Disney Vs. Disney: Ranking Every Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a heavily themed indoor/outdoor roller coaster themed to the characters and story from Disney’s 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.  The attraction can be found at two of the six Disney Resorts across the globe.  We’ve ridden both Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in person.

Major Similarities & Differences

You can watch fantastic videos of both versions of the attraction online, so we won’t spend time re-hashing the details of each experience.  Instead, we will just point out the major similarities and differences we feel are worth calling out:

• Both versions are located in their respective parks’ Fantasyland areas, and both are considered the headliner attractions of the land.
• The attraction vehicles rock back and forth freely, using momentum from the turns and dips in the track to create this motion.

• The ride contains traditional roller coaster element such as lift hills, drops, and twists, but also contains slow moving “dark ride” sections through themed scenery and animatronics.
• The Florida version sits on land once occupied by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage, and later Pooh’s Playful Spot.

The Rankings (from least favorite to favorite)

2. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Shanghai Disneyland (Shanghai)

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Shanghai Disneyland is the largest castle park in the Disney portfolio, and it shows. The paths are wider, the attractions are much further spaced out, and in many cases, things are bigger and better here than at many other Disney parks. That being said, there are some disadvantages to all of that wide-open space. Those who are used to the intimate feel of Disney’s other Castle Parks will notice several large lawns and picnic areas, popular among Chinese families. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train sits right next to one of these areas, and backs up against both it and an un-themed edge of the park. This may not seem like a big deal, but it really throws off the immersive qualities of the attraction. One minute you’re roaring through the beautifully themed forest, the next moment, you’re getting glimpses directly backstage. Additionally, the finale of the ride is very underwhelming – a couple of the woodland creatures playing in a well, with a very small cottage in the distance. That’s a big drawback for anyone that’s experienced the US version. And while the layout of the ride itself, and virtually all other elements are a carbon copy of Florida, these drawbacks and shortcuts are clearly enough to put this one at the bottom of our list.

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1. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Magic Kingdom (Florida)

When Magic Kingdom park announced this attraction as part of the massive New Fantasyland overhaul of the early 2010’s, it was met with much anticipation. After all, this was to be the new home of Snow White – after her classic dark ride got the axe. The result was a beautifully themed attraction with cutting edge animatronics, perfect for the entire family. Fast and fun, but not too thrilling, it is the ideal mid-sized coaster for those that have outgrown The Barnstormer, but are not quite ready for Space Mountain. The placement in the dead center of New Fantasyland means that foot paths travel completely around this attraction from all sides, making it a gorgeous sight to behold, no matter the angle. The ride is complimented by Prince Eric’s Village Market built right into the side of the attraction, and provides several great vistas of New Fantasyland throughout the journey. The real plus here is the finale scene – which adds just that right touch of Disney whimsy with several characters from the original Snow White’s Scary Adventures dark ride, and includes the foreboding Witch outside the door, suggesting that the “happy ending” may have a catch. It’s a fantastic attraction that is worthy to carry the name and theme of the film that started it all, and it’s without a doubt the best Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction on the planet.

 

YOUR THOUGHTS?

Agree or disagree with our rankings? Have you experienced any of these attractions – either in person, or virtually via the internet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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