Birt Family Focus

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad -- 10/16/01
Photo by tiggerfan58

Today's Focus is on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This ride is based on the idea that a flood has or is about to wash away the town of Tumbleweed and the big gold mine in their mountain. Knowing this, the townsfolk decide to throw a huge party, and the flood washed them away in the middle of it.

This one is rather tame as roller coasters go, but lots of fun and the theming is hilarious. I recommend riding several times to see all the displays. Ride it at night as well for a real visual treat. Also, sitting in the bask instead of the front will get you a bumpier ride.

My family never misses this. My DH, when riding for the first time didn't know it was a roller coaster and I didn't think to tell her. As this was before she has ever ridden Space Mountain, she didn't think she liked roller coasters. She was 6, I think at the time and when we got off, she gave me a dirty look and said, "MOM!!! That was a roller coaster- I was scared!!!" I started to apologize but before I could get a word out she said, "Can we go again?". I promise, unless you are a true coaster-hater, you, too will love this ride.

The Imaginears who designed this based it on Bryce Canyon in Utah, and I'm told the resemblance is uncanny. I have never been there. If it has all the stuff to see that BTMR has, the place must be a hoot.

This ride, like it's neighbor, is very popular but has fast pass so get one and make sure you don't pass this one up. You can spend your wait time at the subject of the next "Focus"- Tom Sawyer's Island.