12 Secrets of Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Ride

If you've ever felt the rush of wind through your hair and the thrill of conquering the wildest ride in the wilderness, then you've likely experienced the magic of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. But hold onto your hats and glasses, because we're about to go behind the curtain and explore the hidden secrets and behind-the-scenes wonders that make this iconic attraction more than just a rocking ride.

As many times as I've ridden this crazy coaster, I did not know how much detailed lore went into developing the story behind this beloved ride, not to mention how many hidden treasures the Imagineers sprinkled into the queue along the way as well. I had the incredible opportunity to speak to Cast Members specifically trained on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to give us the inside scoop on the magic behind the ride, fun facts, and what makes this dynamite attraction tick.

So, buckle up, fellow gold miners, as we invite you to join us on a journey filled with secrets, villains, surprises, and a touch of Disney magic!

Big Thunder Mountain Secrets Backstory

Big Thunder Mountain made its thunderous debut in Disneyland on September 2, 1979, captivating visitors with its thrilling escapades amidst the whimsical Wild West backdrop – it has been one of the best rides at Disneyland ever since. Just over a year later, the magic of Big Thunder extended its reach to Walt Disney World on September 23, 1980, where it continued to delight crowds with its high-speed adventures.

The enchantment didn't stop there. Disney's dedication to spreading joy globally led to the creation of Big Thunder Mountain attractions in Disneyland Tokyo in 1987 and later in Disneyland Paris in 1992, ensuring that fans around the world could experience the exhilaration firsthand.

Tony Baxter, the mastermind behind the ride's conception, drew inspiration from the majestic landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, infusing the original Disneyland attraction with an authentic sense of frontier spirit. As for the subsequent installations in Florida, Tokyo, and Paris, the awe-inspiring vistas of Monument Valley served as the muse, lending each rendition its own unique charm and allure.

Set in Fiction

In the wild western realm of Big Thunder Mountain, each Disney park boasts its own unique tale woven into the fabric of its surroundings. In Disneyland, the spirited adventure unfolds in the fictional town of Rainbow Ridge, where the allure of gold beckons fearless miners to brave the rugged frontier. Meanwhile, at Walt Disney World, guests find themselves immersed in the bustling hub of Tumbleweed, a lively town vibrating with the energy of the gold rush era.

Despite their distinct locales, both iterations share a common thread of lore, albeit with subtle nuances that add depth to the narrative. As the gold rush frenzy of the 19th century sweeps across the wild west, miners flock to Big Thunder Mountain in search of fortune, giving rise to the emergence of quaint mining communities—Rainbow Ridge and Tumbleweed—nestled amidst the rugged landscape. However, beneath the glittering promise of riches lies a dark secret: the land upon which the mine and towns stand is cursed, unleashing a series of mysterious events. Among them, the legendary runaway train, its thunderous roar echoing through the canyons, continues its perilous journey without a soul at the helm, weaving a haunting tale of greed, redemption, and the enduring power of the untamed frontier. 

Enter Barnabas T. Bullion, the tenacious founder and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company, whose relentless pursuit of gold defies the warnings of locals. Despite their cautionary tales of the mountain's protective spirit, Barnabas remains undeterred by the curse, forging ahead with his ambitious mining endeavors. But as the chaos of the runaway trains unfolds, Barnabas finds himself ensnared in a battle against forces far beyond his control, a testament to the age-old adage: some treasures are best left untouched.

A Nod to the Creator

Speaking of the creation of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, did you know this secret? Turns out, Big Thunder Mountain's name is a clever nod to its creator, Tony Baxter! I was lucky enough to get the scoop from one of the Cast Members at Big Thunder on a recent trip to the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom park.

“Big Thunder” ingeniously mirrors the reverse order of Tony Baxter's first and last initials: “TB – BT.” You're probably wondering how the “M” comes into play, and for that, there's a fun twist. The “M” takes a playful turn and becomes a “W,” paying homage to Baxter's middle name, Wayne.

It's clever details like this that show the imaginative brilliance of the Imagineering team and how they pay tribute to the mastermind behind this ride.

Money Talks, Gold Sings

Buckle up for this next nugget of info about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! So, you know how we covered the stories and lore about gold tucked away in Big Thunder Mountain? Well, it turns out, the ride itself is on a wild treasure hunt too!

It cost an estimated whopping $17 million to bring this adventure to life! That’s approximately the same amount it took to build the entire Disneyland park almost 25 years before. Talk about chasing dreams and hitting the jackpot—Disney knows how to spin some gold out of their imagination!

A Real Aesthetic

Ever wondered about the authenticity of the decor on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Well, it's not just for show—a substantial portion of it is the real deal! Disney Imagineers went all out by incorporating genuine mining equipment and tools sourced from historical ghost towns right into the ride's queue.

At Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain, you’ll find a century-old stamp mill, a hand-driven drill, press gears, picks, shovels, and other artifacts that are actual mining gear purchased from abandoned mines in Nevada, Colorado, Minnesota, and Wyoming.

Mirror Image

Amidst all the juicy tidbits of wisdom dropped by the savvy Cast Members of Big Thunder Mountain, there's one mind-blowing factoid that totally caught me off guard! Flashing back to my wild ride on Disneyland's Big Thunder Mountain, I couldn't shake this feeling of déjà vu compared to my many experiences riding Disney World's Big Thunder Mountain. Now, it all makes sense why that track felt so strangely familiar yet refreshingly different!

The layout of Walt Disney World's Big Thunder Mountain almost mirrors its counterpart at Disneyland. What does this fascinating detail mean exactly? Well, it's quite ingenious! Essentially, it means that the tracks of the two iconic rides are almost mirrored reflections of each other. Where Disneyland's twists and turns veer left, the counterpart in Walt Disney World will swerve to the right, offering guests a subtly different—but equally thrilling—ride experience.

A Familiar Villain

It's clear the Imagineers deeply revere Tony Baxter and wanted to continue to pay tribute to his genius during the 2013 refurbishment of the Walt Disney World's Big Thunder Mountain. But Imagineers have to keep it fun! So, they added another layer of playful mischief by incorporating Tony Baxter's likeness into the lore of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We met Barnabas T. Bullion, the founder and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company, earlier in this article. He's affectionately known as the “villain” of this Wild West adventure.

Here's the fun twist: if you cast your eyes upon the queue of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you'll stumble upon a curious portrait hanging above. At Walt Disney World, this intriguing artwork is by the ceiling, nestled in the center behind the winding ramp that leads to the trains. And here's the kicker—Barnabas Bullion's countenance isn't just any random face. It's actually modeled after none other than Tony Baxter himself! The Imagineers took Baxter's likeness and gave it a mischievously villainous makeover, adding yet another delightful layer of insider magic to this beloved attraction.

Words of Affirmation

On Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, even the trains have their own charming personalities. As you eagerly await your turn for adventure, take a moment to glance at the front of each train. There, you'll discover a delightful surprise—each train proudly boasts a unique name, adding a touch of character to your thrilling experience.

Keep your eyes peeled, as you might find yourself boarding one of six specially named locomotives: U.R. Daring, U.B. Bold, I.M. Brave, I.B. Hearty, U.R. Courageous, or I.M. Fearless. These monikers aren't just random selections; they reflect the spirit of daring and bravery that defines the heart-pounding escapade awaiting you.

Where the Birds Sing Words

In the confines of one of the queue rooms in Big Thunder Mountain at Walt Disney World, a whimsical tie-in awaits the eager eyes of visitors: a delicate birdcage suspended overhead. At first glance, one might assume its presence is merely a nod to historical practices, as canaries used to be brought into the depths of mines to gauge air quality. Yet, in the realm of Disney magic, every detail bears significance far beyond the surface.

Etched upon the cage is the name “Rosita,” a small tribute to a beloved character from The Enchanted Tiki Room. During The Enchanted Tiki Room skit, Jose wonders where Rosita is as the ladies’ birdcage descends into the scene. With the refurbishment of the Big Mountain queue in 2013, the appearance of Rosita's namesake birdcage adds a delightful layer of continuity to the Disney narrative.

Fast and Furious

With all the steep dips, twists, and turns, Thunder Mountain is a high-speed mine train gone awry, and it most definitely feels like it! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reaches a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

Yes, you read that right! With the adrenaline-pumping sensation of hurtling through the twists and turns of this wild ride, it's the careful engineering and precise design that give riders the breakneck speeds without the actual breaking of the neck. The ride breaks the top 10 fastest rides in Walt Disney World, with only TRON Light Cycle Run and the former Splash Mountain (soon to be Tiana's Bayou Adventure) beating it in the Magic Kingdom.

And there you have it—the untold stories and hidden wonders behind the scenes of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! From the ingenious engineering that brings the wild ride to life to the subtle nods to Disney lore scattered through the attraction, there's no denying the magic awaits those brave enough to hop aboard.

As you hold on for dear life on this wild ride, remember the secrets we've uncovered and the behind-the-scenes magic that makes it all possible. With its twists, turns, and surprises around every bend, it's a ride that truly embodies the spirit of adventure that the Walt Disney Company is known for. So, hold onto your hats and glasses, because the wildest ride in the wilderness awaits!

Disney World Regulars Try To Keep These 10 Disney World Spots Quiet, But They Are Worth Trying to Check Out

Disney World has a wealth of spots that are hidden gems not every visitor knows about. See some of the secret places Disney World regulars try to keep quiet that are relaxing places to enjoy around the theme parks and Disney World Resort hotels.

Boomers Make These Ten Embarrassing Mistakes at Disney Parks

There are some major Boomer mistakes to avoid in order to make the most of your experience. From ignoring mobile apps to resisting breaking out of the same food routine, be sure to read our list of the biggest mistakes that boomers make at Disney.

Worst Dates at Disney: Avoid Visiting Disney Parks At All Costs During These Times of the Year

Certain times of the year draw in huge crowds that can easily make your park experience frustrating. Make sure you're in-the-know about which Disney dates to avoid at all costs if you hate crowds!