The wait is over! Magic Kingdom yesterday officially opened Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to the public.
Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts wrote in a post on the Disney Parks Blog:
“The attraction has a unique new ride system that allows the mine cars to sway back and forth as guests are immersed into the world of the treasured film. Inside the mine, our Imagineers put to work some newly invented audio-animatronic magic that brings to life the stars of our attraction: Doc, Sneezy, Sleepy, Grumpy, Bashful, Happy, and Dopey.”
He continued: “As I said when we dedicated this attraction a few weeks ago, we think this ride will be an instant classic – one that will connect new generations to one of Walt Disney’s earliest stories and its timeless characters. We’re excited to kick-off the summer by sharing Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with all of our guests.”
Seven Dwarf Mine Train represents the completion of Magic Kingdom’s $400 million, multi-phase Fantasyland expansion, which started in Septmeber 2012.
Designed of course by Walt Disney Imagineering and manufactured by Vekoma, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train takes guests on a “race through the diamond mine from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
The coaster features a unique ride system that allows the mine cars to sway back and forth throughout the 2,000-foot-long course. The ride is family-friendly, featuring a mild 41-foot drop and a top speed of 34 mph.
For the grand opening of the coaster, seven “Littles” and their “Bigs” from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida along with Orlando Magic stars Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris were on hand to take a spin the new coaster.
Watch the video below to see more from yesterday’s opening festivities:
The video below features off-ride and on-ride footage of the coaster:
Have you ridden Seven Dwarfs Mine Train yet? Share your thoughts about the coaster in the comments section below.
I got a chance to ride the Mine Train during a “soft” opening a few days before the official opening. It is very tame. I did not feel the sideways rocking as described. It is a lovely coaster, very smooth. Some interesting things to look at. I did not notice the music. However the ride felt extremely short and all members of my family (sons ages 12 and 14 husband and myself) were a bit underwhelmed.
Thanks for sharing, Nancy! That’s a shame to hear about the sideways rocking effect (or lack thereof). It sounds like something that would add quite a fun element to an otherwise tame coaster.