Observations from today's commercial shoot at Seven Dwarfs Mine Train including ride duration timing

Apr 22, 2014 in "Fantasyland"

Posted: Tuesday April 22, 2014 2:17pm EDT by WDWMAGIC Staff

Today was interesting for observers at the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train because it gave a first look at some areas that were previously behind walls, and also a look at how the ride is likely to operate with park guests onboard once it opens.

Actors ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster

Everyone has been asking about ride duration, and today gave us a chance to do some timings on this. Based on today's commercial shoot, which we have to assume has the ride running at its intended operational pace, the ride looks to be somewhere in the region of just under 2 minutes long. We timed just over a minute for the indoor show scene inside the mountain, and around 20 to 30 seconds each for the two exterior portions of the ride. This puts the total ride duration somewhere in the region of just under 2 minutes. Of course, this does not take into account the load and unload process, which would add some additional time.

Something that may not be obvious from the video, but is very striking in person, is just how quiet the ride system is. The trains can go by you without you even noticing. WDI and Vekoma look to have a really smooth ride on this coaster.

Train on the lift hill

The lift hill appears to be using the same near-silent chain mechanism that was introduced on Expedition Everest. No clanking as the train heads up the lift, and it also moves at a fairly rapid rate. We can only currently see the outdoor lift, but we can assume the same mechanism is probably in use on the second indoor lift through the show scene.

Also interesting to note is that the train comes to a complete stop at the cottage scene, giving guests a chance to view the final scene before heading back in to the unload area.

The ride still remains in test and adjust, and is not yet open for any guests. Stay tuned to WDWMAGIC for updates as they happen.

If you have not seen our coverage of today's Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster commercial shoot, you can catch that here and here.

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jay_londonJun 13, 2001

oh next time you go take a look its great views. Go up to the california grill but as you exit the lift turn left towards the rest rooms and the door out to the walk way is round there. Jay

Mr LightbeerJun 13, 2001

Now that wasn't so hard was it ? I'll give you a more in depth reply soon.I'm really busy at the moment. Now for another new name wdwcritic no longer suits you.

ArielJun 13, 2001

Thanks WDW Critic! That was really great...Sorry about your dog too. I am sure that was very hard.

lileonardJun 13, 2001

Ive only been to the contemperary a few times to eat, what does the walkway on top look like? just wondering?

wdw criticJun 13, 2001

hey tramp, while I'm at the first aid station I can slip into the gerber place to change that depends diaper,, thanks about thunder,,,I was just looking at his grave in the backyard, buried him in his favorite spot,,,,he was a great dog,,,,,life goes on

TrampJun 12, 2001

Good job critic! ;) But please, go to the First Aid station and change that diaper...ok? LOL :):) By the way, the First Aid station near the Crystal Palace is a real "cool" place to get out of the heat and pick up a few bandaides for those blisters....OUCH! :( Sorry to hear about the pooch! Like losing a family member:( :(

wdw criticJun 12, 2001

thanks jay-london,it's a sad ritual all pet owners unfortunately have to go through,,,, now for mr. lightbeers challenge, keep in mind this is not in any order of importance: 1.chicken fingers anywhere in the world 2.cruising the waters in a pontoon boat,those water taxis keep cutting me off!! 3.sitting on the poly beach at night listening to the train whistle in the distance,watching the monorails, the contemporary and the grand floridian lit up and then the fireworks start,,,, then watching this couple on their honeymoon... 4.the walkway on top of the contemporary,especially at night 5. fish and chips, was in southhampton and london,yum,great with malt vinegar 6.staying in ft. wilderness 7.hoop de do revue,chicken is a little salty,the show is great 8.o'hanas,shrimp the size of small rats 9.whispering canyon cafe, waiters are a hoot 10.wilderness lodge,2nd best lobby in the world,great xmas tree 11.grand floridian,best lobby in the world 12.cont. tower rooms facing the mk,sit out on the balcony sipping a cold guinness at night 13. the old poly pool 14. the poly,yeaI know I criticized the decor but I like the landscaping 15.haunted mansion,could use more high tech effects, imo 16.pirates of the caribbean 17.carousel of progress,like the old show better 18.main street at night,but too many merchandise shops,imo 19.monorails 20. columbia harbor house 21.port orleans 22. the coffee bar next to the kona cafe,desserts are fantastic 23.steak and kidney pie 24.london,greatest city in the world 25.english pubs 26.that warm feeling looking at the castle at night,oh crap, no pun intended,need to go change that diaper....... now about that tree in the mk, one foot to the left would be perfect,, and that muffin was short one raisin!!! I'm still looking for that rust free zone! See, I told you there are some good things in mouseland,you guys were'nt reading between the lines!!

jay_londonJun 12, 2001

Sorry to hear of the sad loss of your lab I know from experience how sad these times are. jay

wdw criticJun 12, 2001

lightbeer, you ole bloke!!! what took you so long to get into the newest "row" as you Brits say, you're slowing down ole man. But its good to hear from you!!!Nice to see the posts from people who love to hate me. I was beginning to feel left out. I accept your challenge and I PROMISE to be fair, balanced and not so sarcastic,but just a little bit. But, there is one problem. There is sadness in the house tonite. I had to put my black lab to sleep today, he was 13 and well, it was time to say goodbye so I'm really not up to the task tonite. His name was thunder and now it is thundering and raining,he's probably up there causing all this. I see you are from liverpool,beatles and all that. True story: I graduated from columbia high in decatur,georgia in 1970. guess who was in my phys ed class, you guys call him MDC as in Mark David Chapman,as in the creep who shot John Lennon, actually ate lunch with him a few times in the cafeteria, he's a strange duck. I also met Allan Williams, the Beatles manager before Epstein,very interesting to talk to. Would really enjoy coming to liverpool to see all the beatles sites,maybe some day. Well, got to go, I will make a list tonite of all things good about wdw,yes, there are some good things.

ArielJun 11, 2001

I agree with Tramp on this one. I think the best thing to do is ignore his posts. It's so obvious he's only here to cause trouble, not post valid criticism. Why let him upset us? We like this board - no wait - we love it!! We like the topics and each other (I hope) and if he doesn't like it, then he can simply go away. We have too much fun, so we shouldn't let him spoil it :)

wdwmagicJun 11, 2001

Tramp - u got a personal email! you are lucky!! :D :D :D On your second point- this new forums has SUPERB admin features - i can do all kind of cool things behind the scenes :-) and yep, the ignore list is a cool feature too! :-) Things are OK on this side of the pond - but I would prefer to be on the other side!! :cool:

TrampJun 10, 2001

Mr. Lightbeer.... You are too, too much....dangling red meat in front of a tiger! He'll be up all night trying to think of something good to say just to prove you wrong...:D By the way...I just got an email from wdw critic complaining about me insulting him...don't think he liked the 'diaper' comment...lol. Someone throw this guy a crying towel please!:D :D I don't have a dog in this fight but I was prepared to badger this guy until he cries uncle scrooge. A more reasoned approach would be to let the guy with his hand on the NUKE button handle it..ie, Steve. As for me....now is a good time to start the IGNORE list. :D :D :D Hope all is well on the other side of the POND...:cool: