Magic Kingdom – Big Thunder Mountain
This is a four-minute roller coaster ride up, down, and around Thunder Mountain, the Disney World version of a gold rush mountain located in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom. Along the way riders may spot a flooded mining town, an earthquake, a dinosaur skeleton and a large assortment of desert animals. While this is a roller coaster, it is built with the Disney standard for family fun. There are a lot of exciting turns and little dips, but nothing as intense as with what is found at a Six Flags or another amusement parks. With Big Thunder Mountain the ride is more about the experience than it is about a scare factor making it popular with all but the youngest crowd.
There is a 40″ height requirement for this ride.
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Disney Tip
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a very popular attraction and generates long lines. To avoid the crowds, either visit the first hour the park is open or in the last two hours the park is open. Many find this ride fun after dark and for the best experience the seats in the back are a better option.
FASTPASS
It’s generally advisable to only get a FASTPASS for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad after you’ve obtained a FASTPASS at either Splash Mountain or Space Mountain since they tend to get longer lines.
Disney Facts
- Until Expedition Everest opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was the tallest “mountain” in Florida at 197 feet.
- The track length is 2,780 feet and the ride reaches speeds of 35 m.p.h
- Look carefully at some of the names used throughout the attraction for some wacky puns. For example, one of the crates at the entrance is from the Lytum and Hyde company.