I feel bad for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Ironically, it will be dwarfed by “Diagon Alley’s” opening just up the street. There is no doubt that Universal’s new attraction is from a hotter franchise and is larger in scope. But Diagon Alley still has a little bit of time before it is ready to reveal itself to the public. So for now, it is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train’s to get our full and undivided attention. In this review, I won’t reveal everything about the experience for those that want to have some surprises while they ride. However, if you’d like to see everything, check out our ride-through video.
This D-Ticket ride is more than it appears. The attraction takes the challenge of being surrounded by walkway on all four sides, and somehow creates a fun ride that is more than what it seems. Little touches such as the clinking of the mining and the beautiful greenery end up plussing the attraction more than you would think.
The interactive queue features a gem sorting game, a musical water feature, and barrels that when spun project images of the dwarfs onto the ceiling. As far as interactive queues go, this one is somewhat underwhelming. It also doesn’t help that the three components are situated together. The queue itself is rustic and evocative of the mine from the film, but nothing that makes it special.
The much-touted rocking motion is limited and is perhaps over-sold. But this disappointment is more than made up by the show scenes. Impressive audio-animatronics are whimsical and fun and stay true to the original story. The projected faces, think Buzz Lightyear at Space Ranger Spin, are incredibly well done. They allow the dwarfs to act in ways that a mechanical face can’t do. While I first thought this execution was cheating, it really works well. After all, the characters come from animation where their faces did things that are anatomically impossible in the real world in order to bring the character to life. Another treat is the ending scene which features Snow White, the Old Hag and the Dwarfs. This element also features some suprirses for those nostalgic for Snow White’s Scary Adventure. However, my favorite part of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is simple, but brilliant. As you ascend the lift hill, you see the dwarfs in silhouette as they head home from work. This imagery pulled straight from the film brought a smile to my face.
As a roller-coaster the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train fits comfortably in its mandate of being between Barnstormer and Big Thunder. The ride has enough of a thrill that the coaster sections are not boring, but its by no means an intense roller coaster. If you are looking for a more thrilling experience, ask to sit in the back.
Beyond experiencing the attraction as a ride, the Mine Train adds some nice kinetic energy to Fantasyland. And like the rest of New Fantasyland, it has the benefit of not being built over the Utilidor so greenery is able to be bountiful without the worry of roots breaking into a cast cafeteria. With all the walls down in New Fantasyland, you can see the benefits of all the work. Fantasyland is a more relaxed and refreshing place than it used to be. With more attractions and open space, what could be the most miserable part of the Magic Kingdom has been transformed. While the land might not feature an E-Ticket experience, New Fantasyland did address some of the most congested parts of the Magic Kingdom.
Now that New Fantasyland is finally complete, we look towards the future. With Avatar the only officially announced upcoming domestic attraction, I hope new experiences are announced in the coming months. It is clear, that there is a lot of work being done at Walt Disney Imagineering on upcoming projects. I just can’t wait to find out what they are.