Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Opened: November 15, 1980
- Ride length: 3 minutes, 25 seconds
- Lightning Lane: Yes
In
the midst of landscape designed to resemble Monument Valley sits the 197' butte that is the centerpiece of the
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Set during the gold rush
days in the flooded mine town of Tumbleweed, this runaway
mine car roller coaster features 20 Audio-animatronic figures
including donkeys, chickens, possums, and the rainmaker
himself, Professor Cumulus Isobar.
The authenticity is evident in the antique mining equipment
found around the attraction and the smell of sulfur as you
pass the phosphorescent pools and see the red eyes of the
cave's inhabitants. Riders will also
encounter falling rocks and an earthquake. The ride is geared
more towards adults and teens and a height restriction of
40" is in effect. Parents may use the "switching
off" option. Just under 4 minutes in length, riders
will find themselves tossed side to side in the car.
Thrill seekers will prefer riding in the back of the train
as it is more exciting than in the front. You really have
to pay attention or you may miss the great scenery and attention
paid to detail like the skeleton of the dinosaur built into
the mountain. This is one of the Magic Kingdom's major attractions
and lineups can be quite lengthy.
Be prepared: Queues wind through an old windowless clapboard building
and the heat can be quite stifling during the hot summer
months.
Handicapped Accessibility: Wheelchair guests must be able to transfer from their wheelchairs into the train in order to ride.
