Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Hop on this rollicking mine train through the Old West mining town of Tumbleweed for a rip-roarin', rootin'-tootin' thrill-a-minute ride. If you're "mining" for a good time consider the "prospects" as you're warned: "Hang on to your hats and glasses 'cause this here's the wildest ride in the wilderness."

Keep your eyes open, there are spectacular sights through the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad gold-mining camp and cactus-scattered desertscape. Be on a lookout for critters. A bleating billy goat guards a mountain peak. A family of opossums hangs overhead at the entrance to a cave. Bats, chickens and donkeys complete the Old Western-themed scenes.

For some added fun, take a ride in the daylight, then again under the night sky. You might catch something you didn't see or hear with each trip you take on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Facts

Location: Frontierland
Designer: Walt Disney Imagineering
Manufacturer: Vekoma
Type: Tubular steel twin rail roller coaster
Theme: Runaway mine train
Propulsion method: 3 main lift hills (two indoor, one outdoor) with external brake zones
Soft opening date: September 23, 1980
Opening date: November 15, 1980
Hosted by: Prospector (Dallas McKennon)
Vehicle type: Mine train
Vehicle names:

• U.B. Bold
• U.R. Daring
• U.R. Courageous
• I.M. Brave
• I.B. Hearty
• I.M. Fearless

Vehicle capacity: 45
Cars per vehicle: 5
Guests per car: 9
Ride duration: 3:25 minutes
Length: 2780 ft (847.3 m)
Maximum speed: 30 mph (48.3 km/h)
Safety restraint: Lap bar