Ride: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Race through an active gold-mining town aboard a rollicking runaway mine train.

Ride Information

Composite Review (4.7 / 5)

Verdict

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a quintessential Disney attraction and a Must-Do for nearly every visitor. It perfectly balances richly detailed theming with accessible, intermediate-level thrills. It is often cited as the ideal "next-step" coaster for children who have graduated from milder rides like The Barnstormer. While intense thrill-seekers may find it tame, the high-speed turns, extensive duration, and world-class atmosphere make it a thrilling and memorable experience for families, teens, and adults alike.

The Experience

You board a rickety, steam-powered mine train for a journey through the cursed mountain and deserted gold-rush town of Tumbleweed. Legend has it that the trains race through the tunnels and around the mountain all by themselves, propelled by a mysterious force.

The three-minute journey is characterized by three distinct lift hills, each followed by a series of quick dips, sharp banked turns, and sudden speed bursts. The ride is a "cyclone-style" coaster that prioritizes laterals (sliding side-to-side) and speed over massive drops (the highest descent is only about 35 feet). The immersive theming is a standout feature, as you whip past detailed scenes of the Old West, including canyons, falling boulders, audio-animatronic mountain goats, and the abandoned Big Thunder Mining Company.

The Good: What People Love

• Exceptional Theming and Immersion: Reviewers consistently praise the incredible level of detail, from the rock formations that mimic Monument Valley to the interactive elements in the queue, making the experience feel like stepping into a Hollywood western.
• The Perfect Intermediate Coaster: Many guests consider this the "best family coaster." It is fast, long (over 3 minutes), and thrilling, but avoids inversions or stomach-lurching drops, making it appealing to mild thrill-seekers and kids who meet the 40-inch height requirement.
• An Outstanding Night Ride: Riding after sunset—especially during the Magic Kingdom fireworks—is universally recommended. The darkness enhances the speed, and the lighting packages on the mountain and surrounding Frontierland create a breathtaking visual experience.
• Highly Efficient Loading: The attraction typically runs multiple trains and loads quickly, meaning even when the line looks long, it often moves fast.

The Bad: Common Complaints

• Bumpy and Jerky Ride: The most frequent complaint is that the ride can be surprisingly "bumpy" and "jerky," particularly on the tight turns. Riders sometimes experience significant sliding from side to side, which can be uncomfortable or jostling for adults, especially those with pre-existing back or neck conditions.
• Exposed Queue: Much of the standby line is uncovered. Reviewers warn that waiting in the afternoon sun can be extremely hot and uncomfortable, despite the presence of a fun interactive queue.
• Minor Thrills: Dedicated coaster enthusiasts often note the absence of major drops, finding the experience slightly tame compared to other parks’ roller coasters.

Top Tips from Reviewers

• Choose Your Seat for the Thrill: For the wildest and most intense ride, sit in one of the back cars of the train, as the whipping effect on the turns is maximized. For a milder experience, request to sit in the front car.
• Skip the Afternoon Wait: Target this ride either early in the morning (within the first hour of park opening) or late at night (the last hour before closing) to enjoy the shortest waits and cooler temperatures.
• Use Genie+ Wisely: If standby times exceed 45-60 minutes, using a Genie+ Lightning Lane reservation is a good option, but many fans prefer to use it on other headliners first, given Big Thunder's consistent loading speed.
• Secure Everything: As the ride involves many fast, abrupt turns, secure all loose items—hats, glasses, and phones—to prevent them from being lost to the "wilds" of the mountain.

Summary

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a celebrated piece of Disney history that continues to earn its title as "The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness." It masterfully delivers a three-minute dose of fun, fast-paced thrills, and storytelling that captivates all ages. While it may lack the soaring drops of modern coasters and can be a bit bumpy, its charm, highly detailed setting, and status as a Disney classic ensure it remains a perennial favorite.

Reference

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/big-thunder-mountain-railroad/