Suddenly, the sound of distant yodeling fills the air as we approach the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This is no ordinary roller coaster. It is a journey into the heart of a beloved fairy tale.
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Shanghai Disneyland is a steel roller coaster. It is manufactured by Vekoma. The ride opened on June 16, 2016. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is themed to Walt Disney’s 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This was the first full-length animated feature film.
As we step into the queue, notice the interactive activities. Once, there was a gem-sorting game. Guests matched three jewels of different shapes but the same color. Now, there is an overlay of immovable physical gems. Spin the barrels full of gems to see reflective animations of the Seven Dwarfs on the ceiling. If all dwarfs appear, Snow White appears in the middle. Don’t miss the musical spigots, a gem washing station with wooden taps carved into woodland animals. Twelve spigots represent notes on the chromatic scale.
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train travels both indoors and outdoors. It has enchanting scenery and cartoonish architecture. The ride system features tilting vehicles. This simulates the swaying of a mine cart.
Listen for songs from the film. “Heigh-Ho” will fill your ears. You’ll see Audio-Animatronics figures of Doc, Dopey, Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Grumpy, and Bashful. They perform their Yodel Song in the final scene. These figures are recycled from the demolished Snow White’s Scary Adventures attraction. Even the vulture figures from the previous ride are perched on a mining structure. Doc even has a high range of motion in his wrist.
Keep an eye out for the on-ride cameras. They capture videos and pictures of your adventure. These are available for purchase through Disney’s PhotoPass.
The ride layout is the same as the Florida version. However, the songs are in Mandarin, not English. The finale has a key difference. Instead of a cottage close to the tracks, you’ll see a well with animals playing inside.
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is 2,000 feet long. It reaches a height of 44.3 feet. The ride lasts about 2 minutes and 50 seconds. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train hits a top speed of 34 mph.
As you step off the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, remember the dwarfs’ infectious joy. Their hard work and camaraderie. May their spirit stay with you as you continue your adventures in Shanghai.