The Ultimate Guide to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney’s very first animated feature film was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which has been represented at the Disney Parks for years.

First at Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom with a dark ride called Snow White’s Scary Adventures.

Now at Walt Disney World the original princess has a brand-new ride in her honor called Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, right in the middle of Fantasyland!

The three-minute roller coaster ride is fast, with some elements that might be scary for younger kids.

Typically, it’s compared to the likes of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and The Barnstormer, with Thunder’s big drops and show scenes and The Barnstormer’s family friendly elements!

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

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History

I’m sure you all are familiar with the story of Walt Disney, how he first drew Mickey Mouse on a train ride, and the rest is history. The story is quite inspiring really, he was just an animator, and not a very well-paid one at that.

Which brings us to present day New Fantasyland which had undergone an intensive refurbishment in 2012. The Magic Kingdom’s land was expanded from 107 acres to 133 acres to occupy the new improvements that would be made to Fantasyland.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with Snow White Cozy Cottage
Snow White Cozy Cottage

When the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride was taken down due to technical issues, there was a 10-acre gap in Disney’s most popular land. Something had to replace it.

When the idea of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was proposed in the early 2000s, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs was a 70-year-old film franchise.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Construction
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Construction December 2013

There were numerous trials and tests done because it was to be a ‘family-friendly’ ride. Nonetheless, huge crowds turned up at the opening on May 28, 2014 and the ride has one of the longest wait-times in Walt Disney World.

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New Fantasyland

Fast forward to modern-day Magic Kingdom, and the idea to create something new inside Fantasyland. In fact, the entire land was almost all redone to make room for new experiences.

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland with Cinderella Castle and Carousel

Those experiences included Princess Fairytale Hall, Storybook Circus, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Ride Layout

The ride layout takes guests on an indoor and outdoor coaster adventure. You’ll experience big drops and slower hills. The entire premise of the ride is that you’re taking a peek at the dwarfs mine where a million diamonds shine!

The Queue

The ride does take a large time commitment, not because of the actual ride time, but because of the wait time, which can be over two hours on busy days at Magic Kingdom.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with Guest Mining for Gems
Photo Copyright: Disney Co.

The best way to not have to wait hours to ride the family-friendly attraction is to either get a FastPass reservation or head there first thing in the morning just after the park opens!

The stand-by queue for the attraction has several interactive games and play areas to keep you entertained as you wait.

When you finally get to the loading area, strap yourself in the rickety mine train just as Heigh-ho starts playing in the background.

The Ride

The train moves slowly into the bright daylight and encounters a steep turn. That is when you realize that what the ride lacks in inversions, G-rolls and all that fancy stuff, it makes up by having a swinging train.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train with Sneezy Mining for Gems
Photo Copyright: Disney Co.

Yes, each car on the train has an individual swing, making it even more fun!

After taking a tour of the Dwarf’s mine you’ll go down one final drop before spotting the finale scene with the Dwarf’s cottage and Snow White inside dancing.

Keen eyes will also spot the old hag who is waiting to give Snow White the poison apple.

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Train Design

The train of the Seven Dwarf Mine Train ride is a one-of-a-kind swinging roller coaster. The coaster is designed to look like the cars that the Dwarf’s carry their treasures from the mine in.

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Note that the actual seats and lap bar situation feels a little tighter than other Walt Disney World attractions. While most people will fit, it will feel snug.

This is because Walt Disney Imagineering wanted guests to feel like they were a Dwarf as well and Dwarf’s require smaller seats to feel secure.

Read: 9 Amazing Magic Kingdom Solo Tips (For Beginners)

Fast Facts

  • The entire ride is about 3 minutes long.
  • You have to be at least 38 inches tall to be allowed on this ride.
  • It is both a roller coaster and a dark ride at the same time, making for a unique experience
  • The outside design of this attraction was built to blend the areas of Fantasyland.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Hill

7 Top Tips for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

  1. Get a FastPass so you don’t have to wait as long in the warm Florida sun!
  2. Use the My Disney Experience app to monitor wait times for the attraction throughout the day.
  3. Try to ride first thing in the morning if you are not able to get a FastPass.
  4. Ride on the back row to get the most intensity from the ride.
  5. Look out for the Evil Queen lurking in the forest.
  6. Don’t feel bad waiting in the queue as it will give you an opportunity to mine for gems and other hidden goodies.
  7. This is a good beginners roller coaster for the little ones or newbies to thrill rides.

Final Thoughts

If you remember listening to a bedtime story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, you had always wanted a closer look at their cottage, maybe a peep into their window.

Magic Kingdom New Fantasyland Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Entrance

Or maybe you wanted to join the dwarfs at the mine for a day. 

Don’t let your inner child down.

Go and explore Fantasyland to your heart’s content. Going to theme parks with other people is nothing but a social construct, so don’t get caught up in it.

What are you waiting for? Go tick this ride off your childhood bucket list!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Hill
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Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

UP NEXT: 21 Magnificent Things You Must Do at Magic Kingdom – The Ultimate Checklist

(Original Article Date: December 18, 2013/Updated March 31, 2020)

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