What We Love…. About Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Howdy, folks! Please keep your hands and arms inside the train, and remain seated at all times… ’cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness.

Backstory

Howdy, folks! Please keep your hands and arms inside the train, and remain seated at all times… ’cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness. Backstory Thar’s gold in dem mountains! The backstory for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has changed over the past few years. Originally, the Big Thunder Mining Company discovered a gold vein in the mountain. The tiny town of Tumbleweed sprung up and flourished. But the miners did not heed the warnings of Indian spirits protecting the mountain. Mining continued on until one day the spirits took control of the mine trains. The cars were sent deep into the mountain and the miners were never heard from again. Soon a cataclysmic earthquake destroyed the mine and the town of Tumbleweed was submerged due to a flash flood.

Slowly the story has been revised throughout the years. Disney Parks Blog released a new backstory on the Tumbleweed.

“Barnabas T. Bullion is the founder and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company. The longtime mining magnate comes from a powerful East Coast family and considers gold to be his very birthright by virtue of his oddly appropriate name; in fact, he considers the ultimate gold strike to be his destiny. And that is why he is having so much trouble with Big Thunder Mountain. According to superstitious locals, Big Thunder Mountain is very protective of the gold it holds within, and the unfortunate soul who attempts to mine its riches is destined to fail. And so far that prophecy is coming to pass. The mine has been plagued by mysterious forces and natural disasters ever since. And yet the Big Thunder Mining Co. is still in operation. In fact, Bullion is discovering new veins of gold and digging new shafts every day, offering a closer look at the Big Thunder mining operation than ever before. But a word to the wise for anyone attempting to visit the mountain: watch out for runaway trains.”

With a fascinating backstory, what is not to love about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Here are a few of our favorite things about Frontierland’s wild ride.

It’s a Roller Coaster for People Who Don’t Love Roller Coasters

Compared to other roller coasters in Walt Disney World, this one is really tame. Think more Goofy’s Barnstormer rather than Expedition Everest. There is no 50-foot drop or anything going backward, upside down, etc. Yes, you still get thrills and drops, but nothing so severe you’re going to lose your Mickey bar.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Who doesn’t love choosing your own destiny? You can make it as calm or as hectic as you want. If you sit in the front of the train, you can have a more scenic look at the attraction and a little less of a bumpy ride. Sit in the back and you’ll find yourself really experiencing one of the wildest trips in the west.

The Queue

From the notes of My Darling Clementine to the hand crank films, the refurbished queue added new elements to Big Thunder’s experience. Now with the storyline more closely tied to the backstory of Barnabas T. Bullion, guests can explore the mountain’s Mining Office, the Explosives Magazine Room, and even get a chance to crank some blasters and plungers. Plenty of puns are found here with crates belonging to Lytum & Hyde Explosives Company. There’s even a canary that appears to be sleeping on the job.

The Locomotive Names

Rest assured that nothing could possibly go wrong riding in locomotives with names like I.M. Brave, I.M. Fearless, I.B. Hearty, U.B. Bold, U.R. Daring, and U.R. Courageous. Don’t forget to stop by D. Hydrate and U. Withe’s Dry Goods Store as you pass by.

The Cave

Start your wild ride with a trip into the cave. This is the last moment of calm before the fun begins. Waterfalls, bats, and plenty of clunky-clanks as the train car climbs the hill. The intensity builds as the train creeps up the tracks, only to have the locomotive take a turn into the canyon below.

The Sharp Turns and Steep Climbs

Yes, we mentioned it’s tame, but BTMRR still has a little excitement for the thrill-seekers out there. The attraction only really has two big drops, but the tight turns and speed make the coaster feel faster than it is actually traveling.

The Townsfolk

How can you not love a place with folks populating the town with names like Professor Cumulus Isobar (Rain Maker Extraordinaire and Purveyor of Magical Elixirs) and Cousin Elrod (floating in a bathtub)? Don’t forget to check out the regulars having one last party in the Gold Dust Saloon… because when all else fails, have a party.

Speed

Florida heat and steel tracks do not go hand in hand. The train cars can reach speeds of 30mph. Each car usually only goes around 28mph though. As the day heats up, the track becomes faster.

The T-Rex Skeleton

Looking for the original resident of Tumbleweed? He is ready for his close-up on the final turn. The bleached bones and snarling skull give an ominous warning. Will guests make it back to the station safely or suffer the same fate as the T-Rex?

Whether you are looking for a wild ride or scenic journey, hop a train on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for a unique trip in Frontierland!