Disney Magic Kingdom: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

by Sara Gooden
(Hilton Head Island, SC)

The Disney Magic Kingdom Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is set during the gold rush days in the flooded mine town of Tumbleweed. This runaway mine car roller coaster features 20 Audio-animatronic figures including donkeys, chickens, possums, and the rainmaker himself, Professor Cumulus Isobar.

The authenticity is evident in the antique mining equipment found around the attraction and the smell of sulfur as you pass the phosphorescent pools and see the red eyes of the cave's inhabitants. Riders will also come upon falling rocks and an earthquake.

The ride is geared more towards adults and teens and there is a height restriction of 40". Just under 4 minutes in length, riders will find themselves thrown from side to side in the car. Some thrill seekers find riding in the back of the ride provides the best action. You really have to pay attention or you may miss the great scenery and attention paid to detail like the skeleton of the dinosaur built into the mountain.

This is one of the Magic Kingdom's major attractions and lineups can be quite lengthy. The lines wind through an old windowless clapboard structure and the heat can be quite muggy during the summer months. The ride does participate in the fastpass program so you can always come back for a much shorter line.