Beginning January 7, 2013 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed to undergo a 14-month, $4-million complete track replacement and ride refurbishment. This listing has been retired since the refurbishment included the replacement of the original track, supports and trains, thus creating an entirely new coaster. For information on the refurbished and updated attraction see Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
One of the Disney mountains, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, has become a well-loved, classic attraction and one of Disneyland's most popular rides. On September 2, 1979 this roller coaster themed to resemble a runaway mine train began taking Disneyland guests on a wild ride through mine shafts, bat caves, dark caverns and through water features. Walt Disney Imagineering custom designed this mine train roller coaster with three sections, separated by three lift hills, each sporting their own theme.
| Year | Track | Type | Designer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Steel | Mine Train | Walt Disney Imagineering, Arrow Dynamics |
Train names: U.B. Bold, U.R. Daring, U.R. Courageous, I.M. Brave, I.B. Hearty, I.M. Fearless
Big Thunder Mountain is designed to operate with a maximum of five trains on the circuit.
This is the first roller coaster to use Linear Induction Motors for the purpose of accelerating the trains out of the station and for parking the trains in the car storage area. The LIMs can be used to move the train in both directions.
Opening date: September 2, 1979
Train has five cars with three rows each, seating two abreast per row.
Height requirement: Riders must be at least 40 inches tall
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