Coaster · Frontierland

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The wildest ride in the wilderness, a runaway mine train racing through red-rock hoodoos, bat caves, and a dynamite-rigged finale.

Must do
Height
40 in
Ride time
4 min
Thrill
Moderate
Lightning Lane
Multi Pass
Ages
Ages 6+ (great first "big" coaster)

What it is

The wildest ride in the wilderness, a runaway mine train racing through red-rock hoodoos, bat caves, and a dynamite-rigged finale. A perfect family coaster: fast enough to thrill, smooth enough for almost everyone.

How to do it right

  • Back rows whip harder through the helix, sit rear for thrills, front for views
  • Ride after dark at least once; the mountain lit at night is a different experience
  • A strong Multi Pass pick on crowded days, though standby often stays manageable in the first hour
  • Look for the goat with the dynamite, a Disneyland icon

Best time to ride

  • Rope drop
  • With Lightning Lane Multi Pass
  • After dark

Photo spots

  • Mountain range from the Rivers of America walkway
  • Trains cresting the lift hills

Accessibility

  • You need to transfer from a wheelchair or ECV to the ride vehicle

Checked against Disney's official page on October 10, 2026. Hours, prices, and refurbishments change; I confirm everything for your dates.