If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Central Florida, you won’t want to miss the chance for a wild train ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, located in Frontierland! This attraction takes guests on a runaway mine train and is the perfect introduction to roller coasters for kids. Although the ride is sometimes dark and bumpy, it’s tame enough for youngsters while providing thrills, excitement and a rush of adrenaline for all.
Also known as “The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness”, the setting for Big Thunder Mountain is based on the early days of America’s Gold Rush. Riders travel through a realistic mining town with caverns, caves and an abandoned mine shaft. The twists and turns are relatively mild but guests must be 40 inches tall to ride.
The 197 foot high mountain was constructed with 4,675 tons of cement, 650 tons of steel and 16,000 gallons of paint to make it resemble the mountains of Monument Valley, Utah. The electrical equipment, pumps and machinery needed for the attraction are hidden inside the huge redstone mountain.
Along the journey, you’ll pass under a waterfall, see the remnants of a flash flood and encounter a host of bats, swinging possums, buzzards and a goat. You’ll get a kick out of the twenty authentic looking Audio-Animatronic figures as you speed through the mining town with a waterfall, a flood, an earthquake and falling rocks along the way!
So, secure your Fastpass+ and hop on a speeding train next time you visit the Magic Kingdom. If possible, ride it once during the day and again at night. You don’t want to miss the fun of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!
Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street Morris” — Sheri is proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Disney Travel for adults and RV travel. Book your next vacation with Sheri at 804 405 5005 or at sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.