Who doesn’t love the “train ride” at Disney?
Big Thunder Mountain is an absolute classic, whether you are at Disneyland or at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. I still remember my 65 year old grandmother riding it back in 1994 at Disney World with a huge smile on her face. For many guests, it is also their very first real coaster, often the one they ride right after trying something like The Barnstormer.
It is safe to say this ride holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, and I am happy to report that the Disneyland Paris version might just be the best one you will ever experience. Join us as we dive into what makes this ride so special and a must see during your first, second, fifth or even thousandth visit to Disneyland Paris.
What we like about Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain is an amazing roller coaster, and you can enjoy it whether you are 3 years old or 80. It is not a mega coaster by any means, but it is one of the best family coasters in the world and maybe the very best coaster at Disneyland Paris. It is just… fun. What makes Big Thunder Mountain so good is a mix of many factors. It is atmospheric, beautifully themed, long, and perfect for all ages.
This coaster manages to tell a great story while blending elements of a dark ride with a traditional coaster. It begins with an immediate drop that sends you into a set of caves, followed by a lift hill that passes through low cellars, stalactites, and lanterns that remind you of an old mining tunnel. The ride then heads into its first outdoor drop, filled with gentle yet thrilling twists and turns.
The outdoor sections look fantastic as the train zips past splash areas, races by the nearby lake, and winds through buildings that look straight out of an old west ghost town. The theming is top notch and gives this version the best atmosphere of any Big Thunder Mountain, perhaps because it was designed specifically for EuroDisney from the very beginning, with a huge area dedicated to it since the park’s inception.
It only gets better once you reach the second section. There is an incredible 540 degree helix, more twists and turns, and at least two additional lift hills before you arrive at the finale. The last section is especially memorable, taking you through a tunnel lined with dynamite and special effects that make it look like everything is about to explode. This leads into another drop with tunnels, sharp turns, and even a high speed section in complete darkness. It is a fantastic finale and shows just how many surprises this ride has in store.
Yeah, a lot happens on Big Thunder Mountain. It is a long ride, with almost 4,000 feet of track and a runtime of nearly 4 minutes. That is pretty amazing when you consider that many roller coasters nowadays last only about a minute, and even most mega coasters run for just two minutes. Here, you get double the time packed with cool tricks and surprises.
What we don’t like about Big Thunder Mountain
Time to be a little nitpicky. The ride itself does not really have anything we would call bad. It is comfortable, has an amazing atmosphere, and works perfectly for the whole family. Of course, all of that makes it very popular, so wait times can be on the high side, usually around 40 to 50 minutes during peak hours. That is why many guests choose to ride it during Early Entry or later in the evening when the lines drop significantly. The wait times are not perfect, but they are not high enough for us to consider them a real negative on our scoreboard.
Conclusion
Big Thunder Mountain is one of the best rides at Disneyland Paris, the very best version of this coaster in the world, and a must see when you visit Parc Disneyland. The atmosphere is fantastic, it is packed with surprises, and everyone in the family can enjoy it. Just go ride it, and keep an eye out for the dynamite.
