Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Wildest Ride in the Wilderness

Howdy, partner, we’re right on the outskirts of Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, “the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!”

Are you brave enough to get the gold in this haunted runaway speed train? Oh no, the train seems to be speeding off and why is there dynamite?! Weave between dynamite and falling boulders and hope you make it out alive!

This is a runaway roller coaster has a a height requirement of 41.”

The Queue

Get ready for tumble weeds and cacti, (don’t worry, they’re fake…we checked), the queue of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is in the desert. Did you know that deserts are hot? Yeah. This queue snakes outside, so this queue feels very authentic, to say the least.

Once you’re inside the queue building you will see tons of trinkets and imagineering nuggets that make you feel like a real gold miner. Be sure to read every poster to get your chuckles while you wait! Remember, Imagineers don’t put any details without reason.

The best time to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is at nighttime during the fireworks!

The Wait

The typical wait time for Big Thunder Mountain fluctuates through the day. The average wait time is around 35 minutes, but you can practically walk on if you hop in line just as the parade starts, since the parade starts in Frontierland!

If you have purchased Genie+ for the day we do recommend snagging a Lightning Lane for this ride to skip that unpredictable line. This is not a difficult Lightning Lane to get, so don’t waste your first 7:00 AM Lightning Lane pick on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

The Ride

While this may be a rollercoaster, remember that this is Walt Disney World, so this is not going to be an insane thrill ride. This attraction does have a height requirement of 41” and is appropriate for children as young as 4 as far as thrill, but this is by no means a kiddie coaster! Adults will love this runaway train as well.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is not the smoothest coaster, so beware if you have back or neck problems. The smoothest ride is the very front car. Don’t be afraid to ask the Cast Member for a specific car. The worst thing they can say is no, but if they say yes, be prepared to wait a little longer to make it happen.

PRO TIP: Looking for a bigger thrill? Ask for the last seat and you will get whipped around the twists and turns!

The Ride Vehicle

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad cars are a bit of a tight squeeze. They can fit two adults, and while the car size is not the biggest, the restraint system is not overly restricted. This coaster only has a lap bar.

Side note about the thrill factor: The fact that it only has a lap bar should be an indicator as to its intensity.

FUN FACT: There is a pocket in front of the seat for your Minnie Mouse ears. (Sure, you can put other things in there too, but we like to think it’s special for our beloved ears.)

Guests must be 40 inches or taller to ride!

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