Big Thunder Mountain: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Iconic Roller Coaster
If you're a fan of thrilling Disney roller coasters, Big Thunder Mountain is a must-ride attraction. This Wild West adventure takes guests on a high-speed train ride through a mining town filled with twists, turns, and surprises. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Big Thunder Mountain, from its height requirements and wait times to its history and facts.
Height Requirements
Big Thunder Mountain has a height requirement of 40 inches (102 cm) or taller. Children who meet the height requirement must be accompanied by an adult. There are no lap bars on the ride, but each train car has a safety bar that comes down over your lap.
Best Time to Ride
If you want to avoid long wait times, the best time to ride Big Thunder Mountain is during the first hour the park is open or during the last hour before it closes. You can also use Disney’s FastPass+ system to reserve a time slot for the ride in advance.
Big Thunder Mountain vs. Space Mountain
One of the most common debates among Disney fans is which roller coaster is better: Big Thunder Mountain or Space Mountain? While both are popular attractions, they offer different experiences. Big Thunder Mountain is a faster-paced ride with more drops and turns, while Space Mountain is a dark, indoor roller coaster with special effects.
History and Facts
Big Thunder Mountain first opened at Disneyland in 1979 and was later replicated at Disney World in 1980. The ride was designed to be a runaway mine train, inspired by the legend of a haunted gold mine in the American Southwest. The ride features more than 2,000 feet of track, reaches speeds of up to 35 mph, and lasts for approximately three minutes.
Ride Review
Big Thunder Mountain is a thrilling roller coaster that’s perfect for families and Disney fans of all ages. The ride starts with a slow climb up a hill, followed by a series of twists, turns, and drops. One of the highlights of the ride is a section where the train travels through a dark mine shaft, with special effects like exploding dynamite and glowing gold. The ride ends with a thrilling finale that includes a sudden drop and a splashdown.
Wait Times
Big Thunder Mountain is one of the most popular attractions at Disney World, so it can have long wait times during peak season. However, wait times are typically shorter during off-peak times, like early morning or late at night. You can also use the My Disney Experience app to check wait times in real-time and plan your day accordingly.
Tips for Riding
If you want to get the best experience on Big Thunder Mountain, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Sit in the back for a more thrilling ride
Ride during off-peak times to avoid long wait times
Use the FastPass+ system to reserve a time slot
Keep your hands and arms inside the train at all times
Hold on tight during the drops and turns
How Scary is Big Thunder Mountain?
While Big Thunder Mountain is a thrilling roller coaster, it’s not considered to be a scary ride. The coaster does not have any inversions or extreme drops, so it’s suitable for most guests.
Refurbishment Updates
Big Thunder Mountain goes through periodic refurbishments to keep the ride in top condition. During these times, the ride may be closed for several weeks or months. You can check the Disney World website or My Disney Experience app for the latest refurbishment updates.
Photo Spots
There are several great photo spots on and around Big Thunder Mountain. Some of the best include:
In front of the Big Thunder Mountain sign
On the bridge overlooking the ride
In the queue, which features