Disney rides provide fun ways to disconnect from the realities of life. However, most people don’t want to disconnect from their technology in the process. The Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction at Disneyland Resort in California has gained an unexpected reputation among guests as the “consumer” of phones.
This iconic ride is known for its thrills, stunning alpine setting, and, unfortunately, its ability to make guests part ways with their mobile devices. In the eyes of some, it seems the Matterhorn Bobsleds has an insatiable appetite for cell phones.
The Historic Matterhorn Bobsleds
Before delving into the curious case of lost phones on the Matterhorn Bobsleds, it’s essential to appreciate the ride’s rich history.
The Matterhorn Bobsleds opened in 1959 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, making it one of the park’s original attractions. Modeled after the famous Matterhorn mountain in the Swiss Alps, this roller coaster introduced innovative technology at the time, combining a thrilling track with the illusion of perilous climbs and descents inside the mountain itself.
However, over the years, the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride has been labeled as an unfortunate product of its time. While innovative in the 50’s, it is now seen as a delightful yet bumpy and uncomfortable experience at Disneyland.
Now, back to the curious phenomenon of phones mysteriously vanishing on this roller coaster. The Matterhorn Bobsleds are, without a doubt, one of Disneyland’s most endearing rides.
The thrill arises from the ride’s unique design: the tracks are riddled with sharp turns, sudden drops, and unexpected twists, all wrapped in the tight, compact layout of a bobsled run. However, mixed with extreme bumps and shakes, this design is notorious for phone losses.
Disneyland Matterhorn “Phone Eater”
The combination of the ride’s intense vibrations and rapid movements can jostle loose items from riders’ pockets.
It’s not uncommon for phones, wallets, and other small belongings to become dislodged during the wild ride, only to disappear into the cracks and crevices of the bobsled seats. The unforgiving gaps between the seats and the bobsled frame became temporary hiding spots for the unlucky guests who lost their phones.
A recent Reddit post on the r/Disneyland subreddit detailed a first-hand account of a single Matterhorn Bobsled losing three phones in ten minutes. The parkgoer witnessed someone looking for their mobile device as they boarded, only to discover a phone in their own seat when yet another rider tried to find their missing device.
I decided to go on the Matterhorn not too long ago. When it was my turn to hop in a bobsled, the person in front of me found a lost cell phone in their seat. She gave it to a cast member. “Meh it happens” I thought. So the ride starts, goes fine, and we get back to the station. There I see a man waiting for my bobsled to arrive because he had lost a different cell phone on it, apparently in my seat. I reach down and sure enough find lost phone #2 in the crack between the seat and the bobsled frame. I start to hand it to him but the man says it’s not his, he’s apparently looking for lost phone #3, so I hand it to the cast member waiting with the guy instead.
Which got me thinking, how many phones does this ride eat?? It’s so bumpy I would imagine it can shake things out of pockets, but jeez. Any CMs happen to know if this is the most phone thirsty ride in the park?
While the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride may claim the occasional smartphone, it’s all part of the adventure.
For riders, the attraction is a thrilling journey through the Swiss Alps, but it should also be a lesson in securing personal belongings. So, remember to hold on tight to your phone – or risk contributing to the Matterhorn’s growing legend as the “phone eater” of Disneyland.
Has this classic Disneyland attraction ever ‘eaten’ your phone? Tell us about it in the comments below!
