Gold. It’s more than just a metal. It’s a fever that once swept through the American Southwest and infected Tokyo Disneyland’s Westernland. Welcome to Big Thunder Mountain.
Big Thunder Mountain isn’t just a roller coaster. It’s a journey back to the late 1800s. Imagine a once-sleepy mining town suddenly bursting with life, all thanks to the glittering promise of gold.
But this gold rush had a dark side. The miners of Big Thunder Mountain didn’t know they were desecrating sacred land. Native Americans had long revered this mountain. Their warnings went unheeded.
Disaster struck. Some say it was an earthquake. Here at Tokyo Disneyland, the legend speaks of a tsunami that devastated the mines and the town. The once-thriving community was abandoned.
But the trains of Big Thunder Mountain? They had a different fate. They say they began racing around the mountain on their own. No engineers. No crew. Just possessed locomotives. That is Big Thunder Mountain.
Now, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad lets you ride these haunted rails. Are you brave enough to board?
Look around. The station is designed to resemble a mining company office from the 19th century. But this Big Thunder Mountain has a unique twist. This version is very similar to the one in Florida’s Magic Kingdom.
The rockwork here is inspired by Monument Valley in Arizona. Notice the rising buttes, those iconic rock formations. Walt Disney Imagineering wanted it to look like the rocks were always there. The track was built around them, not the other way around.
Keep an eye out for the dinosaur skeleton. All Big Thunder Mountain rides have one except for the Paris version. Also listen for the sounds of a steam whistle. It adds to the realism even though the locomotives don’t have one.
Big Thunder Mountain opened here at Tokyo Disneyland on July 4, 1987. The ride has been thrilling guests ever since. It’s a wild ride through tunnels and canyons. Hold on tight.
Did you know that Big Thunder Mountain has a sponsor? Dai-ichi Life helps keep the trains running. Also, if the line is too long you can use the Single Rider line that was added in January 2020.
Now, let’s talk about the ride itself. As you leave the station, you will enter a bat-infested tunnel. Get ready for sharp turns and steep drops. The train will climb three lift hills.
The third lift hill is especially thrilling. The tunnel is dynamited. Artificial smoke blasts in your face as you crest the hill. It’s an experience you won’t forget. This Big Thunder Mountain ride has some differences from the others. The final segment is unique. Instead of crossing back over the drop from the third lift hill, the track makes a sharp turn before plunging into a tunnel.
Big Thunder Mountain is more than just a roller coaster. It’s a story. It’s a legend. It’s a chance to experience the thrill of the gold rush and the mystery of a cursed mountain. So, are you ready to ride the rails of Big Thunder Mountain?