Think you know all there is to know about the rope-drop coaster of Magic Kingdom? Just wait until you’ve heard these six facts about the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Disney’s recent animated movies like Frozen and Toy Story haven’t been the only inspirations for Walt Disney World’s new rides. Take a look at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, for instance.
This exhilarating coaster ride in the Enchanted Forest of New Fantasyland was inspired by the 1937 classic animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and has been one of the most popular attractions in the Magic Kingdom ever since it debuted in 2014.
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Walt’s first full-length animated motion picture deserves a park attraction that captures its charm and creativity—and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train certainly delivers.
There’s plenty of mine train trivia to unearth, so hop aboard, grab your pickaxe, and get ready to dig these interesting facts about the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
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1. A FOREST UNDERNEATH YOUR FEET
Photo by Cliff Wang
Even as you approach the queue to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Imagineers are already setting the scene. The grounds leading up to the station are brimming with tiny details that immerse you in this fairy-tale setting.
For instance, have you ever taken a close look at the path you’re stepping on as you pass through the entrance and walk toward the mine? You may have been too distracted by the sweeping scenery surrounding you—and the train of mine carts dashing past—to look down at your feet.
Next time you walk the trail, keep your eyes open for the many imprints left by acorns, branches, and the feet of various forest animals. It’s almost like strolling along a real dirt path in the forest!
2. A NEW TUNE TO WHISTLE
Do you remember which song is playing through the speakers along the ride queue? No, it’s not “Whistle While You Work” or even “Bluddle-Uddle-Um-Dum.” It’s “Music in Your Soup.” Never heard that tune before?
“Music In Your Soup” was written almost 100 years ago for the animated movie but ended up being dropped from the final cut.
You can find unfinished footage of the musical number online. Just be prepared to have it stuck in your head all day.
3. PLENTY TO DO IN THE QUEUE
Photo by Brett Svenson
Waiting in line at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is almost as fun as riding the roller coaster itself. That’s because Disney Imagineers packed the path with a plethora of interactive areas to keep you occupied.
The first activity you encounter is a jewel-washing station. These flat, digital displays function like smartphone touch screens, which let you sift and sort gems as they float through the water.
Another highlight is the set of glowing, gemstone-filled barrels inside the mine. Give one a swift spin, and it will project an image of one of the seven dwarfs on the ceiling. Try to work together to spin all of them and see what happens!
Those are just a few of the surprises you’ll find in the queue, so spend some time while you wait interacting with your surroundings to see if you can uncover some more secrets!
4. A DOPEY IDEA
Photo by Laurie Sapp
Riders familiar with the Golden Era animated movie will notice some clever Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the attraction, so it’s a good idea to rewatch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs before you hop aboard.
One of the most creative details is hiding in plain sight as you approach the vault.
The doorway is a close recreation of the one seen in the movie, where Dopey opens the vault and tosses in a bag of gems (forgetting to let go of the heavy sack). Acting as his name suggests, Dopey then locks the vault and hangs the key right next to the door.
Behold, an identical key is hanging on the beam to the right of the vault entrance. Bet you didn’t notice that before!
5. DIG DIG DIG DIGGING IN THE MINE
The ride itself doesn’t contain the same number of hidden details as the queue does—but why would it? You’re not able to notice much as you hurtle along the undulating railway!
The only time you slow down enough to study your surroundings is back inside the mine to watch the dwarfs hard at work collecting gemstones. And if you do, you’ll notice some expressive faces!
Imagineers used a high-tech combination of Audio-Animatronics and projection technology to give the little bearded men the happy, bashful, grumpy, and sneezing faces we recognize. Just because the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is based on an old movie doesn’t mean it can’t use modern technology.
Here’s a bonus trivia tidbit: Look to the rock walls as your train ascends to the mine’s opening. You’ll see the shadows of the little men marching to the tune of their favorite work song.
6. MAKING A SECOND APPEARANCE
Photo by Laurie Sapp
Back in 2012, a different attraction based on the same beloved movie closed down in the Magic Kingdom: Snow White’s Scary Adventures. Ever resourceful, Disney Imagineers found a way to preserve some of the Animatronic figures from that ride after it closed.
Learn more about the history of the iconic (but scary!) Snow White ride in our September issue. Subscribe by August 31 to get your hands on a copy of our 2021 Halloween edition.
Now, when you look through the window of the cottage at the end of the train ride, you’ll see the figures of Bashful, Grumpy, Sleepy, Doc, and Happy alive and well after being relocated from Snow White’s Scary Adventures—and accompanied by new Animatronics of their co-stars: Snow White, Dopey, and Sneezy.
The vultures peering down at you near the mine entrance were also carried over from Snow White’s Scary Adventure.
There’s a lot to love about the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Its creative design and numerous hidden surprises are clear evidence of its creators’ love for Walt’s original masterpiece.
What’s your favorite Walt Disney World attraction that’s based on the studio’s classic animated films?
