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Ultimate Rollercoaster > Roller Coasters > Where to Coast™ > Disneyland Park > Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Disneyland Park

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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.

Roller Coaster Stats

Year Track Type Designer
1979 Steel Mine Train Walt Disney Imagineering, Arrow Dynamics
  • Height
    50
    feet
  • Length
    2,671
    feet
  • Top Speed
    28
    miles per hour
  • Ride Time
    3 minutes, 15 seconds
    minutes : seconds
  • Ride Capacity
    2400
    riders per hour
  • Number Of Trains
    6 - 30 passenger
     
  • Train Designer
    Walt Disney Imagineering
     

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Facts & History

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

Where to Coast

Visit Disneyland Park to ride this roller coaster.

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