The Matterhorn Mishap

Those of you who have ridden the Matterhorn at Disneyland know that if you’re not in line with either your significant other or your current crush, you’re making sure that you are a SINGLE rider. As you can see in the picture, two small children even look cozy in the half-bobsled…


That being said, I recall being at Disneyland with a group of co-workers and deciding that we should go on the Matterhorn as one of the last rides of the night. We made our way to Fantasyland or Yesterland or whatever land it's in - and joined the line of other prospective riders. As we approached the final leg of the line, Starlight and I were observing the ride and patrons and looked at each other and agreed that we would make sure we were single riders. The rest of the group was chatting about something else and therefore did not reach the same conclusion in time. Starlight and I got on the first bobsled, one of us in the front half and one of us in the back. Once we were buckled in, we both looked behind us at the rest of the group. Tina and Dena had both settled into the front half, leaving Louie and Leon in an awkward spot. Louie jumped in the back and the lederhausen-clad ride attendant said, “No, that won’t work” and looking at Leon said “You’ll need to get in first.” Louie, confused, got out, and Leon got in, scooted to the back and Louie had two choices…be left behind or jump in. She jumped in. The seatbelt (yes, there's just one) was buckled around the two of them and the looks on their faces as they realized just how uncomfortable the ride was going to be were priceless. The regret I feel for not having captured that moment on film still plagues me today. They were able to laugh about it eventually and the rest of us, although we felt for Louie's awkward situation, were able to laugh about it immediately…and for the rest of the trip…