Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

by | Aug 5, 2024 | Disneyland, Disneyland Attractions, Disneyland Park, Frontierland

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park

Climb aboard the wildest ride in the wilderness and take a high-speed trip around one of Disneyland’s iconic mountains on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This coaster set in an 1850s mining town – specifically, Rainbow Ridge, a callback to the old Rainbow Caverns Mine Train within Frontierland – is a thrill for guests who love fast attractions.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Fast Facts

  • Location: Frontierland
  • Height Requirement: 40 inches
  • Attraction Length: About 4 minutes
  • Lightning Lane Multi Pass: Yes
  • Ride Type: Roller coaster
  • Early Theme Park Entry Eligible: No
  • Extended Evening Hours Eligible: N/A
  • Ride Switch Available: Yes

Queue

The queue for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is outdoors and winds underneath the ride’s tracks (and stairs are involved to reach the loading platform).

Accessibility 

Guests must transfer from wheelchairs and ECVs to ride. A transfer vehicle is available.

On-Ride Photo

There is no on-ride photo for this attraction.

Is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Kid-Friendly?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a classic coaster, which means it’s kid-friendly for some age groups and a bit too wild of a ride for others.

If your kids meet the height requirement for Big Thunder and are ready to try their first thrill rides, then it’s absolutely kid-friendly. However, if they’re under the height requirement or still a bit scared of coasters, you may want to wait on this one. 

Tweens and teens will love Big Thunder. It features a few drops, but nothing too steep or scary, and twists, turns, and unexpected dark caverns and caves. It’s a great introduction to thrill rides, without the same level of stomach-churning drops as coasters like the Incredicoaster over at California Adventure.

Best For: Tweens and teens who are ready to ride fast, thrilling coasters.

Will Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Cause Motion Sickness?

Big Thunder Mountain may cause motion sickness for some, but it’s a relatively mild rollercoaster. The track is smooth, the drops aren’t too steep, and the number of twists and turns is low.

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Authored by
Heather Adams

Heather Adams, Disneyland Expert and Mom | A lifelong Disneyland enthusiast who's familiar with every square inch of the Anaheim theme parks, Heather has spent over 30 years becoming an expert in all things Disney. A Disney Adult turned Disney Mom, she's now quickly becoming a pro at taking her little one to the theme parks and familiarizing herself with navigating crowds with diaper bags, strollers, and plenty of baby gear. If you're planning a Disney vacation with kids under age 3, she's got all of the advice you need.