If you’re wondering where that big crowd at rope drop is headed when Magic Kingdom opens, there’s a very good chance they’re making a break for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland.
Inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this coaster is a smooth trip down into the mines where Dopey and the gang spend their days, and what truly makes it fun is how the ride vehicles swing side to side, like you were mining right along with them.
If you’re hoping to catch some thrills that include some adorable, colorful moments next time you’re in the park, keep reading.
Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it’s off to the guide to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train we go!
Before we get too far into it, make sure you check out our guide on the Best Rides at Magic Kingdom for information on every attraction and show at Magic Kingdom.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Quick Facts
Description: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a smooth roller coaster with the intensity of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, themed after Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Part of this ride will take you through the gem-filled mines from the movie, complete with music and characters you’re sure to recognize. Hang tight through the drops and turns — the finale scene may just end up being your favorite part.
Location
You can find Mine Train in a part of Fantasyland often referred to as New Fantasyland across from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Here’s the location on the map.
How to Ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has a Standby Line and an Individual Lightning Lane. There is no Single Rider Line.
It’s important to keep in mind that this is one of the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom, so you’ll find long standby waits for most of the day. If you’re planning to use the standby line, waits are usually the shortest immediately after rope drop or right before park close.
Lines at this attraction almost always exceed one hour throughout the day, and during the busiest times of the year, expect to wait 90 minutes or longer in standby.
Since Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is so short, some visitors don’t believe the long waits are worth it, but if you’re a fan of coasters, Snow White, or Disney parks attractions in general, it’s worth checking out at least once — and many people continue to make the ride a priority each returning visit.
Eligible guests can also ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train during both Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.
Do I need to use Genie+ at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is not available with the purchase of Genie+.
For a shorter wait time, you will need to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane in the My Disney Experience app, and prices will vary depending on the day you visit the park.
Since this is one of the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom, we recommend purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane if this ride is a must do for you, especially if you aren’t planning to be at the park at rope drop or take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry.
It’s hard to overstate the popularity of this ride, so if you have the cash to spend, this Individual Lightning Lane purchase may end up being an important one.
Make sure you check out our touring strategies for Magic Kingdom for more Genie+ advice.
Rider Switch/Child Swap
The good news is that Rider Switch is offered for Mine Train.
This is Disney’s system allowing guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.
Heading to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh with the kiddo in question while the other adults in your group ride Mine Train might be a fun option to pass the time.
Fantasyland also offers plenty of options for attractions, snacks, and character greetings for guests of any age who are skipping out on this one.
What to Expect When You Ride
Queue
The good news for those who decide to take their chances with Standby: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train does include a pretty cool interactive queue. allowing guests to sort jewels, wash gems with water spigots, and the ability to turn barrels filled with glowing stones.
Regarding the latter, make sure you look up at the ceiling.
Part of the line is completely outside and a portion of it is covered before entering the indoor queue. Pay attention, because you’ll even get to see a replica of the dwarfs home as you wait outside and it is very cute.
You do get a better view of the cottage as you exit the ride, but it’s a fun preview of what’s to come on your way inside.
Ride Vehicles
The Mine Train ride vehicles not only fit the theming perfectly, but, like we mentioned earlier, they also actually swing back and forth.
One ride vehicle seats a total of four individuals, with two people sitting side by side. There is also a lap bar that is pulled down to ensure the safety of guests.
Some people believe that the back row feels the fastest, while the front row obviously offers awesome views. No matter where you’re sitting, though, the ride experience is pretty solid.
Accessibility Information
To ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, guests in ECVs and wheelchairs must transfer to the ride vehicle, though the coaster does include an ADA ride car with an opening that may make it easier to transfer to.
Service animals are not permitted on this ride, and expectant mothers are advised not to ride.
PhotoPass/On-Ride Photos
Mine Train does offer on-ride PhotoPass photos, which should automatically appear in your My Disney Experience app if you’re wearing a MagicBand or MagicBand+ — and this just so happens to be one of the few rides in the parks that includes video footage, too.
So, where do you look for the photo capture? The first camera can be found on the left as you go down the first hill. Then, there is also a second camera as you turn at the bottom of that first hill, above you on the left.
It’s pretty fast, so good luck striking the perfect pose, but the photos and videos always turn out fun!
The photos and videos will be available in the app for 45 days unless you choose to purchase them. They are included in the purchase of Memory Maker, or they can be purchased individually.
Guests purchasing Genie+ will receive digital downloads of their on-ride photos taken in the park on the day of their purchase, at no additional charge.
If your photos don’t appear in the app, you can visit a PhotoPass office in the park for help, and they may be able to locate them. In Magic Kingdom, this is located inside the Town Square Theater on Main Street, U.S.A.
Motion Sickness
Mine Train is a coaster that goes fast, has vehicles that swing side to side, and even incorporates tight turns. So, depending, this ride could cause motion sickness. We have a guide on motion sickness that’s filled with information and tips, so feel free to check that out.
On the Ride
If you want to be surprised when you ride Mine Train, don’t read any further — spoilers ahead!
When your very long wait comes to an end (or your short one, if you followed our advice and hopped in line at rope drop or snagged that Individual Lightning Lane), it will be your turn to hop into a mine cart and board the ride.
After safety checks, you’re off on what tops out at a 34 mph adventure (but trust us, it feels must faster than that!).
You’ll ease your way around the corner, already feeling the wind in your hair, before approaching the first drop.
As you careen around the corner, you’ll be treated to some pretty sweet views of Fantasyland, and eventually find yourself in a dark tunnel.
But this isn’t any ordinary tunnel.
As the familiar sounds of “Heigh-Ho” start to kick in, you’ll find yourself surrounded by singing animatronics of the dwarfs and magical, lit up gems everywhere (and you’ll notice that you can help your swinging cart rock back and forth as you move to the music).
As you approach the ride’s biggest hill, you can see shadows of the dwarfs on the walls, cheerfully marching right alongside you.
Hang on to your hats, phones, and kids, because you’re about to be sent speeding through the most thrilling part of the attraction!
The ride ends (way too soon, in our opinion) just outside the dwarfs’ cottage, where you can peek inside and see they’re dancing with Snow White while you wait to hop off and head to your next adventure.
Don’t mind that scary witch and her apple outside. Just pretend you didn’t see her and you’ll be fine.
Is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Kid-Friendly?
Mine Train is a very fun ride that kids love, but there are some things to keep in mind.
First, this is the most intense coaster throughout Fantasyland. It’s far from “it’s a small world” or Peter Pan’s Flight.
We recommend having little ones test the waters first by riding Barnstormer in Storybook Circus. This coaster is short, fast, and the perfect amount of thrill to see whether or not kids will enjoy something along the lines of Mine Train.
We have a full guide on several other things that might scare little ones at WDW.
Strollers
Strollers are not allowed in the queue to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Before getting in line to ride, you’ll need to park your stroller in the designated area, located in front of the ride right before you enter the queue.
Remember to take all valuables with you when you leave your stroller behind, especially items like phones and wallets.
It’s also not a bad idea to use a rain cover if you have one — Florida rainstorms often come as a total surprise during all times of the year.
History
Mine Train first opened on May 28, 2014 as part of the expansion of Fantasyland into New Fantasyland — and it became a fast hit with fans.
Actually, this is the second Snow White-inspired ride at Magic Kingdom.
In May 2012, it was announced the former and classic Snow White’s Scary Adventures would be replaced with what is now known as Princess Fairytale Hall.
And alongside this announcement, Disney revealed Mine Train would be built honoring the first Disney princess.
Even though Mine Train hasn’t been open for that long, there is history with the ride. The two vultures you see at the top of the mountain once you pull out of the loading area are from the original Snow White’s Scary Adventures.
You can see them here:
If that isn’t enough, the Snow White, seven dwarfs, and Evil Queen animatronics you see at the very end of the ride are also from Scary Adventures.
Don’t forget the unique ride vehicles that swing back and forth — they’re actually the first of their kind.
Other Fun Details
- Watch for the vultures and animatronics that were originally used in Snow White’s Scary Adventures that we mentioned. If you rode the attraction while it was still operating, it can be a fun dose of nostalgia to point them out.
- As you make your way into the third section of the interactive queue, keep an eye out as you pass the vault room. You’ll find a key to the vault hanging on a peg next to the entrance — exactly where Dopey keeps it in the movie.
- While you’re walking along the outdoor path after entering the queue, look down! In the pavement, you’ll see the footprints of the creatures who live nearby and imprints of acorns and branches.
- Like many Disney attractions, there are multiple Hidden Mickeys to be found both in the queue and on the ride. Try to spot them all!
Other Attractions in Fantasyland
- Cinderella Castle
- “it’s a small world”
- Mad Tea Party
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel