Disney’s Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one of the most eagerly-anticipated new theme park rides for 2014. The Snow White-themed ride is due to open at the Magic Kingdom this spring, and is the final element of the sprawling New Fantasyland expansion. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take guests on a tour around the diamond mine from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, as well as through the enchanted forest and Snow White’s cottage. Let’s take a look…
The trains
Image: Disney
The ride’s main gimmick is its unique cars, which will swing outwards as they round corners in the track. Testing began some months ago, so visitors have been able to catch glimpses of the (empty) trains racing around the circuit.
The track
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is set to be a cross between a classic Disney dark ride packed with animatronics, and a traditional coaster experience. The ride’s circuit will encompass both indoor and outdoor areas, including sections in the mine and in a forest. Here’s a look at the towering first drop from a couple of different angles:
The landscaping
The new roller coaster will be the centerpiece of the expanded New Fantasyland area of the park, and has been cleverly designed to reflect the theme of its surrounding attractions. From the front, guests will see a wooded entrance leading to the Seven Dwarfs’ cottage. From the back, it will resemble a seaside village (complete with a waterfall), tying in with Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid. When on the ride itself, guests will enjoy stunning views across New Fantasyland. The image below shows what they’ll see when looking across towards Beast’s Castle and the Belle’s Village area: 
The next photo looks back towards “old” Fantasyland, including Cinderella Castle, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel and Pinocchio’s Village Haus: 
Incredibly, these trees are fake! 
Water features will surround the circuit: 
The theming
As usual, Disney has allocated a huge budget for the theming of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Many of the elements on show are inspired by items seen in the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs movie, including buckets of jewels, lanterns, ropes and pulleys. 
Elsewhere, a mine cart peeks out of the mountain:
Disney promised to include props from the former Snow White’s Scary Adventures attraction in the new addition. Here’s one of the nods to that lost dark ride – a pair of vultures at the top of the first lift hill. 
Finally, here’s a teasing glimpse at the dwarfs’ cottage: 
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