Every ride has a ‘sweet spot’ where everyone wants to sit. Especially roller coasters! Where should you sit on Big Thunder Mountain? And what other secrets does this attraction hold?
Welcome to this month’s Blogorail Red Loop. Today we are sharing some of the secrets you’ll find while enjoying Disney attractions.
So what isn’t a secret about this iconic Walt Disney World attraction? The official site says: “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a speedy rollercoaster-type attraction designed with your entire family in mind. However, some parts of this attraction are bumpy and, in some instances, take place in the dark.”
Obviously, this isn’t the fastest or wildest ride in the Magic Kingdom. But what it lacks in thrills it more than makes up for in fun and theming. However, if you want the biggest possible thrill on the Big Thunder Mountain railway, here is how to get it:
TIP: Don’t Sit Up Front
When I rode this attraction for the first time, I assumed that the best place to ride would be directly behind the ‘engine’. But when I asked the loading Cast Member if we could ride up front, he told me that if I wanted to really feel the drops, I needed to ride in the back. He directed us there and… he was right!
Why? On the main drop, the coaster train slows, and the front starts down the drop before the cars are released. So the first two cars don’t experience the full length of the drop. But the last car, still slightly behind the crest of the hill when the drop begins, gets the full effect!
So whereby with other coasters the front cars are the best, with Big Thunder Mountain, it’s the rear that gives the best ride!
But there is one more tip I can share to help you get the most out of this attraction. As mentioned earlier, Big Thunder Mountain is heavily themed, so you will want to see everything. But how can you do that whilst whizzing around the track? You can’t. Therefore…
TIP: Ride Other Attractions
The picture above was taken from the Liberty Belle Riverboat while plying the Rivers of America. This allows you a leisurely look at the majestic spires of the mountain.
You can also watch the ride vehicles go by and listen to the screams of the riders.
You can also see the mountain from the other side if you take a ride on the Walt Disney World Railroad:
You will have less time to see things from this perspective as the train moves a little faster than its lake-going counterpart. But most of the small details are on this side, so be sure to sit of the right side of the train cars for the best views and photo opportunities.
I’ll let you discover the rest of the secrets on your own when you ride Big Thunder Mountain for yourself!
check out the other great posts from the Blogorail!
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Red | Disney Ride Secrets Loop:
- 1st Stop – Frontierland Station | Disney Ride Secrets: it’s a small world
- 2nd Stop – Adventureland Pam | 10 Ride Secrets of Disney’s Haunted Mansion
- 3rd Stop – Cool Nouns by Lee Beatens | (you are here)
- 4th Stop – Distalgic | Excerpt from A Historical Tour of Walt Disney World Vol 1: “An Architecture Lesson from Pirates of the Caribbean”
- 5th Stop – Disney in Your Day | Things You May Not Know About Splash Mountain
The back is definitely the best ride in the wilderness! I rode the Liberty Belle for the first time, and I agree! It has some spectacular view of Big Thunder Mountain!
Durn tootin’!
My family and I went on the Riverboat for the first time on our last trip and I was pleasantly surprised with the stuff you get to see from another perspective like BTMRR and Mansion!
True. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to look!
Great tips! I enjoy riding in the back. I also love riding it at night – the ride has some different things going on in the evening than during daylight hours!
Lighting effects are awesome! Splash Mountain is also quite a different experience at night.
Great tips! Next time I’m on, I’ll have to remember to sit in the last car!
You won’t regret it!