Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Reopen Fall 2013
Starting January 7, 2013, the exciting Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will receive refurbishment attention. Come back mid-fall 2013 and climb aboard the train for a twisting thrill ride through the untamed landscape of the legendary Old West.
Thunder aboard a runaway mine train on a fast-paced thrill ride through the barren landscape of the Old West. Get ready for the time of your life, because Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is "the wildest ride in the wilderness"!
The Adventure
Twist through desert canyons, dash under creaking mine shafts and venture deep into pitch-black caverns overrun with screeching bats. Rumble past falling boulders, gushing waterfalls, playful wildlife and abandoned mining settlements, as you weave through burnt orange rock spires, arches, canyons and windswept gorges. Just when you think your adventure is at an end, an unseen force seems to push you forward up and over the next hill.
The Legend of Big Thunder Mountain
While you wait to board your train, your surroundings appear tranquil and picturesque, but you sense that something otherworldly is amiss.
Folklore tells of mysterious rumblings and strange noises emanating from the depths of the 104-foot-tall Big Thunder Mountain. Iridescent stalagmites and stalactites pulsate with eerie light deep below ground. Native American tales claim that supernatural forces will unleash the power of thunder upon those who dare to remove gold from the mountain
Undaunted, the Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company has begun to mine the site. Reports claim that mine trains sometimes mysteriously depart the station without an engineer at the throttle — driven by unseen forces.
The next train is departing now. Dare to test the legend?
Inspiration
Based on Bryce Canyon in Utah, the scenery captures the thrill, excitement and beauty of the rugged and untamed landscape of the American West.
Town of Big Thunder
The miniature town of Big Thunder that you roll past at the end of the attraction predates Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Originally named Rainbow Ridge, the town is one of several repurposed elements from the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train (later called Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland) that transported Guests around Frontierland from 1956 to 1977.
Guest Policies
- Supervise children at all times. Children under age 7 years must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older.
- Guests must transfer from their wheelchair or Electric Convenience Vehicle to the ride vehicle by themselves or with assistance by members of their party to experience this attraction. A transfer device is available for this attraction.
- Service animals may not accompany Guests on this attraction.
- WARNING! For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride.
- Guests with young children may take turns experiencing attractions. See a Cast Member for additional information.
- Wheelchair Access: Enter through the exit to the unload area and contact a Cast Member for boarding instructions. Please remain behind the yellow line. A transfer access vehicle is available. If you have a Disney FASTPASS® return ticket, follow the same procedures.
Height:
| 40" (102 cm) or Taller |
Category:
| Thrill Rides |
Features:
Disney FASTPASS Service Disney FASTPASS Service is a complimentary program that allows Guests to save their place in line while they enjoy the rest of the Park. Subject to availability. X | |
Rider Switch The Rider Switch program allows multiple adults to experience an attraction while one adult waits with a child. You then "switch" to enable the other adult to enjoy the attraction. X |
Accessibility:
 | Transfer from Wheelchair or ECV to Ride Vehicle |
Today's Park Hours:
 | Park Hours and Schedule |
