The Wicked Witch Scowls at Guests Entering the Ride

vital stats

personal preference

stars: 3.5 (out of 5)
A classic Disneyland dark ride that was improved greatly during the 1982 renovation. The various scenes are executed well and there's a nice contrast between the warmth of the Dwarves' cottage and the dark, gloominess of the Evil Witch's castle.

free association

. . .I like that you have to enter a dungeon to board the ride. It work as a transition to the rather claustraphobic interior and heightens the "scary" aspect of Snow White's adventure. . .

. . . I was never terrified of this ride as a kid like I was of the Haunted Mansion but I remember I always hated the "demon trees" because they lunged at you while you were going by. . .

. . . I saw this ride at a Passholder Party and you wouldn't believe how much noise everything makes without the music. The (evil) trees make a weird gasping noise when they lunge and creak painfully when they raise back up. . .

pointless trivia

• The original 1955 attraction was a much different ride than what modern guests experience. The mine cars entered the ride through the Dwarfs' mine, exited into the forest then turned away from the Dwarfs' cottage (which was presented as a plywood painting) towards the evil Witch's castle. Today's guests first enter through the cottage, exit into the woods, proceed through the mine shaft, and then encounter the castle. Additionally, the modren ride has many more animated figures (such as Grumpy playing the organ) and special effects than its predecessor. (The E-Ticket, Summer 1992)
• The first incarnation of the ride did not actually contain Snow White. Riders were intended to believe that they were Snow White, running through the forest, encountering the Witch, etc. Inevitably, though, confused guests exiting the ride would wonder where the story's heroine was. As Imagineer Ken Anderson said, "...nobody got it." So, when the ride was renovated in 1983, she was included in many of the ride's scenes. (Ibid)
• The original Snow White dark ride did not have the word "scary" in its title. It was no less frightening than the current version, however, but rather warned small children about the ride's spookiness with a sign in front featuring the Wicked Witch. (Disney A to Z)
• TEST: Okay, name the dwarfs. Answer Below

Answer: Happy, Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy, Dopey, Bashful, Sleepy

sleeping beauty's castle		storybook land