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Guest Tears Leg on Disney’s Matterhorn Bobsleds After “Freak Accident”

A rocky mountain peak with patches of snow and a cloudy blue sky in the background. Lush green trees and bushes are in the foreground, and a wooden railing runs through the middle of the rocky formation.
Credit: Disney

A recent incident on Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds has drawn attention to persisting safety concerns at one of the park’s oldest attractions. Reports indicate that a guest experienced a significant injury while boarding the ride.

new park disneyland's matterhorn bobsleds attraction ride age limit bumpy old track mountain older back pain

Credit: Disney

Specifically, the individual twisted their knee in an unusual manner, resulting in a tear to both the ACL and MCL. Such incidents underline the inherent risks associated with amusement park attractions, even those that are meticulously designed and maintained.

Recent Incident on Matterhorn Bobsleds

The injured guest noted that the moment their knee turned, they heard a pop. Despite the pain, they completed the ride before receiving assistance to exit the attraction. Medical personnel were called, and the individual was transported to the park’s medical center for immediate care:

A majestic mountain with rocky formations and a snow-capped peak rises against a backdrop of cloudy skies. Surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, the scene rivals the grandeur of the tallest roller coaster on earth, set in a natural, picturesque environment.

Credit: Disneyland Resort

A year before they changed the cars on Matterhorn, I got in and turned my body to face forward. My knee turned but my foot didn’t. Heard a pop and ended up riding the whole ride while holding my knee together. They helped me off, wheeled me to the medical center, and asked 3 or 4 times what happened.

Ended up tearing my ACL and MCL and needed 3 surgeries to fix it. Complete freak accident and no one’s fault, Disney didn’t follow up with me. I didn’t really expect them to do anything either.

This injury, described by the guest as a “freak accident,” required multiple surgeries and has prompted discussions about the potential hazards within the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride.

Guest feedback regarding the Matterhorn Bobsleds has been mixed, with many expressing concerns about the ride’s physical demands. While it remains a fan favorite, numerous visitors have reported discomfort during the ride, further fueling the conversation about safety and ride design.

One guest’s injury serves as a poignant reminder of the physical risks that can diminish the overall experience for others.

Ongoing Safety Concerns

disneyland's matterhorn bobsleds attraction ride age limit bumpy old track mountain older back pain

Credit: Disney

The Matterhorn Bobsleds, which underwent its inaugural run in 1959, has a storied history of safety concerns. Over the decades, numerous incidents have been reported, some resulting in serious injuries.

This history raises questions about the thoroughness of safety measures in place and whether ongoing assessments sufficiently address the risks associated with older attractions.

Disneyland has established protocols aimed at ensuring guest safety, including specific guidelines and rules for riding attractions. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to safety protocols to minimize the risk of injury.

However, the implementation and enforcement of these guidelines can vary, leading to unintentional oversights.

In response to the recent accident, Disneyland management reassured guests of their commitment to safety. They stated that all incidents are investigated thoroughly and that any necessary changes are made to improve the ride experience. They continue to emphasize the importance of reporting any malfunctions or unsafe conditions encountered by guests.

Matterhorn Bobsleds Upgrades and Changes

Disneyland Park Sleeping Beauty castle

Credit: Photo by Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

In recent years, the Matterhorn Bobsleds has undergone various upgrades intended to enhance visitor experience. These improvements include modifications to the ride vehicles and track to ensure smoother rides. Despite the upgrades, concerns remain about the physical nature of the attraction, especially considering its design dictates a high-speed, thrilling adventure.

The Matterhorn Bobsleds has changed significantly since its original opening. Early iterations did not feature the enhancements currently enjoyed by guests. While updates have improved aspects of the ride, they have not completely eliminated guest discomfort or the potential for injuries. Some retrofits intended to modernize the ride may have inadvertently introduced new risks.

While riders generally appreciate the recent changes to the Matterhorn Bobsleds, opinions on comfort and safety still vary. Some guests argue that the ride’s age signifies a need for more modern safety features. Others enjoy the nostalgic aspect of the experience, despite its rough edges.

Theme parks like Disneyland present inherent risks despite extensive safety measures. Rides like the Matterhorn Bobsleds combine rapid movement and intricate machinery, leading to unpredictable outcomes. Statistics show that amusement park injuries occur regularly, emphasizing the necessity for both guests and operators to recognize and mitigate risks.

Mickey and Minnie at Disneyland

Credit: Disney

Visitors to amusement parks must exercise caution while enjoying attractions. They should remain vigilant about safety guidelines, be aware of their physical limitations, and report any issues they encounter. Personal responsibility plays a crucial role in ensuring both individual and collective safety.

Routine maintenance and inspections are critical for maintaining safety in amusement parks. Disneyland’s management asserts that they conduct regular evaluations of rides, such as the Matterhorn Bobsleds, to identify any potential hazards. Addressing issues proactively is essential to minimize accidents and improve overall guest safety experiences.

While the Matterhorn Bobsleds continues to be a cherished attraction at Disneyland, ongoing discussions regarding safety and guest experiences demonstrate the complexity of managing such a beloved yet aging ride. The balance between nostalgia and modern safety practices remains a significant concern for management and guests alike.

About Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

One comment

  1. This is such a cheap attempt to get clicks and attention. This is all about a guest that twisted themselves in some wierd way trying to get on a ride at Disneyland. No fault of the rider or Disney. It must be side to want to be a journalist and not be good enough to get a real job and have to make up stories.

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