Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Paris

The Big Thunder Mountain ride immerses you in the rugged charm of the Wild West within Frontierland. As you climb aboard a vintage mining train, you are whisked away on an exhilarating adventure through deserted mines and steep mountain tunnels. This spirited journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes and enigmatic caverns, each second brimming with adrenaline and excitement. No matter your age, this attraction ensures a memorable experience, creating lasting impressions of your time at Disneyland Paris.

About the Attraction

  • Original Name: Big Thunder Mountain
  • Opening Date: April 12, 1992
  • Ride Category: Big Thrills
  • Location: Frontierland, Disneyland Park (Search on Google Maps 🚩)
  • Opening Hours: 08:30 – 23:00
  • Duration: ~ 4 minutes
  • Height Restrictions: At least 102 cm
  • Age Restrictions: Over 3 years old
  • Disney PhotoPass: Yes
  • Language: French/English
  • Additional Features: Explosions, water sprays
  • Recommendations: Not recommended for pregnant women

The Storyline of Big Thunder Mountain

There is a legend that in the distant past, when the gold rush swept through the Wild West, the Big Thunder Mountain mine was the epicenter of gold extraction. Miners believed the mountain possessed mystical powers, and everyone who worked within its depths felt this mysterious influence. However, one day, after a devastating earthquake, the mine was abandoned. Locals whispered that the mine was cursed by Native American spirits and that anyone who dared to seek gold there would bring misfortune upon themselves.

Despite these warnings, greedy and desperate people continued to venture into the mine. Soon, strange and inexplicable events began to occur: trains would race through the tunnels on their own, eerie voices echoed from the depths, and workers began to disappear without a trace. It is said that the mountain is guarded by Native American spirits, who have placed a curse on all those who attempt to extract its riches.

Description of the Big Thunder Mountain

As soon as you pass through the main entrance, you step into the mine, surrounded by authentic steam engines, gold mining tools, and miner's offices. The hum of working machinery and the dim light of lanterns create the atmosphere of an abandoned mine, filled with secrets and legends. With each step, you delve deeper into this world, where wooden beams and stone walls remind you of a time when this place buzzed with life.

Soon, an antique train appears before you, ready to take you on an exhilarating journey through winding tunnels and sharp turns. The train rushes forward, speeding past picturesque landscapes and mysterious caves, making your heart race. The sounds of nature and the echo of enigmatic voices add a thrilling sense of uncertainty to your adventure.

Capture the Moment

When you race along the winding tracks of Big Thunder Mountain, at the most unexpected moment, a camera flash captures your excitement and adrenaline. These photos become true treasures, preserving the vivid emotions from your ride. With Disney PhotoPass+, you can easily obtain your photos in various formats: on keychains, in themed frames, and even in digital form. The cost of the photos varies, typically ranging from 5 € to 15 € each.

Fun Facts

  • The fact that Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Paris is situated on an island in the middle of a river is one of its distinctive features. After boarding the train on the mainland, guests travel through an underground tunnel to the island, home of the main attraction. This feature distinguishes the journey from comparable attractions in other Disney parks and adds a thrilling element to it.
  • The Big Thunder Mountain ride can reach a top speed of about fifty kilometres per hour. Approximately one kilometre in length, the track provides a demanding experience spanning four minutes, making it one of the park's longest rides. This ride is extremely thrilling because of the abrupt climbs, steep drops, and dizzying turns.
  • In addition, Big Thunder Mountain has a distinct plot related to Phantom Manor, the haunted house. This link adds a layer of mystery and adventure, making the ride even more immersive and steeped in the atmosphere of the Wild West. The combination of these two attractions creates a unique and intriguing narrative that captivates visitors.

Helpful Hints

  • If you want to get through the queue quickly, it’s recommended to choose the left line. Most visitors instinctively head to the right, making the left line less crowded and reducing your waiting time.
  • For those craving a thrill, sit in the back rows (12-16). Here, the train moves faster, adding an extra dose of adrenaline. For a calmer experience, opt for the front rows where the ride is less intense.
  • Inside the tunnels and during climbs, the noise can be quite loud. Keep this in mind if anyone in your group is sensitive to loud sounds. Bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones if necessary.
  • Before boarding, ensure your hats, glasses, and bags are securely fastened. The ride features sharp turns and drops, and you won’t want to lose your belongings during the adventure.

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