Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Frontierland, Disneyland Park

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a rollercoaster ride in Frontierland in the Disneyland Park. It is beautifully themed and is part of the story of Thunder Mesa, the town depicted in Frontierland.

Thunder Mesa was at one time a thriving mining town, following the discovery of gold within Big Thunder Mountain, and this ride takes you aboard the mining train exploring the mountain.

Map showing the acessible entrance is located next to big thunder photography

Queueing

Premier access is available for this ride and can be used by those with a green square on their priority pass.

Step free access for all other priority pass holders can be found between Big Thunder Photography and the Rustler Roundup Shootin’ Gallery, to the left of the main attraction entrance.

There is a slight incline upwards as you head towards the attraction.

There is some seating available at the accessible entrance.

The queue is well lit and has a good amount of space.

The big thinder mountain loading ares with the ride ready to leave, showing the train and rows of seating

Ride Access

Priority pass holders enter the ride vehicles from the side opposite to the queue, at the exit side, if they have used the accessible entrance rather than the premier access queue. They are always seated in the rear two carriages.

Wheelchair users must transfer, chairs can be taken right up to the ride vehicle. A transfer board is available.

The ride vehicles are close to level with the platform and there is no large step in or out, but there is a lip to step over.

There is a bar you can grab to assist with transferring.

The ride has a lap bar. This is a single lap bar for both riders in the car.

You must leave sticks or crutches with the ride attendant, the ride vehicle may stop in a different location to where you got on but any mobility aids will be moved so they are in the right place when you get off.

Image showing the train out on the rocky island about to pass into a tunnel

Ride Comfort

There is a lap bar but the ride is fast with drops and steep turns, so you can feel thrown around within the ride, the restraint does not hold you as tight to the seat as on the rollercoasters like Hyperspace Mountain or Avengers Flight Force and there is no head support.

Depending on your size and that of any companion next to you the lap bar may be loose allowing for more movement. You are also often pushed into the side of the seat.

The ride has dark areas which include drops, the ride can be noisy, and guests often scream, there is also sometimes explosive theming effects. There are no inversions.

Image of a rocky outcrop with trees in the foreground, reminiscent of the wild west landscape

Wheelie Good Score

While this ride can give your bones a proper rattle it is relatively easy to get on and off and is a lot of fun.

The ride is relatively long and has some brilliant theming, I personally love seeing the goats and other animals as you ride. You can also get some great views of the park.

I love riding this ride in the dark when Frontierland is all lit up.

My personal score for this ride is 4 out of 5, even if it does cause a bit of pain i find it worth it for the theming and it being quite easy to get on and off.

Transfer Time - this ride requires you to be able to transfer into or out of the ride vehicles within 30 seconds.