Previewing The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

The last bit of the New Fantasyland is still under construction at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, but each day fans get a little closer to getting to ride on the "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train." The opening date is set for "later this Spring" but when exactly we still don't know. Walls have been down and a there were even some test riders recently. The rock-work is getting its finishing touches and the top of the mountain planted. It won't be long now before guests will be careening through this newest of Disney's mountain landscapes in the Enchanted Forest.


Dopey Stands In Front Of The "Big Drop"

Disney has been giving the fans brief looks at the action that's in store on this steel roller coaster with both indoor and outdoor components. Unlike the thrills over at Disney's Hollywood Studios the mine train is expected to appeal to a more family oriented audience. The innovative design of the mine carts represent a new ride system that will sway and tip side to side as the train rounds corners while speeding ahead. Each car is also its own unique piece of artwork, hand painted with the artists taking into consideration the wear and tear that would occur from years of use in the mine.





The attraction's storyline is told from the Dwarfs' perspective, giving a unique spin on the traditional tale of Snow White. According to Imagineer Dave Minichiello "[Guests] travel through the forest and explore the mine where the dwarfs are working, but we're seeing the mine in a grander scale in a way we've never told the story before."

In the following video, Disney Imagineers compare "onboard" footage of the attraction side-by-side with an original CGI onboard that was created early on in the attraction's development giving us the best preview yet of what to expect.





Minichielle also offered commentary on the dark ride portions of the new attraction, saying that "the train slows to allow the guests to enjoy the details of the scene. We wanted to let our guests discover their favorite dwarf. All seven are hard at work in the mine scene - and we do have some hidden stuff in there." Score! I love looking for hidden stuff in attractions.

Last weekend Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Staggs presented a video at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration showing them that the new characters in the attraction will be some of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics WDI has ever created. This final video offers a glimpse at the twinkling world of the gem mine.





Personally, I'm really looking forward to seeing how all the pieces of Fantasyland and New Fantasyland fit together without construction walls blocking the view. Taking a trip on a new roller coaster will be the cake!

Are you looking forward to the "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?" What are you thoughts on how it's all coming together?