Disneyland Pays an Unexpected, and Creepy, Tribute to Exec Killed in Helicopter Crash
The Walt Disney Company is no stranger to paying tribute to the men and women who shaped its history. Whether it’s a name carefully painted on a Main Street, U.S.A. window or a subtle nod in an attraction, Disney has a long tradition of honoring its legends. Some tributes are front and center—others take a little more effort to spot.
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Guests who pay attention to the smaller details might come across something curious, even haunting, on one of Disneyland Resort’s oldest rides. But while most visitors see it and move on, some who know the story behind it are left speechless.
Over in Fantasyland, the Matterhorn Bobsleds has long been one of Disneyland’s most iconic experiences. But in addition to snow-covered thrills and the ominous growl of the Abominable Snowman, the ride holds a secret—one that pays homage to a key Disney executive whose life was tragically cut short.
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Frank Wells served as President and Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company from 1984 until 1994. He worked alongside CEO Michael Eisner and was a driving force behind the company’s resurgence during that era.
Sadly, Wells’s life came to an end in 1994 during a heli-skiing trip in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains. After waiting for the weather to clear, the helicopter attempted to take off, but the engine lost power after snow was reportedly ingested. The aircraft rolled on a 30-degree slope and crashed. The National Transportation Safety Board later determined the crash was caused by the snow intake causing “flameout.”
Wells’s death was a devastating loss to those who worked with him, and while his name may not be as widely recognized by casual Disney fans, he left a lasting impact on the company. To honor him, Disney Imagineers decided to incorporate a quiet tribute to Wells inside the Matterhorn attraction.
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If you ride the Matterhorn Bobsleds and keep your eyes peeled, you’ll notice a crashed bobsled hidden within the mountain. Many assume it’s simply a piece of theming—a spooky touch to suggest the last expedition didn’t make it. But look a little closer, and you’ll see it’s labeled “Wells Expedition,” a direct reference to Frank Wells himself.
It’s a clever tribute, but also one that some guests find just a bit unsettling. After all, Wells lost his life in a helicopter crash, and his memorial here is connected to an in-ride wreck. While it’s certainly fitting to honor a mountaineer on a mountain, the imagery is undeniably eerie.
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Still, the subtlety of the tribute fits Disney’s style—hidden in plain sight, only noticed by the observant. And for those who knew or admired Frank Wells, it’s a touching reminder of his place in Disney history.
What do you think of the “Wells Expedition” tribute hidden inside the Matterhorn? Do you find it respectful or a little too morbid? Let us know in the comments below—what’s your favorite little-known Disney detail?
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