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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

An Attraction in Disneyland

Last updated: May 3, 2023

At a Glance

A roller coaster through and around a Disney “mountain.” The idea is that you’re on a runaway mine train during gold rush days. Along with the usual thrills of a roller coaster (about a 5 on a “scary scale” of 10), the ride showcases some first-rate examples of Disney creativity: lifelike scenes depicting a mining town, colorful caverns, and a dynamite-chewing goat, all humorously animated.

Current Standby Wait Time
Lightning Lane
Next Available Return Time:
8:20am
Guest Overall Rating
Our Overall Rating
Preschool
Grade School
Teens
Young Adults
Over 30
Seniors
Duration
4 min
Rider Switch?
Yes
Minimum Height
40 in
Queues
Accessibility
  • Must Transfer From Wheelchair/ECV
  • No Service Animals

Touring Tips

When To Go
Before 10:30 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m.
Loading Speed
Moderate to fast
Early Entry?
No
Wait per 100 People Ahead
3 min

A superb Disney experience, but not too wild a roller coaster. The emphasis here is much more on the sights than on the thrill of the ride itself. Regardless, it's a not-to-be-missed attraction. This attraction can grow quite a line as the day progresses, we recommend riding this in the morning or in the evening; an hour or two before the park closes. Finally, give Big Thunder a try after dark. The lighting gives the attraction a whole new feel.

As an example of how differently guests experience Disney attractions, consider this letter we received from a reader in Brookline, Massachusetts:

As senior citizens with limited time, my friend and I confined our activities to those attractions rated as 4 or 5 stars for seniors. Because you listed it as not to be missed, we waited an hour to board Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which you rated a 5 on a scary scale of 10. After living through 3½ minutes of pure terror, I rate that attraction a 15 on a scary scale of 10. We were so busy holding on and screaming and even praying for our safety that we did not see any falling rocks or a mining town. In our opinion it should not be recommended for seniors or preschool children.

A woman from New England discovered that there's more to consider about Big Thunder than being scared:

I won’t say it warranted a higher scare rating, but it was much higher on the lose-your-lunch meter. One more sharp turn and the kids in front of me would have needed a dip in Splash Mountain!

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Users who like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, generally also like:

Wait Times

Here's roughly how many minutes you'll wait for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at each Disneyland Crowd Level.

1
7 to 29
2
9 to 34
3
11 to 37
4
15 to 40
5
18 to 43
6
22 to 46
7
25 to 51
8
27 to 54
9
27 to 57
10
31 to 66
Hourly View and Lightning Lane Return Times
Thursday,
Jun 12, 2025
View another date
Wait Times for
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
 
Thursday,
June 12, 2025

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Lightning Lane Multi Pass Availability For
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
 
Thursday,
June 12, 2025

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Forecast:
Gone by 9:45 PM
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