredibly difficult choice to think about. Love them both, obviously.

But at the end of the day, I think if I had to pick one to say is "better", it'd be Thunder Mountain. The way I decided? Imagining their respective lands without them.

Fantasyland doesn't need Matterhorn to succeed. It would still be charming and filled with worthwhile attractions. Frontierland, however, needs Thunder. Otherwise you're left with the river ships, the shooting range and a handful of eateries and shops. Arguably, Big Thunder Mountain is Frontierland.

Yes, but arguably Critter Country is part of Frontierland, Pooh notwithstanding.

 

[DLR92]

For many reasons, I think that's why HKDL always lacked some oomph to me. They duplicated the castle and Main Street, but had real mountains as the backdrop instead of the faux Matterhorn, which made the original castle seem even more puny.

I actually love HKDL old castle design with it natural mountain backdrop. I think their new castle look more silly with it new scale hight. But I think they nailed it good regarding the new color scheme for the new castle.