The classic Disneyland mountain coaster. Dark tunnels, a Yeti jump scare, and a wet splash at the end. Old-school and genuinely exciting.
Last updated: April 2026
| Height Requirement | 42 in (107 cm) |
| Ride Type | Roller coaster |
| Duration | ~4 min |
| Intensity | High |
| Motion Sickness Risk | Low risk |
| Park | Disneyland |
Bottom line: MAYBE for ages 6+. Matterhorn is one of the oldest coasters at Disneyland — a bobsled through dark mountain tunnels with an Abominable Snowman (Yeti) that jumps out mid-ride. It's rougher than many modern coasters, it ends with a small water splash, and the darkness plus Yeti scare is enough to genuinely frighten many children under 7. Children who are already comfortable with roller coasters and not bothered by dark surprises usually have a great time. Timid children should wait. Height requirement is 42 inches.
You board single-file into a 6-person bobsled with individual seats. Each rider has their own seat rather than sitting between someone else's legs. The loading area is outdoors at the base of the mountain.
The bobsled climbs outdoor switchbacks up the side of the mountain. You can see other sleds racing by on the parallel track. Cheerful yodeling music plays. The views of Disneyland from the upper portions of the mountain are genuinely lovely. This is the calm-before-the-storm portion of the ride — most children enjoy it.
The sled enters the mountain and everything changes. It gets dark, the track gets rough, and the sound design amplifies significantly. The ride is noticeably rougher inside the tunnels than it was on the outdoor section. The Abominable Snowman appears suddenly — a large, glowing-eyed figure that lunges toward the track. This is the moment most likely to frighten a younger child. It is brief but convincing.
The final descent sends the bobsled into a small splash at the base of the mountain. You will get lightly wet — typically just your feet and lower legs. On a hot day this is refreshing. On a cool day, wear shoes you don't mind getting damp. The sled then glides back into the station.
Watch a POV video together before deciding. This ride looks significantly more intense in real life than it does in most videos — but seeing the Yeti in advance removes the jump scare element entirely, which can make the difference for a borderline child. Search for Matterhorn POV here.
Tell them about the Yeti before you board. The jump scare is the most predictable part of the ride — telling children about the "Abominable Snowman who lives in the mountain" turns it from a shock into an anticipated moment. Most children handle it much better with that context.
Wear shoes that can get slightly wet. The splash at the end is small but real. Sandals or fabric shoes that stay damp for hours are not ideal. Sneakers dry quickly.