Magic Kingdom
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
EPCOT
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Hollywood Studios
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Animal Kingdom
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Tickets & Park Reservations
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Water Parks
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Touring Plans
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Pre-Made Touring Plans
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Campground Resorts
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Universal Studios FL
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Islands of Adventure
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Epic Universe
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Special Events
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Special Needs
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Water Parks
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Touring Plans
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Pre-Made Touring Plans
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Signature Collection Resorts
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Prime Value Hotels Resorts
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Disneyland (California)
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Disneyland
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
California Adventure
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Special Events
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Touring Plans
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Pre-Made Touring Plans
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Disney Cruise Line
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Ships
Maximize Your Magic

Subscribe now to create a customized Touring Plan for everything you want to do.

Subscribe Now
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

An Attraction in Disneyland

Last updated: May 3, 2023

This attraction is currently closed!
It is scheduled to re-open on Friday, December 13, 2024.
At a Glance

A roller coaster through and around a Disney “mountain.” The idea is that you’re on a runaway mine train during gold rush days. Along with the usual thrills of a roller coaster (about a 5 on a “scary scale” of 10), the ride showcases some first-rate examples of Disney creativity: lifelike scenes depicting a mining town, colorful caverns, and a dynamite-chewing goat, all humorously animated.

Current Standby Wait Time
Park Closed
Lightning Lane
Not Yet Available on 11/21/24
Guest Overall Rating
Our Overall Rating
Preschool
Grade School
Teens
Young Adults
Over 30
Seniors
Duration
4 min
Rider Switch?
Yes
Minimum Height
40 in
Queues
Accessibility
  • Must Transfer From Wheelchair/ECV
  • No Service Animals

Touring Tips

When To Go
Before 10:30 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m.
Loading Speed
Moderate to fast
Early Entry?
No
Wait per 100 People Ahead
3 min

A superb Disney experience, but not too wild a roller coaster. The emphasis here is much more on the sights than on the thrill of the ride itself. Regardless, it's a not-to-be-missed attraction. This attraction can grow quite a line as the day progresses, we recommend riding this in the morning or in the evening; an hour or two before the park closes. Finally, give Big Thunder a try after dark. The lighting gives the attraction a whole new feel.

As an example of how differently guests experience Disney attractions, consider this letter we received from a reader in Brookline, Massachusetts:

As senior citizens with limited time, my friend and I confined our activities to those attractions rated as 4 or 5 stars for seniors. Because you listed it as not to be missed, we waited an hour to board Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which you rated a 5 on a scary scale of 10. After living through 3½ minutes of pure terror, I rate that attraction a 15 on a scary scale of 10. We were so busy holding on and screaming and even praying for our safety that we did not see any falling rocks or a mining town. In our opinion it should not be recommended for seniors or preschool children.

A woman from New England discovered that there's more to consider about Big Thunder than being scared:

I won’t say it warranted a higher scare rating, but it was much higher on the lose-your-lunch meter. One more sharp turn and the kids in front of me would have needed a dip in Splash Mountain!

Other attractions you might like

Users who like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, generally also like:

Wait Times

Here's roughly how many minutes you'll wait for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at each Disneyland Crowd Level.

1
7 to 29
2
9 to 34
3
11 to 37
4
15 to 40
5
18 to 43
6
22 to 46
7
25 to 51
8
27 to 54
9
27 to 57
10
31 to 66
Hourly View and Lightning Lane Return Times
Thursday,
Nov 21, 2024
View another date
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is not operating on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Our Recommendation

Not to be missed!

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Podcast

Learn more about the latest doings at Disney with TouringPlan's Len Testa & Jim Hill of JimHillMedia.com

Listen Now

Copyright ©2024 TouringPlans.com. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy & Terms of Use | Cookie Preference