Is Big Thunder Mountain a thrill ride?

Race through a haunted gold mine aboard a speeding train on this thrilling coaster-style ride.



Disney officially classifies Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as a thrill ride, but it is generally considered a "family-friendly" thrill compared to high-intensity coasters like Expedition Everest or Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Its "thrill" status comes from its high-speed runaway mine train theme, sharp banking turns, and sudden dips through dark caverns and "exploding" mineshafts. It lacks any major vertical drops or inversions, making it the perfect "starter" coaster for children who have outgrown the Barnstormer. In 2026, it remains one of the most popular attractions in Magic Kingdom and Disneyland because it balances a genuine sense of speed and adventure with immersive storytelling and a rickety, "out-of-control" physical sensation. Because it is a bumpy and loud experience with sudden movements, Disney still includes safety warnings for expectant mothers and those with heart, back, or neck problems. While it won't satisfy a hardcore "coaster enthusiast" seeking extreme G-forces, its "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness" persona firmly secures its place in the park's thrill category.

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There are only very small drops on this ride, much like the drop in Pirates of the Caribbean, Seven Dwarves Mine Train, and Slinky Dog Dash. The ride is tame enough that guests are restrained with a lap bar rather than an over-head restraint. However, there is a height requirement of 40 inches, or 102 centimeters.

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One of the best Magic Kingdom rides! Big Thunder Mountain is one of the most underrated WDW rides! The wait can get kind of long on busy days but if you time it right, you won't wait more than 30-40 minutes. My whole family loves this roller coaster, we make sure to ride it every time we are in Magic Kingdom.

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Ride it after dark if you can. Seats in the back offer the best experience. In terms of intensity, we put this coaster at about a 5 on a scary scale of 10—it has tight turns rather than big hills or drops, and no loops or upside-down parts.

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fast roller coaster-type attraction designed for kids and adults. However, some parts of this attraction are bumpy and, in some instances, take place in the dark.

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Thunder Mountain is an intermediate level coaster. It is not as intense as coasters, such as Expedition Everest or Space Mountain, however it still is a fast roller coaster with many tight turns and bumps.

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Billy is central to a Disneyland guest past time known as the Goat Trick, where turning your head to stare back at the goat as you drop results in feeling a greater sense of disorientation.

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How Scary Is it? Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fast roller coaster-type attraction designed for kids and adults. However, some parts of this attraction are bumpy and, in some instances, take place in the dark.

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Description: Thunder Mountain is a great intro coaster if you are looking to eventually work up the nerve to do bigger coasters. The theming is an Old Western mining town with lots of mountains, caverns and dynamite to make your way through.

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One of the biggest selling points of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is the unique ride vehicle, which sways and rocks back and forth throughout the approximately three-minute journey.

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Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a steel roller coaster, in a class that we would describe as a “family coaster.” The thrills here are milder than they might be on a traditional coaster. You need to be 38 inches tall to ride the Mine Train.

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a mine train roller coaster located at Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Park in Paris. In Tokyo and Paris, the attraction is named Big Thunder Mountain. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also the name of the fictional rail line the roller coaster depicts.

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