Hang on to them hats and glasses cuz this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness.
In reality, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad isn’t the most thrilling coaster in the world. In fact, it only reaches a top speed of somewhere between 24-30 miles per hour. By today’s standards, that’s pretty tame. Yet this ride is still a perennial favorite and hour-long waits are not uncommon during the busier times of the year. Why is this? Theming. The true love of this attraction comes from the overall experience, not just the thrills you encounter while racing over buttes and bluffs.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMR) was not around on opening day. In the beginning, this area was just a grassy pasture you passed by while riding the Walt Disney World Railroad.
These next three photos were taken in January 1972. The first picture was shot from the Skyway in Fantasyland looking back toward the southern half of Tom Sawyer Island. The suspension bridge connecting the north and south islands will someday be anchored at this point. The majority of the empty land beyond the island is where Splash Mountain will reside, but to the right side of the picture you can see where the entrance to BTMR will someday stand.
This next picture was taken from the Walt Disney World Railroad looking over the future BTMR. You can see the Haunted Mansion in the background.
The final picture was taken from the of the Adm. Joe Fowler (now the Liberty Belle) looking back at this vacant land.
If you’d like to learn more about how the BTMR came into existence, check out Anita Answer’s article about the Western River Expedition.
The topography of Disney World’s Big Thunder Mountain was inspired by Monument Valley in Arizona. (The topography of Disneyland’s Thunder Mountain is based on Utah’s Bryce Canyon.)
There’s no missing Big Thunder Mountain. It can be seen from many vantage points within Frontierland. Its towering butte beckons.
The story of BTMR goes something like this. During the late 1800’s, gold was discovered deep within Big Thunder Mountain. Overnight, prospectors started mining the ore and soon the town of Tumbleweed sprang up on the mountain’s slope. Additionally, The Big Thunder Mining Company was formed and trains were built to haul the gold.
Everything was going well until a flash flood ravaged the mountain and town, ruining any future mining operations. Now it’s not certain if the flood was caused by Mother Nature, or brought on by Professor Cumulus Isobar, a rainmaker hired by the settlers a few days earlier.
The townsfolk took the flood in stride and headed over to the Gold Dust Saloon for one last belt before leaving Tumbleweed for good. A good ear can hear the shindig still going on as you pass by. By the way, the proprietors of the Dry Goods store next to the saloon are, D. Hydrate and U. Wither.
But one gentleman, Cousin Elrod, decided a cool bath is better than a cool drink.
To reach the BTMR you pass beneath an abandoned ore processing plant and proceed up a hill. Along the way you encounter a number of discarded pieces of mining equipment.
Eventually you enter the long vacant offices of the Big Thunder Mining Company.
After wandering around on the upper level, for what can seem like an eternity, you eventually descend below where the trains arrive and depart. It’s here that you board one of the following six trains.
U.B. Bold
U.R. Daring
U.R. Courageous
I.M. Brave
I.B. Hearty
I.M. Fearless
Your journey begins as you travel through a bat filled cave then alongside a cavern packed with stalactites and stalagmites. Up ahead you see a massive waterfall cascading to each side of the tracks.
Averting a wet encounter, the train bursts outside and starts its mad dash through the wilderness.
While your train is making hairpin turns and sudden drops, a number of sights can be seen along the way.
Eventually, you return to the Big Thunder Mining Company offices, shaken, but fine.
Guests exit the attraction along Nugget Way. This is the perfect spot for less adventurous souls to wait for their party. This area also offers great photo opportunities and you might even be able to snag a shot of your friends and family as they whisk by.
Here are some interesting facts about BTMR:
BTMR opened on September 23, 1980. The “official” Grand Opening was on November 15, 1980.
It cost $17M to build – the same amount it cost to construct Disneyland as of opening day.
The attraction area is approximately 2.5 acres.
The top of the butte is roughly 100 feet high from ground level. If you calculate from sea level, the way a real mountain would be measured, the pinnacle stands 197’6″.
The ride duration is about 3 minutes 25 seconds.
Each of the engines pulls five cars and can hold a total of 30 guests.
The track length is 2,780 feet.
There are about 20 Audio-Animatroncic figures scatters around the ride.
The mining equipment found around the attraction is genuine. Some of it was purchased at auctions throughout the Southwest while other material came from existing mines that date back to Big Thunders era of 1880.
Over 100 tons of actual mine tailings were shipped to Big Thunder for use in it’s retaining walls and runoffs from the mining.
Construction materials included the following: 6,500 tons of steel beams, rods, and mesh, 4,675 tons of concrete, 90,000 gallons of water, and 4,000 gallons of paint.
The spiel, “Hang on to them hats and glasses cuz this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness” was recorded by Dallas McKennon. This is the same gentleman who voices Ben Franklin in the American Adventure. Mr. McKennon passed away on July 14, 2009.
Here’s a little trick I use when visiting the Magic Kingdom. First, ARRIVE AT OPENING. Be at the Adventureland “rope drop” at 9am. Once the welcoming announcement finishes, hightail it (safely) to the Jungle Cruise and secure Fast Passes for everyone in your party.
As soon as you have these gems in hand, make haste (safely) to BTMR. The line shouldn’t be any more than 5 minutes in length. After riding, get in line and ride Splash Mountain, whose wait shouldn’t be anymore than 10 minutes.
I choose to ride BTRM first because its ride duration is shorter than Splash Mountain, allowing you to queue up for the second attraction sooner.
After you’ve completed these two adventures, mosey back toward Pirates of the Caribbean for some high seas high jinx with the buccaneers. If you survive their assault it will almost be time to ride the Jungle Cruise. This touring plan should allow you to complete four major attractions in just a little over an hour.
If arriving at the Magic Kingdom at opening just isn’t your cup of tea, but you can still be at the park by 10 or 11, then I would suggest getting a Fast Pass for either Splash Mountain or BTMR then wait in line and ride the other one. Hopefully, your Fast Pass return time will be nearing when you exit the first attraction.
If you arrive after noon on a busy day, I have no suggestions for you.
That’s all I have on BTMR. As I said at the beginning of this article, it’s a pretty tame coaster as coasters go. But it’s Disney’s meticulous attention to detail that makes this attraction so compelling.
Mind these warnings before you ride:
BTMR can also be found in:
Disneyland California’s Frontierland
Tokyo Disneyland’s Westernland
Disneyland Paris’ Frontierland
Hang on to your hats!
I have to say that land.allears.net is really a good website
I want to make some contribute to land.allears.net
I am trying to locate a Big Thunder Mountain Railroad poster from Walt Disney World like the one at the beginning of this blog. Have located ones from Disneyland – not what I want. Do you now where I might find the one from Disney World?
Jack’s Answer:
You can purchase a Big Thunder Mountain poster (and many others) at the Art of Disney Shop at the Marketplace at Downtown Disney.
Jack,
I’ve had friends who swear this ride would shake and flames would shoot out of the cavern before the waterfall. If this is accurate, when did BTMR stop doing this?
OOHH! You have to ride BTM at night. It is beautiful. And the views from there are beautiful. Go LATE at night and there is almost no wait time.
It’s also fun to ride in a light rain.
Hi Jack,
Great article. Made me feel like we were back at WDW. Thanks for the great photo tips. I will try that next time.
A comment for Wendy who asked about BTMRR vs Splash Mountain… my 11 yr old son rode SM once and is terrified of that ride. We rode it 2 years ago and I doubt we’ll ever get him on it again. BTMRR is his favorite ride in the MK. He will ride BTMRR 3 or 4 times in a row. Please let Wendy know that there is nothing else in MK like that drop on Splash Mountain.
Thanks for the post, Jack. Just back from the World and BTMRR is my 4 year old daughter’s new favorite. I’ll never forget the look on her eyes wide open, smiling, screaming face as we tore around the corners. Biggest tears of the trip were when we told her we didn’t have time for another ride (WDW RR back to Main Street didn’t cut it). Thank you for all the details.
great stuff. luv big thunder. rode it a wk ago but it seems faster than test track.
Man, I’m only 17 but do i have fond memories of this ride or what! I must have been around 5 or 6 when i first rode this ride, i was scared to say the least. My grandpa has pics of me crying my eyes out because i didn’t want to get on. Wow, embarassing! But ever since then it’s been a classic. Now i get to look forward to riding it with my little sister who’ll be just turning 7 when we go next year. Can’t wait!
Jack, you are simply AMAZING!
I have been visiting WDW since 1975, but I ALWAYS learn something new when I read your fabulous articles and see your great photos! How do you get these super shots from a moving train???
However, I DO have a suggestion for arriving after noon, as my West Coast husband can never get moving before then…EXTRA MAGIC EVENING HOURS are a lifesaver, marriagesaver, and timesaver!
Carol from HB California
Jack,
Thanks for the memories, I remember when I was 18 years old climbing on a rock and getting my picture taken for my dad who was at home, with a little tank top that said “Daddy’s Little Girl” he let me go with my friends after graduation. I am now forty something, but will never forget the memories of BTMR. It was my favorite then! lol
They really should have a photo opp for this ride. I do not know how anyone can take a photo while riding. It seems impossible. If you have, please share your expert advise.
Jack’s Answer:
How did I get clear pictures while riding Thunder Mountain?
First, I ride it several times and take MANY pictures. I throw many away when I get home.
Next, I ride alone and I have no bags to worry about. I sit in the middle of the seat and press my feet firmly to each side of the car to give me some stability.
I have a good camera that can be set on “burst mode.” This allows me to take up to 13 consecutive shots within a few seconds.
Finally, I set the camera on “action”.
Also, some of the sights that can be seen while riding, are difficult, if not impossible to photograph from the train so I took them from other vantage points.
I really enjoyed this article. This is 1 of my nieces favorite rides. So it holds special memories for me. This past visit (12/2007)I got some nice photos with the ride in the background. Anyway, after reading this story, I intend to pay more attention to the details on my next visit & take many photos. For this reason, long lines are good. It gives you opportunity to appreciate the details & take photos too.
I was just in WDW in May, and Thunder railroad is such a classic! It certainly goes fast enough that you miss many of the details – so thank you for these wonderful pictures!
I have to make a recommendation though, for guests staying multiple days who like thrill rides – hit up BTMR early in the week, as a first coaster. It will seem fast and fun as it is. Then go do Everest second. We road BTMR our first day there, then did Everest a day or two later, then returned to BTMR at the end of the trip…and it seemed down right slow in comparison! The first experience was much better before we were ‘ruined’ by the speed and sharp twists of Everest!
I think the only other question I have is “How high is the tallest drop?”! I still don’t know if me, being such a coward, can do it, but I’d really love to try.
I can’t handle Splash Mountain’s drop in Disneyland, though, without sobbing and panicking. I was pathetic for about ten minutes after that ride. My picture was of me hiding behind my husband’s seat and clutching the seat in front of me white knuckled.
Jack’s Answer:
For the most part, Thunder Mountain doesn’t have “drops.” It has ups and downs and hairpin turns. You cannot compare it to Splash Mountain. I think the ride is more comparable to Space Mountain.
But I suspect if Splash Mountain put you into a panic, you might want to skip Thunder Mountain. It does toss you around from one side of the seat to the other.
Love the detail in your description of this fantastic ride! And yes, the best time to ride BTMR IS at night. Back in 2005, my sis and I stayed for extra magic hours and rode the coaster at about 1am. It was a perfectly clear night with no moon which made for an interesting effect when you reach the second ascent on the coaster. When you get to this point the peak of the mountain will silhouette against the starry night sky. You could swear you were out west for real!
Great Blog. Yes BTMR may not be as thrilling as other rides but its a true classic and you actually get to enjoy the ride without being scared out of your wits! One of my favorite details are the moving rocks going up the hill. And the “continuing” track once you are on top of the hill by the waterfall. Disney at its greatest! I just realized I missed this ride as a kid…I visited the Magic Kingdom in August of 1980 and BTMR came a month later! One of my fav. things about this ride is the hill at night, when you can see the castle and sometimes catch a glimpse of Spectomagic. I wanna go back NOW!!!!
Very interesting article. BTMRR is my favorite WDW attraction. I especially loved the pictures from before it was built. I never realised there was just a big empty field there! Also, the few times I have visited the park, BTMRR’s lines greatly decreased in length in the evening.
Just returned a week ago from our trip to the world. Brought my almost 4 year old nephew on BTMRR, and the whole time he was screaming “stop the train! stop the train!” … was so funny, but def not something i would bring him on again until he was older.
Thanks for the “ride” Jack–it was almost like being there for real! The descriptions are GREAT and the pictures are superb! What is the make and model of camera you use to capture those fantastic photos? Please keep up your wonderful writing and photography–it helps to satisfy our needed Disney fix while waiting for our next annual visit. Jack & Kay, Tucson, AZ.
Hi Jack, Someone sent me your article and I enjoyed going back to 1980 when we installed it at WDW. I’m glad people recognize Big Thunder for it’s themeing besides being a Great Ride. I just wanted to let you know all the artifacts did not come from auctions. They mostly came from existing mines that date back to Big Thunders era of 1880. A lot of research and endless roads led to the Americana you see. I did purchase a few items at the Tropico Gold Mine auction which was and still is an operating mine. Over 100 tons of actual mine tailings were shipped to Big Thunder for use in it’s retaining walls and runoffs from the mining. Each of the 4 Big Thunders is Special and has special memories in their creation. Of course Paris holds the record for fastest, biggest, best themed, tallest, and the only one out on an island. Thank you again for promoting the attraction.
I especially liked the plans for getting there early. We had done the second option you list, getting a fastpass and riding the other. That was about 10 or 11 am, and it does work, but when we got off those rides, man we had to scoot out of the area, because as you suggest :its a madhouse by noon.
Wow! This is quite literally everything a person could possibly ever want to know about BTMRR. I have been on this ride a few times, but didn’t know most of this information, because I have a bit of a commando park touring style. Thank you so much for pulling this information together. Love it!
Great blog. Did you take those old pictures? Those are really amazing. I love looking back at how things were (and how they’ve changed). Tom Sawyer Island looks quite barren in those old shots.
Jack’s Answer:
Yes, I took the old shots. I was there in January 1972, just three months after the park opened. Tom Sawyer Island was just a flat, barren piece of land at that time.
Great Article!
Here’s a little secret attraction I’ve always enjoyed, hidden within Tony Baxter’s masterpiece.
Arrive after dark and ask for the very last seat in the very last car. Then — after the first big lift hill — turn your head and watch the ride backward!
The receding lights and effects provide a very different set of visuals…
BTW, Dallas MacKennon used that same character voice in narrating the Mine Train thru Nature’s Wonderland, the ride which BTMR replaced in Anaheim!
This is my 8 year Autistic son Tyler’s favorite ride! When I showed him these pictures he had a huge smile.
AWESOME report Jack! As many times as I have been on BTMR I never noticed cousin Elrod. Most of the time it is dark when I ride BTMR so that is probaly why. My family and I ride at dark right before the park closes because we can usually ride 2 to three times with no wait time.
“The Disney Fanatic”
This roller coaster is 100% better a night.
Great report Jack, you are awesome at the littlest details! I can hardly wait for Space Mountain to re-open in November, promise us you´ll cover this event “The Jack Way” ?? =)
Greetings from Brazil!
Theresa Konno
Jack’s Comment:
I’m not a big fan of Space Mountain. It’s to jerky for me. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Disney is giving this attraction a smoother ride like they did at Disneyland. Regardless, I will be on hand opening day (or before) to report on the reopening of this crowd pleaser.
Jack – yes, you must ride at night. It is even better then. Your “butte” comment was hilarious, as was “If you arrive after noon on a busy day, I have no suggestions for you.” Oh so true! Thanks again for another wonderful blog and I can’t wait to ride again.
I love your photographs of MK when it first opened!!! It’s amazing to see how much has changed.
I’ve never noticed the names of the trains before haha, everything is alawys so clever 🙂
BTM is still one of the best rides there 🙂
Thanks Jack for such a great article…my husband and 11 yr. old daughter always enjoy riding on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad while me and my 15 yr. old daughter have always been too chicken. After reading your article, I’m now excited to try it during our upcoming trip in October – doesn’t seem so scary now!!
This article makes me so happy! BTMR is one of my absolute favorites – a hearty contender for my Favorite Ride at Disney World – and this article was fascinating. Thank you so much!
(PS – Yes! Ride it at night!)
Jack,
You forgot to mention how BEAUTIFUL, this BTMR is at night. With all the lights and special effects only seen in the dark. Fav ride, but espicailly after sundown
Tony
I love your blogs, and this is no exception. Thanks so much for my Disney “fix”.
By the way, where is that Hidden Tinkerbell? I’d like to look for it on our next trip!
Thanks so much for all of your blogs. My family enjoys them so much. They are very important to us when we need a piece of WDW Magic and can’t visit! This is our youngest son’s favorite rides of all time!!
Lots of great comments on this blog Jack.
Didn’t see anyone mention the Hidden Tinkerbell at the end of the ride. Did you know it was there?
If you need a picture, you know I’ve got one!
Deb
Jack’s Comment:
Check out this page for a picture:
http://allears.net/tp/mk/mk_btm.htm
Jack,
Once again, thanks for a super interesting and informative blog. My kids and I (my wife gets dizzy) love riding each and every visit (we’re Passholders). My question is…how do you get such clear and amazing pictures? Each time I ride it is all I can do to keep from snapping my neck in two and losing my camera bags.
Keep up the good work!
Jack’s Answer:
How did I get clear pictures while riding Thunder Mountain?
First, I rode it several times and took MANY pictures. You didn’t see all of the blurry shots I threw away.
Next, I ride alone and I have no bags to worry about. I sit in the middle of the seat and press my feet firmly to each side of the car to give me some stability.
I have a good camera that can be set on “burst mode.” This allows me to take up to 13 consecutive shots within a few seconds.
Finally, I set the camera on “action”.
Also, some of the sights that can be seen while riding, are difficult, if not impossible to photograph from the train so I took them from other vantage points.
Thanks for the words of encouragement and take care,
Jack, Thanks for another great blog. You have a great writing style and Your pictures are fantastic. I count on these to tide me over between trips.
BTMRR is one of my must rides. As many times as I can.
Jack,
What a great treatment of my favorite attraction at MK. In 2001, we were there for an old fashioned “E-Ticket” night. My wife and rode BTMR 3 times in a row, the last one being the final ride of the night. It was awesome and is everytime I ride it. By the way, the desert animal between the donkeys and the rattlesnake, I think is a javelina. I’ve seen pictures of them, and I think this is what it is.
Thanks again for another great presentation.
Larry
Alabama
Jack’s Comment:
I think you’re right, it is a javelina. I looked it up on the internet and it said these creatures are common in the American Southwest — and the pictures match. Thanks for letting me know.
This article was great about Big Thunder MT. I really enjoyed it, especially the pictures of the land before it was the BTMT. Also I did not knwo the story. Like all things Disney, there is a story . . .
I always look forward to reading your postings. We were there last week. BTMR was my 4-year-old son’s first rollercoaster ride. He loved it (as do I)! My husband rode it with him first (while I was with our younger son). He said that he slipped under the bar to the floor of the train, as the lap bar stopped at my husband’s lap. (My son tended to like that part of the ride.) I then rode on it and held onto him and he was fine. I thought I would just share that for anyone riding with a small child. My son can’t wait to go back and ride it again. Thanks for a great read and great pictures!
hmmm…….24-30mph you say? Well, I dunno, but the day I rode it I was quite sure it hit about 100mph. Hard to tell exactly as I was screaming and holding on to my son, and then he was laughing, so 100mph might be pushing it a bit, but I doubt it. No, no I’d say at least 100mph, if not faster. Anyhoo! Very fast, very scary.
Ha ha!! Jack, once again–“YOU ROCK!!” The old pictures are amazing! Now I may have to visit Bryce Canyon in Utah, sister lives in Utah, even though I hate the dry, dry weather there, ugh. Thanks once again for doing such a great job putting your blog together (shhhhh! don’t tell the other bloggers, but your blog is the best!)
Great Blog as usual Jack ! however when I took a trolly tour in Sedona near Walt’s home in Oak creek, they swear that the the moutains around there were the models for Big Thunder Railroad and even renamed one mountain Big Thunder. Arizona or Utah ??
Jack’s Answer:
I have read several “official” Disney publications. All say that Monument Valley was the inspiration for Disney World’s Thunder Mountain and Bryce Canyon for Disneyland. However, much of the American Southwest is stunning and has somewhat similar topography.
I think after being to all the parks (apart from tokyo and that end of the world) the BTMR in Disneyland Paris is by far the best, I think Disneyland Paris is my fave Magic Kingdom park… shame about the other bits, but the studios are improving!
Love reading your blogs. I like looking for the details, but will have to look even more closely when we ride this one again. By the way, is that a hidden Mickey in one of the shots above (just after the rattler and two before the dino)? May look completely different in person, but in the photo, I see a classic Mickey staring right back at us from the stacked logs between the well and the bucket. Thanks again for all of the great details – can’t wait for my next trip!
Jack’s Answer:
I see what you’re looking at — and you might be right. However, I think the “head” portion should be a little bigger. But I’m not the expert. This very well could be a hidden Mickey.
What a great article!! It is amazing that you have so many pictures, from so many idfferent times, and angles- I feel like, as I drink my coffee this morning, I was riding BTMR! Thanks so much for that!
Thanks for the blog on BTMRR and thanks for posting all the great details! This is my favorite ride from my first visit to WDW when I was 6. Where can I find the poster that is pictured at the start of the blog?
Jack’s Answer:
I found that poster (and many others) on the internet a long time ago. I did several searches on Disney World and Disneyland posters.
My wife and daughter rode at night and saw the fireworks (wishes) while riding…they loved it! Great writing…you make me want to go back and see all the details you share with us!
Thanks for the tour, Jack.
You mentioned that there are 6 trains that you may ride. They are each named differently. Where are the names written on the “train”? All I have ever seen written on the roller coaster “trains” is the words “Big Thunder Mountain RR”. Thanks for any info! LOVE your articles!
Jack’s Answer:
Because I had to reduce the size of the photos, it’s difficult to see. But if you look at the picture of the engine in the station, you can make out the name of the train on the cab of the engine.
Hi Jack. My kids and I love Big Thunder we ride it at least ten times each time we go. I also love the detail of props as you walk up the hill to the covered line area. One of my sons favourite pieces is a box of dynamite which I think goes something along the lines of “Lytum and Hyde”. He always chuckles as we pass that one. Thanks again for a great report.
Jack’s Comment:
I had never seen the “Lytum and Hyde” box of dynamite so Anne’s son Matt provided me with a picture which I have posted. Thanks Matt.
Great post! I love reading about all the details that we have overlooked during our visits. I share these blogs with my 9 year old daughter and she is determined when we go in September that she is going to check out everything that you have written about. Hopefully it will slow her down and we will get to enjoy WDW at a slower pace this time.
Keep up the great job.
Once again you use all the right words in the right order – “Its towering butte beckons.”
Me likey mucho.
And your photos are like butter. I humbly head bow to your superior pic taking sensibilities.
Have you ever ridden this coaster at night?
Does it give you a different experience?
Jack’s Answer:
I am embarrassed to say that I have never ridden Big Thunder at night. If you’ve read some of the comments, others swear by it and say it’s much better. I have heard this many times, but I just have never gotten around to it. I guess it’s time I do.
Thanks Jack for another great blog. Leave for WDW 1/02- hopefully this time our 11 year old will try BTMR. Could not even get him to think about it 2 years ago. Can’t wait for him to read your blog, and see the great pictures you took from a moving coaster! Thanks again- always a fan!
BTMR is such a great ride because it is exactly what we need for our family of five. It is fun to ride as an adult, although not as exhilarating as the thrill rides. In addition, the ride is tame enough that our younger kids can enjoy it as well. Of course the theme of the ride is perfect. The best part of any attraction at WDW is finding new details you missed on your last trip. As always Jack, thanks for the great blogs! It gets us through till we can save up for our next trip.
Thanks again Jack for an informative artical. We have gone to WDW every year for the last 6 years and I rode BTMR for the first time last year.I am a coaster chicken. But it wasn’t that bad and is now one of my favorite rides.:)
I love reading your blog, so much information is packed into each entry. The fact that you find all the little details, simply amazes me and gives me new things to look for on our next trip. Thank you so much for sharing such great information.
Oh, and BTMR is one of my favorite rides, period.
BTMR is one of my must rides! It is the ONLY coaster I can ride w/o a panic attack (I learned this after trying Space Mountain last Dec.)Thanks of posting pics of the critters and folks around the attraction. I’m usually to busy laughing (for some reason, this ride gives me the giggles! lol) to see anything other then the dino!
Thank you so much for writing this! Big Thunder is my favorite ride at the Magic Kingdom. I can’t visit without riding it. It’s just a blast. This blog was a good way to start my morning. 🙂 Thanks again!
Hi Jack,
First of all thank you for your blogs – I love them and I’ve been reading them for ages but never commented before. BTM may be ‘tame’ but it is something that many other attractions are not – it is a classic! I’m a coaster vetran and I’ve done them all. I especially love the big thrill ones at some of the other parks. But I eventually tire of these. But I never ever get sick of the WDW ones and BTM in particular.
Keep up the great blogs! (btw I really like your restaurant reviews)
I have to agree, BTMR is fantastic to ride at night.
I think guests enjoy this ride because it is a lengthy ride at about 3 mins and 25 seconds as Jack points out. And just about all of that is an enjoyable “coaster” type of ride, unlike some of the other attractions that may be longer in length but only have a few seconds of action like say Splash Mountain.
Amazing! As many times as I’ve ridden it, I never noticed many of the “sights” along the way!
Also, try riding it at night for a totally different experience that’s just as fun!
Great blog. I really enjoyed reading about the hidden details. I just named BTMRR as one of the best attractions to experience at night in my blog. It seems to be getting some extra attention this week!
Thanks, Jack, for this great blog! BTMR is one of my all-time favorite rides and I was thrilled to get to experience it through your blog! Great pictures, great writing – as always!!! 🙂
I love your casual style of writing, I feel like I am reading a letter from a friend sharing all the wonderful things you have seen and experienced.
We’re off on the long journey from Adelaide Australia to WDW in September and love adding to our list of things to look out for things you have included in your Blog.
Thanks very much.
Have a Magical Day.
Jo