Originally Posted By CDF2 Saw a posting awhile back showing new bobsled design - are these running yet? If not, any idea when?
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance Nope, same old sleds still running. I believe next year's refurb is when most people are assuming they will be used.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Yep, they're planning to reconfigure the station gates during the big refrub next spring so that they will line up with the new 3-seat cars. That will also give them plenty of time to test the new cars,s ince the ride will be down for several months.
Originally Posted By Bellella Ok. As long as it's open by next summer. Whatever they have to do to keep it running. Can't wait to try the new Bobsleds! Oh, to enjoy that ride without having to either squish up against someone or lean forward!
Originally Posted By MoondoggieCA Should make for easier loading too. Just like the addition of the unload consoles on the dark rides have certainly made those easier to work than when I was in Fan Attractions years ago.
Originally Posted By MomluvsDisney Not looking forward to smoshed seating, as I liked the open bobsleds. I see this as an improvement only for the park and not the guests. How does this improve my ride? By smoshing me in with strangers like they do on splash mountain? So now I have to sit within a couple of inches in front of me and in back of me with people that I might not know. lovely...
Originally Posted By FerretAfros From my understanding, they'll have the locking seatbelts similar to Star Tours and Indy. They're based on the WDW Space Mountain vehicles, which use a lap bar (T-shaped with the support bar going between your knees) so there's a chance they could change the design to that.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 I'd prefer the seat belts. Not a fan of the MK SM lap bars. I rather liked the original seating (of course, I still prefer the original-original single bobsled, though I know it made the line slower.) But I got over the change to doubles, and I'll get over this. The big question for me: If they have a locking seat belt OR a locking lap bar, will they still play "permanecer sentados, por favor" in the spot where you stop before easing into the station??? THAT would be a big loss to my nostalgic heart if they drop it!
Originally Posted By Dabob2 LOL. But strangely enough, that particular double-safety-spiel, in those particular voices, says "Disneyland" to me like few other things. And I know I can't be alone; they even gave it a shout out in Toy Story 2.
Originally Posted By crapshoot <<THAT would be a big loss to my nostalgic heart if they drop it!>> Agreed. Perhaps if they translate the yodeling in to Spanish, that would aleviate those unsightly pangs.
Originally Posted By CDF2 Just a thought on restraints - I would think seat belts might be preferred over a lap bar on the bobsleds given the fact that the ride can be very bumpy at times. A lap bar would mean something solid for the rider to be thrown against while a seat belt offers little solid resistance while holding the rider in the seat. For a smooth ride like Space Mountain a lap bar seems fine, but for a ride that is older and more prone to some bumps along the way, seems like seat belts would be a better way to go for the bobsleds.
Originally Posted By TMICHAEL ^^ Doesn't seem to be a big issue on Space Mountain in WDW which seemed rougher to me than Matterhorn.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 I think that's exactly what some people are reacting to. Maybe it's never happened to you, but if you hit a rough spot on WDW's SM with that bar; it can hurt. Especially for guys.
Originally Posted By Bellella Dabob2, I think they'll keep that announcement. Everyone seems to love it. About the lapbar, I think I'd be better to have belts with shoulder harnesses. I do not like the idea of riding it with a metal bar digging right into my gut. I hope they take things like this into consideration.
Originally Posted By mele I've decided that I just do not like the Matterhorn. I rode it on Friday and kept thinking "I actually like doing nothing more than being on this ride". It's not just the physical pain (I've always found it too jerky and rough) but I don't find it thrilling or interesting. Just don't get it. (I realize that some people love it. I'm always happy to hear someone say they won't ride my favorite ride...yay, less people in line!)
Originally Posted By CuriousConstance I can take or leave the Matterhorn too. I like that my kids can ride it with me, but I'm not going to wait a long time or anything to get on it.
Originally Posted By mele That's how I used to feel...now I don't even think I'd go on it if there was no wait. (I am sure I would do it to make my daughter happy but that would be the only reason.)
Originally Posted By berol I thought it was too jerky until I decided to lean into the turns. Helps a lot.
