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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reviews

Theme Park Insider readers offer their ratings and reviews for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a roller coaster in Frontierland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. (The minimum height to ride is 40 inches.)

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Written by
Theme Park Insider Editor
Posted: November 18, 2012

This relatively mild coaster takes you through an abandoned gold mine in the old west. Try the "goat trick," by keeping your eyes on the goat as you descend the second hill for as long as you can. How mild is this coaster? The front cars of the train will bottom out on the third hill before the middle of the train even crests.

Readers' rating:

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116 votes, so far

Really enjoyable for the whole family. Best theming around for this style of ride. Worthy of re-rides. Just thrilling enough to be fun, but gentle enough to where you are just relaxing and enjoying it. Best at night. (8/10) - Lexi R

Very fun coaster to ride. It's got a classic Disney feel to it and is very fun for the whole family. Definately my favorite ride at Magic Kingdom. - Justin Knight

Some mistake this as a rollercoaster. As a coaster it lacks speed and drops and is a little bit too rough. You should take it as a thematic masterpiece though. It has an outstanding storyline and the theming itself is fantastic. Before arriving at the station you pass a building which resembles an improvised working station as a base for the mine workers, along with old fashioned crafts and tools. You're literally transfered back to times of the old west. After boarding the train you witness a beautifull themed grotto while climbing the first lifthill. When the speed catches up it doesn't become too rough. Just take a look at the outstanding scenic rockwork while the twists and turns add to the excitement. Do it in the evening: The train is a little bit faster and the darkness adds to the atmosphere. - Chris W.

Amazing ride and scenes. This isnt really a thrill ride, it is fast, it jerks and no real dips. Its a classic 9/10! - B Higgins

The perfect blend of themeing and thrills (and the coaster is long enough!). A staple of WDI and a can't miss. 10/10 - Dominick D

Outstanding. I love this attraction, especially in the night. - Rob Pastor

The best roller coaster in WDW, this one's got everything you look for in a Disney attraction. Great theme, great fun, and light thrills make this a coaster the whole family can enjoy. - Sean Huckel

Last time I rode, it was a little jerky and not as smooth. So I have downgraded it to an 8 from 9. However the updates it is receiving here in 2012 may change some of that. I look forward to riding it in September. - Don Neal

6/10 - I wasn't overly keen on this one. Yes it is meant to be jolty but I just felt that I was a bit too rough. - James Wimbury

Awesome ride a Disney land mark the best ride other than RnRC and ToT - Manny Rodriguez

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