Take a rollicking roller-coaster ride through the gorges and gulches of a deserted gold mine, on a runaway mine train. Swoop through the 179-foot-high red stone mountain and on to Tumbleweed, a flooded mining town. No steep drops.

Type - roller coaster

When to go - Very popular, try to visit when park first opens, during the parade or just before park closes.

Where to sit - It will feel faster if you sit at the back. Sit up front if you want a slower ride, and you'll also see the show elements.

Duration - 4 mins

Restrictions
Must be 40 inches tall to ride.
Guests should be in good health and free from motion sickness, back or neck problems, heart problems, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure; expectant mothers should not ride; this is transfer accessible. Adult supervision required.
Guests must be able to transfer from wheelchairs to board the attraction.

Tips - use Fastpass.
The ride is fastest in the late afternoon, when the grease on the rail is hottest.

Facts/History
Big Thunder Mountain features 20 Audio-Animatronics figures and real antique mining equipment.
Big Thunder Mountain is 197ft tall.
The average speed of Big Thunder Mountain is 30 mph, with a maximum speed of 33 mph, which is faster than Space Mountain.
The colour and shape of the rocks in the mountain are based on those found in Arizona and the Grand Canyon.

Hidden Mickeys
Look for three rusty gears laying on the grass as you reenter the station.

Reviews

"I am not a huge attraction fan, such as roller coasters, but I wanted to just try Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I think it is amazing how when you are online you can view the ride (that way if you don't like it you can exit), and the front of the line is down a not-so-dark tunnel. The wait was less than 2 minutes because it was around late afternoon (near 5 p.m.). My dad and I sat in one of the first 8 rows (I don't remember what row). I was nervous at first because I usually hate rol l er coasters. Suddenly we moved. We were going up a dark ramp. Then I saw light, I looked down - and it was a small drop! The ride was fast after the small drop. We went through dark tunnels and when we came out of one, I saw the Liberty Belle Riverboat! Many passengers aboard the riverboat were staring at us. We went up and down and through many curves. It was the longest roller coaster ever! It was about 3 minutes! When we got off (finally) I felt great! I didn't have any back or neck porblem s (okay, well maybe my back was a little sore because the ride makes you sit in different postitions). I wanted to go on again but now the wait was 10 minutes. During 3 minutes everyone decided to ride!
My tips for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMR) is: 1) If you aren't a huge roller coaster fan, this is an okay ride. It is very smooth and fun! You will want to go on a second time! 2) If you want an easy, smooth, but a little fast ride, try the track my family went on. When you are at the bottom of the stairs/ramp, go to the left track. 3) If you didn't like Space Mountain, try this ride. This ride is not as wild, even though it goes faster. 4) Many guests hate to wait. We didn't. Try to go on BTMR when I went - around 4, 5, or 6 p.m. when many guests are watching parades and eating dinner." (8/02) Alyssa

"If you ask me, Thunder Mountain Railroad is a ride you must experience or else or trip to WDW is not complete. I love everything about it. Last time I went I think I rode on it at least five times and I still wasn't tired of it." Christina

"Sit down and hold tight. Also, hold on to your hat's and glasses now , cause this here is the wildest ride in the wilderness . Big Thunder Mountian (BTM) gives you what most rollercoaster theme parks don't , themeing. Disney takes a rollercoaster and adds the spoutting gysers ,falling rocks ,and numerous old west minning town props to give you not only a up and down ride but an experience to see and feel. This rollercoaster is NOT extreem and has NO loops and NO corkscrews to worry about . It was a few dips but nothing that is more then about 8 stories from its drop point. If your a coaster lover or a person that is wanting to give it a try for the first time you'll like it . It has some speed but it's a ride that uses it mountian setting to give you a number of quick turns that makes the ride all that more interesting.
Hit this ride when it opens or use that Fast-Pass . This line can get long and it has no A/C to wait in since the line is just covered on top ( till you get underground)
I would recommend it to first time coaster riders as a good starting point so you can work your way up to more daring ones . Hey, this is how I started . Make this ride a must hit on your plan." Chris Raimondo

"If you love to go fast, this is the ride to seek out. It is the ride that will have you smiling and laughing through out the whole adventure.You go around hairpin curves wondering to yourself how you managed to stay in your seat. This ride is my favorite and I'm sure it will be yours too.
Definitely take advantage of the fast pass. If you don't you could wait as long as seventy minutes or so to go on just one ride. With a fast pass a wait could be only ten minutes. We didn't take advantage of that option and it can ruin your fun, especially when it is really hot out and your standing in a line with the sun beating down on you." Dee

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