As one of the most well-known theme park attractions in the world, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a must-ride for any visitor of Disneyland Park. The attraction offers thrills for all ages (who meet the height requirement) without the headache of a major roller coaster. Below you’ll find all the information you need on the attraction including its location, wait times, Lightning Lane and a brief history on the attraction.
Location: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is located in Frontierland at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. Its placement adds a rustic appeal to the area and helps transport visitors to the Wild West era.
Theme: This attraction is designed as a runaway mine train through a haunted gold-mining town. Its breathtaking landscapes and lifelike Audio-Animatronics immerse riders in a thrilling adventure.
Attraction Details
Height Requirement: Guests must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall to ride. This ensures that the attraction is suitable for families with young children who meet the height criteria.
Average Wait Times: Wait times can vary greatly depending on the season and time of day. On average, you might expect to wait between 30 to 60 minutes. During peak seasons, such as summer and major holidays, this wait time can even extend to over an hour.
Genie+ and Lightning Lane: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is part of Disney’s Genie+ system, which allows you to reserve access to certain attractions, experiences, and more. By using the Lightning Lane entrance, you can reduce your wait time, though it may require an additional purchase depending on the demand for the ride.
Single Rider: Currently the attraction does not offer a Single Rider line, providing a quicker queue option for individuals willing to ride alone. Single Rider can be an excellent way to reduce your wait time if you don’t mind potentially being separated from your party. Other attractions throughout the park do offer Single Rider.
Parent Swap: Also known as Rider Switch, this service allows one parent or guardian to wait with a child who does not meet the height requirement while the rest of the party enjoys the ride. Then, they can switch roles, allowing the waiting adult to enjoy the ride without having to queue again.
DAS (Disability Access Service): Disneyland offers DAS for guests with disabilities who may be unable to tolerate extended waits in a conventional queue environment. You should visit Guest Relations to discuss specific needs and get assistance.
Best Times to Ride: The best times to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are usually right after the park opens or during late evening hours. The attraction also has a unique charm at night, with beautiful lighting that enhances the experience. Weekdays during the off-peak season are typically less crowded.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad History
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s concept came from Imagineer Tony Baxter and was inspired by the Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. The ride’s development began as an expansion of Frontierland and initially was part of a much larger concept called “Thunder Mesa,” encompassing multiple attractions.
When budget constraints led to the scaling back of the original plan, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad became a stand-alone project. The attraction’s design took cues from various real-life locations, and Marc Davis, who contributed to many classic Disneyland attractions, provided conceptual artwork.
Construction and Opening
After extensive planning and development, construction on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad began in the late 1970s. This ambitious project involved intricate design work to create the appearance of a rugged mountain landscape.
The attraction opened at Disneyland in California on September 2, 1979. It was an immediate success and led to iterations of the ride being built at other Disney parks worldwide.
Ride Experience and Evolution
Set in the fictional mining town of Rainbow Ridge, the ride takes passengers on a runaway mine train through caverns, mountains, and ghostly mining operations. The ride combines thrilling drops and turns with a rich backstory and elaborate theming.
Over the years, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has seen several updates and refurbishments to keep the ride experience fresh and maintain its mechanical integrity. Technological enhancements, scene updates, and safety improvements have been implemented, but the core experience has remained largely consistent with the original design.
In 2013, the Disneyland version of the ride underwent a significant refurbishment, which included updates to the track, vehicles, and scenery. The renovations also added new special effects to enhance the visual storytelling within the attraction.
Impact and Legacy
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has become one of the iconic attractions at Disneyland, celebrated for its combination of storytelling and thrilling ride elements. It set a precedent for themed roller coasters, leading to a trend of narrative-driven thrill rides in the industry.
The attraction’s success helped cement Tony Baxter’s legacy as one of Disney’s most influential Imagineers. It also paved the way for future attraction designs that blended rich thematic environments with exciting ride dynamics.
Conclusion
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a must-ride attraction for thrill-seekers and families alike. Its engaging theme, exhilarating twists and turns, and thoughtful accessibility options make it a standout feature in Disneyland’s Frontierland. Consider utilizing Genie+, Lightning Lane, or the Rider Swap service to make the most of your experience, and don’t forget to take advantage of the attraction’s unique charm by riding it at night if possible!
Similar Attractions at Disneyland
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Space Mountain
- Incredicoaster
- Indiana Jones Adventure
