If you’ve ever trotted down Main Street, U.S.A. and taken a turn towards Tomorrowland in Disneyland Park, you’ve likely heard the echoing screams and iconic roar of the Matterhorn Bobsleds. This classic attraction is a rite of passage for any Disney enthusiast, offering breathtaking views and, let’s be honest, a spine-rattling experience that’s not for the faint-hearted. But did you know that the hair-raising roughness of the ride is by design?

Legendary Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr, who masterminded the original design of the Matterhorn, recently let the cat out of the bag in an Instagram interview with Steve Gonsalves. According to Gurr, the jarring nature of the ride is rooted in the “heartline” concept—or rather, the lack thereof. Unlike modern coasters that revolve around an imaginary line through your chest to ensure smooth motion, the Matterhorn’s track delivers a more, shall we say, unpredictable experience. “The reason it’s rough, it’s a complicated, simple thing,” Gurr stated. “This track slams you into a turn, bangs you hard,” he confessed, noting that the design eschews the heartline concept, marking it forever as one of the roughest rides on the planet.

For those thinking that the introduction of new bobsled cars in the 2010s might have eased the bone-jarring experience, Gurr dashed such hopes. He revealed that the updated vehicles have actually amplified the bumps and jolts. “The current car is designed differently so that there’s a space between the side of the car and you. You now get the full slam like it used to be originally,” he explained. So if your last trip down the mountain felt like a chiropractic session gone awry, you weren’t imagining things.

Despite its iconic status, even Bob Gurr himself now avoids riding the coaster. Laughing off the suggestion that he join Gonsalves for a ride, Gurr emphatically stated, “I’m not going to ride it. I’m not going to ride it.”

So next time you’re bracing for impact on the Matterhorn Bobsleds, remember that its rough-and-tumble charm is all thanks to Bob Gurr. Whether you love it or prefer to steer clear, there’s no denying that the Matterhorn remains a legendary staple of Disneyland’s magical landscape.

What are your thoughts on this revelation? Have you braved the Matterhorn lately? Share your experiences in the comments below and let’s get the conversation rolling!

Source: [AllEars.Net](https://allears.net/2024/10/14/disney-imagineer-reveals-secret-behind-one-of-his-most-controversial-rides/)