You’ve Never Seen Disneyland Like This: View From the Top of the Disneyland Matterhorn

Today we have photos from the top of Disneyland's Matterhorn. These photos come from a Disneyland Cast Member.

Disneyland's Matterhorn debuted in 1959 when the park's first major expansion was completed. The Matterhorn, Disneyland Monorail, and Submarine Voyage all opened to the public on June 14, 1959.

The Matterhorn Bobsleds were Disneyland's first roller coaster type ride. Because of the amazing theming and unique thrills, the attraction was the most popular in the park through the 60s and 70s.

The Disneyland Matterhorn was built to 1/100th scale of the original Matterhorn, 147 feet versus 14.700 feet.

The Matterhorn held the title of tallest structure at Disneyland until the Tower of Terror opened in 2004 clocking in at 183 feet.

Disneyland Submarines When the PeopleMover Was Still Running

Since the time this photo was taken, the Disneyland PeopleMover has closed and now the track sits shuttered in Tomorrowland.

Monorail Tracks

Looking down at Fantasyland further towards Big Thunder Mountain

it's a Small World and Anaheim behind it

Space Mountain and more PeopleMover track

(These photos come from this gallery‘ of backstage Disneyland photos.)

Why the mysterious basketball court?

Inside of the Matterhorn structure, the attraction only takes up the bottom two thirds of the mountain. The top one third was empty. There has always been a tradition to have Disneyland Cast Members climbing to the top of Matterhorn to wave to guests and occasionally play music.

These mountain climbers are the only people to ever be in the top of the mountain (it is their break room), so Walt Disney asked them what they would like to have put up there. Long story short, they requested a basketball hoop.

That's it. No need for any huge rumors to spread about the reason that there is basketball hoop in the top of the Matterhorn.

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Disneyland’s Matterhorn is one of the most classic attraction at the parks. Riding the Disneyland Matterhorn bobsleds is a top priority every time that we visit Disneyland.

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Have you ever ridden the Matterhorn?