This is a tough one. From purely an adult perspective, the ride is decent. A little rickety, but that's part of the charm. 4/5 From a parents perspective, I'm shocked this ride has so little safety measures and that more kids haven't gotten hurt. My 4 year old went on the ride with me, and I'm not kidding, he absolutely could have flown out of the coaster if I wasn't holding onto him. This ride is absolutely not safe for such small children and they should update their height requirement immediately read more

Thunder Mountain is an awesome original roller coaster at Disneyland, when you hear the noise from the ride you know exactly what it is. What's crazy about this ride is that the original idea was created by a small boy in school. Some kind of contest and the kid won and this is what was created. Some like the front row I personally like the back row. The lines are long but in the end the wait is worth it because this truly is the wildest ride in the wilderness! read more

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Disneyland ride review 2. This here's the wildest ride in the wilderness!! Located in Frontierland lies my most favorite ride in the whole park. Truly a classic and lots of fun. You will not be disappointed riding it. Being a frequent Disney flyer, I love staying up to date on everything Disney but I have to say on my last visit in March of 2026 I was very excited to rope drop and be the very first on my favorite ride. A feat which has never been accomplished! All aboard and you will find as you board the mine train that excitement awaits as you are immediately immersed into the theme of the Wild West. Reaching speeds of about 35-36 mph it's actually faster than space mountain or Matterhorn bobsleds. Get a seat in the back for what will feel like a faster ride due to the pull from the train cars ahead of you. For fans of the ride and those who are new too make sure to say hi to the Big Thunder mountain goat. It is an animatronic goat located on the second run on the mountainside on the right holding a stick of dynamite in its mouth. And it is said by locking eyes on it riders can perform the goat trick on the turn to experience an enhanced feeling of speed and centrugal force to also make it feel like you are being pulled backward. This ride has every detail a speeding train should have and it's surprising drops and turns make it one of the best and in my opinion one of the must do rides here at Disneyland Park. read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

One of my favorite lies in Disneyland. A Disneyland classic. We always make sure to ride this chain before leaving the park. read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a classic roller coaster ride at the Frontierland area of Disneyland. It opened on September 2, 1979 and resembles a mine train in the American Southwest. There is a similar ride at Disney World that also gives vibes of Arizona and Utah. It's not as intense as other rides at Disneyland but it's still decent. It's pitch black at parts of the ride but doesn't have any big drops or loops. The decor of exploding dynamite, cacti, and rock formations really give the ride an immersive feel. read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

One of my favorite rides through the red rock dessert. I love that old fashion train through the bat mine with coyotes and goats chewing on dynamite. I really hope that in 20 years, this ride is still here! read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

30 min wait right now, but we used our lighting lane passes. So more like 5 mins. Some water sprayed on me on the left side. That's never happened before. Very fun roller coaster! read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland is one of my all time favorite classic attractions. It's fast, wild, and somehow still feels charming instead of intense. The theming is top tier, from the rocky scenery to all the little details you catch while racing through the mountain. It's the kind of ride that makes you laugh, scream a little, and immediately want to get back in line. No matter how many times I ride it, it never stops being fun. read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

This ride is so fun! I think I may have enjoyed it more than Matterhorn Bobsleds, mostly because this ride is much smoother and not as bumpy! It's about a 3 min ride with a decent amount of turns & little drops, pretty fast too! Looks like they are closed until further notice unfortunately since 9/2/25, for refurbishment and the date of reopening hasn't been announced. We were lucky enough to have the chance to go on this ride the last week of August! read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

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Wildest ride in the west! One of the bestest of the best! I love it and so will you. Fun and friendly fast and fantastical!!! read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

In the last 3 years, we've been going to Disneyland more since we bought annual passes. When my son reached 40" tall, this was one of the first roller coasters he rode and it was his favorite for a long, long time. Big Thunder or as my son likes to call it "Fast Train" has enough excitement for me too! One day (just he and I went to Disneyland), I let him pick all the rides and out of a total of 9 rides that day, 8 of them were "Fast Train"! You get to ride around the wilderness and see many different animals. One trick I learned from another rider is that if you sit near the back of the train and look at the goat for as long as possible then you get a feeling of vertigo. Overall, an excellent roller coaster for all ages. It's especially cool when you ride the "Fast Train" when the daily fireworks are going off. Xie Xie! read more

DISNEYLAND RIDE #8: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Our eyes caught the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad while we were searching for the next ride to ride around Disneyland, and my LTP at his suggestion said that we should try this one out. We did not purchase a Lightning Lane Pass for this ride and we ended up waiting for about 25 minutes. The ride is in the shape of a big train, hence its' name. The sun was setting at the time we were waiting in line, where we got to see the big mountain in the background light up as soon as it got dark. We got to see the train pass by us every 10 seconds while in line and it looked like a lot of fun. My bag couldn't fit in front of me at first when I boarded, but I eventually figured it out after the safety check was conducted. The view of the lit up mountain and the rest of the park in the dark was even better on the ride! Who doesn't like to ride a fun rollercoaster shaped like a train with amazing views? This was a great ride and we hope to ride it again in the future. read more

The best damn ride in the wilderness Hooray! This is my favorite ride in Disneyland, and we finally got my son to try it, and he loved it! The first time. The second, not so much. I guess seating matters, which is known to all Disney fans, but yes, your seating does influence your experience. In some seats you feel the ride more, while in others, not so much. On the second time my son went in, he got a seating where he felt the drops more, and that was a no for him. Now I can't get him back on. Darn it lol. It's okay; I will keep trying and convince him somehow to get back. Wish me luck. This ride is amazing! read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - His first time :) - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

I love this ride so much! I love sitting near the back and screaming my head off. I love yelling CHEE HOO on this because it is so fun! Ride goers will experience craggy mountains and this highspeed train goes through an old mine! Riders need to be aware of the small drops and it being dark and loud. Also, riders must be at least 40" or taller to enjoy this fun ride. This ride is great for kids, tweens, teens and adults! I do go on it every time I am at Disneyland. I suggest you check this out and the fact the wait times are reasonable, check it out again and again if you choose! read more

When it works (and that's the key phrase), Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is Walt Disney's answer to thrill rides. Sure, he never lived to see it open in 1979, but this runaway mine train is very much in the spirit of Walt's vision: themed storytelling disguised as a roller coaster. It's the wildest ride in the wilderness -- literally. Designed by Imagineer Tony Baxter, Big Thunder replaced the aging Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland, which was more "look at animatronic coyotes" than "hold onto your hat." Disneyland wanted something faster, wilder, and more thrilling to compete with Six Flags. The result: a high-speed coaster through red rock canyons modeled after Utah's Bryce Canyon, with Disney detail packed into every corner -- from exploding dynamite to ghost towns frozen in time. You board a rickety mine train that looks like it shouldn't pass inspection, and before you know it, you're tearing through caves, past howling coyotes, and up and down jagged canyons. The curves whip you around, the drops give you just enough stomach flip to make Grandma scream, and the finale with dynamite blasting is peak Disney storytelling. When it's running, it's one of the best thrill rides in the park. When it's down for "technical difficulties"? You're just standing there wishing you were on Space Mountain instead. Proof that Disneyland can make even whiplash charming. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad isn't the scariest or the tallest, but it's Disneyland's purest thrill ride -- story, speed, and nostalgia all jammed into a runaway train. When it's working, it's perfect. When it's down, it's heartbreak with a "Please come back later" sign. It's not the fastest coaster in California, but it's the only one with goats, dynamite, and Disney magic. read more

It's a beautiful thing. I love coasters while my wife does not. This hits every box on her upper limit. My goals go a little higher. This is a really smooth and exhilarating ride. Great ambiance and a cool line that makes things go quickly. A must stop while I n the park. read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

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GETTING HERE: Located at Disneyland in Frontierland. Look for the big mountain and you'll be set. :) REVIEW: Such at iconic attraction at the park, a must-do for every trip. The lines are always hit and miss (cough, RIP Fast Pass) but if you don't have the Lightning Lane thing now, I would try to rope-drop BTM if at all possible. But, if you've got the time to wait, be sure to do so. Also, my suggestion is to check it out at night as the view is spectacular. The line winds around a bit, but once you arrive, get ready to board the mine train! Special note: The attraction (mountains, etc.) was inspired by the mountains in Bryce Canyon, Utah! It's quick. It's short. It's wild. It's fun. It's fast. It's awesome! read more

Still a great ride! Just a fast ride with some dips and slight turns. Nothing too crazy. Love the Western theme with all the details, the mining atmosphere, the sound effects and ambience. read more

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This was a super fun ride. At first you might judge it because it is "wooden" and looks old. But let me tell you it was my top 3 favorite roller coaster rides!! I went with all my cousins (a party of 9 people). And this coaster was not a kiddie one - it definitely had some moments that took my breath away! Definitely would ride this multiple times in one day!! read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

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Got to go fast with this ride. This ride is quick and easy. So much fun. No loops no quick stops just nice and easy. The ride will be down for starting the beginning of September. Luckily we had the opportunity to get one last chance. read more

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Holy Moly the line we were in gave us a ride full of thrills- more dips than I ever remember! Fun to raise both hands in the end and dive fast into valley dips then swerve to one side. Hubs totally smashed me. I have to remember to let him get in the train car next time. Lots of screams and laughter!!! Let's go again. read more

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Thunder mountain is awesome, I love the urethane wheels that makes the ride nice and smooth. This is my favorite Rollercoaster ride at Disneyland. This ride is so much fun . read more

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Classic ride....haven't gotten on this ride in ages. Now that I'm older it isn't as scary as I once thought when I was a young g child. Simple....classic roller coaster if you want to call it going through canyon.....fun fun! read more

This is literally the best ride at disneyland and is 100% worth the wait. We rode it 3 times lol. read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Coaster - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

I love this ride. On my last visit to Disneyland, I'm pretty sure I rode this ride 5 times. If you take the lightning lane or just the regular line, your wait is not very long. Once you make your way through the line, to the elevated wooden structure you are moments away from one of the best thrill rides at Disneyland. Once you make it up the stairs of the wooden structure, try and get the back seats of the train. It's a better thrill, you get whipped and tossed around more than any other seat on the ride. I love all the quick dips and fast turns that I can't get enough and I keep going back to this ride. Gotta love the goat eating the dynamite, totally my favorite. read more

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Hang onto your Hats! Back in the old days of being a teenager and going to Disneyland, my buddies and I always made sure we hit the Big Three - Space Mountain, Matterhorn Bobsleds and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This was the days before Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure and some of the newer thrill rides. In my youth, I was a big fan of trains and have always loved going on Thunder Mountain. I still remember that one time we were at Disneyland on a slow night and rode this ride like 5 times in a row because the wait was less than 5 minutes. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opened in the early 1980's inside of Disneyland's Frontierland. The ride is a wild train ride through an old mine in the mountains. The mountain itself has some resemblance to the hoodoos that you see at Bryce Canyon National Park. There are all sorts of dips and turns as you are being pulled by the locomotive through the dark caverns. As you ride through the mountain, you will spot a few animals along the way. It is a fast bumpy ride and always a good time. The little town that you pass by at the end of the ride was once an old miniature train attraction that was around during Disneyland's earlier days. The ride eventually closed to make room for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

What's not to love about Big Thunder Railroad! It's fast, lots of twists and turns, and it really still holds its own given its age! A fam fave for sure, and a must if you enjoy coaster rides! :) read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Woosh! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Very fun ride! This is a fun rollercoaster and has wonderful theming. I liked finding all of the dynamite, gears and etc on the tracks. I heard from my tour guide that there is a scale model in the Disneyland hotel that even has the hidden Mickey in it! Disney thinks of every detail. read more

We had ti wait for an hour while looking at this lovely shirt with young kids. Disney does enforce force proper attire. read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Having to look at this while waiting for an hour... - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Such a fun ride! This is one of the most popular rides. Day or night there is always a huge line. This rude is included in the Lighting Lane and this is one you need to book early or you will get a late return time. The line is all outside so if its a hot sunny day it may seem even longer and you may get a tan. Once you are on you forget all that you have waited and you just have a super fun time. The ride has no loops or anything but still goes super fast, or at least feels like it. One thing I have noticed and I don't know if its just my mind playing tricks on me but at night it seems like the ride goes faster. It may just be because you cant see the tracks or anything else at night but to me its more fun at night. This is a classic Disneyland ride and personally it is not my favorite ride but its still super fun and a must ride. read more

This ride is a must do for those seeking thrills without going overboard! I love this ride it's so much fun it goes fast the theming is cute and the line moves pretty fast. For going fairly fast it's a smooth ride and I appreciate that. The whole family will love this unless you aren't a fan of coasters it doesn't go as fast as one but is that style of ride. read more

What's the one thing that I knew about Big Thunder, you ask? That it can dislodge a kidney stone. Why do I know that? The internet, TikTok, tv shows, having one of my own, take your pick. What's the one thing I wished I know about Big Thunder? How much fun it was going to be. This is a quick coaster that jams in the dips and turns to keep your screaming...if that's your thing. The line to the cars is interesting and pulls you into the theme of the ride and makes you feel like you truly are on a mission here. A part of the scheme here. Then you are on the ride and zooming past dinosaur fossils, dipping down caverns and caves, and racing around bends. Screaming or giggling all along the way. The ride felt way too fast, but was totally worth it. read more

Good grief what did I do??? I was pretty pumped up and scared at the same time! Ugh!!!! I will say it was epic ...especially going (or zipping) through the darkness...5 read more

One of my favorite rides at Disneyland. Although I'm not a roller coaster fan, I truly do love this ride. The only thing I don't like are the long lines to ride it. read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Entrance - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a mine train roller coaster. Wooden train roller coaster. Super fun for a little older kids. Can be scary for younger kids. read more

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This ride was fun for the entire family. It's fast, but not scary for the little ones. The wait is also visually pleasing. Makes the wait go by quicker. read more

This will always be my top favorite ride at this park. It used to be Space Mountain but it has since been a little too much for me as I get older, unfortunately. The motion sickness just gets me on this ride but not on Big Thunder Mountain! Love the view and feel of this ride. The nice, open air is so refreshing. Lately the queue hasn't been as bad either! Only about 45-50 min last time we visited. It's a roller coaster, not super fast, but a good speed for any age. Always looking forward to hopping on this ride at least once per visit. IG: @ammysalamii read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Outside line view IG: @ammysalamii - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

"This here is the wildest ride in the wilderness." Mosey on up to Big Thunder Mountain for a runaway train ride through an old west town. Thrills at every twist and turn. This is one ride young thrill seekers won't soon forget. This was once one of my favorite roller coasters. Now, I heed the health warnings and stay off the track. Instead, I wait in line and am a walkover when my kids get to the front. They thoroughly enjoy the ride. I'm glad that I can pass on an appreciation for the attraction to them. Line for Big Thunder Mountain can get long. This is a good one to head over to during parades. read more

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I can't believe I still got scared of the monster in the mountain. Even that was nostalgic. It's good to see that some things never change. There is a fun little hack that you can do on this ride when you see the dynamite goats keep your eye on it all the way around the whole turn it'll give you the coolest, full body whiplash you've ever experienced. It's just an extra way to have more fun on this ride. #5Stars #DynamiteGoat read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Dynamite Goat full body whiplash . - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is the only wooden coaster I can remember riding during my entire Disneyland, CA adventure trip. Built on the site of the original mine train scenic ride that used to be here, they have incorporated a lot of the scenes into the rooten tooten high speed coaster ride to hit the wild west. This was another ride I had lightning laned but they were closed when my arrival time took place. Fortunately a couple of hours later I was able to return and ride it. Your train car is led by an engine. You race throw the old west town but it isn't as fast as to be that aggressive. Although I couldn't see much without my glasses it was still a lot of fun The ride is patterned after real life formations in Bryce canyon national park in Utah. It is based off of an old mining town that had suffered a curse. Hence the "trains" operated without the benefit of the engineer. It is truly a fun and enjoyable ride. The Magic Kingdom counterpart: Equal-For some reason when I ride Big Thunder in the Magic Kingdom is seems faster and I do remember two chain accent lifts. That ride is patterned after the rock formations in Monument Valley, Utah as well as rising buttes in AZ. The Disneyland version features an outdoor station while the Magic Kingdom has an indoor station. Still both versions are equally trilling and enjoyable. I'm a big fan of wooden coasters so this is definitely one of my favorite coaster rides. Located in Frontierland by the Rivers of America in Disneyland. read more

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