Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Review

Set in gold-rush days, this thrilling roller coaster simulates a runaway train. It's a bumpy ride with several good drops (pregnant women and guests wearing back, neck, or leg braces should avoid this one). There are moments when you feel like you're going to fly right off the tracks. Overall it's more fun than scary, and you'll see kids as young as 7 lining up to ride. The train rushes and rattles past 20 Audio-Animatronics figures—mostly critters—as well as $300,000 worth of genuine antique mining equipment, tumbleweeds, a derelict mining town, hot springs, and a flash flood.

The 197-foot mountain landscape is based on the windswept scenery of Arizona's Monument Valley, and thanks to 650 tons of steel, 4,675 tons of concrete, and 16,000 gallons of paint, it replicates the area's gorges, tunnels, caverns, and dry river beds. For people with disabilities: You must be able to step into the ride vehicle and walk short distances. Service animals aren't permitted. Use Fastpass unless the wait is less than 15 minutes. The ride is most exciting at night, when you can't anticipate the curves and the track's rattling really sounds as if something's about to give.