Bobsleds go to museum

[Tom Morrow]

Matterhorn Bobsleds vehicles donated to The National Roller Coaster Museum

Disneyland Resort conates Matterhorn Bobsleds vehicles and materials to museum The National Roller Coaster Museum obtains the "holy grail of artifacts" National Roller Coaster Museum Association More than 53 years after opening the world’s first tubular steel roller coaster, Disneyland is donating two vehicles from the iconic Matterhorn Bobsled ride at Disneyland to the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives. First open in 1959, the 1/100th replica of the real Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland, was a dream of Disneyland founder Walt Disney. The Matterhorn Bobsleds was a marvel of engineering when it opened at Disneyland. The 14-story “mountain” was built like a skyscraper with multiple floors and cooling units. “This is the ‘holy grail’ of artifacts for the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archive (NRCMA),” NRCMA Chairman Gary Slade said. “The Matterhorn started the modern era of roller coaster design and launched the themed ride industry.” In addition to the bobsled cars, Disney graciously donated signage from the California Screamin’ roller coaster from Disney’s California Adventure. The official presentation of the donation was made at the Golden Ticket Awards at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. on Sept. 8, 2012. “We’re delighted to provide these pieces of Disneyland Resort history to the National Roller Coaster Museum, an organization that celebrates our industry,” said George A. Kalogridis, president of the Disneyland Resort. “The Matterhorn Bobsleds vehicles and California Screamin’ signage represent two of our most beloved attractions, from the first tubular steel-tracked roller coaster in the world to one of the longest and most thrilling.” press release complete press release

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Submitted by Ezra

[disneylover]

Guess they aren't coming back Although I did ride in the new sleds and they were not too bad at all. I'm 5'9 and sat in the 5th seat. I had plenty of room. My husband is 6 foot and sat in the 6th seat and said it was fine. The first seat looked a little crammed. We rode with a family of 4 and the little girl in the very front was scared. I felt bad for the parents because they couldn't re-assure her. They kept yelling to her, it's ok, we are almost done. I'm sure she would have felt more secure in the old seating configuration......oh well, time change I guess

[Horbigast]

I'm sure going to miss the old cars. They were very distinctlive and unlike any other ride I've been on. Much like the Paul Frees "Remain seated please, permanecer sentados por favor" spiel, the old Bobsleds now bow from the Matterhorn stage and into quiet retirement.