Problematic Roller Coasters - Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - Wildest Operations in the Wilderness!

As wild as this ride is for the wilderness, the way it operates is even wilder!! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's operations blow my mind and maybe it will blow yours too! This video mainly applies to the version of Big Thunder Mountain that operates at the Disney World Magic Kingdom Park, but comment down below if you're familiar with the California, Tokyo, and Paris versions!
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[@thepepchannel7940]

“I have only been on the Florida version, so I will only be describing that.” Continues to describe all 4 BTM’s in per-metre detail

[@thomassimpson3934]

Yeah, he's young.

[@squillz8310]

I mean, he only shows the blocks and other specific details about the Florida one, but yeah he did also explain the layouts somewhat of the other 3 lmao

[@intamin.enthusiast]

Lol

[@Suwawako]

Based Ryan

[@rushiscool]

Same here

[@MattFromWiiSportsResort]

"This ride does not use normal block zones" Years of academy training wasted

[@cass4114]

at anaheim it does I fix it

[@TonyDAnnunzio]

Matt nawwwwwwwww

[@cass4114]

ok if who say so

[@cass4114]

sorry if you say so

[@nabillun]

The pillar of my rollercoaster education crumbling...

[@gissneric]

This is why theming is very important. This is an example of a mild thrill roller coaster but makes up for theming and immersion.

[@blondy2061h]

Literally every disney ride. No one believes you when you tell them Space Mountain goes 30mph and that Slinky Dog is 50% faster. Put one in the dark with flashing lights and space noise, make the other toy themed. Regardless of speed, Disney uses the theming to make the experience what they're going for. I hate drop towers. I can't miss an opportunity to go on Tower of Terror. The theming makes it scarier, but also much more fun and satisfying.

[@thejestor9378]

@@blondy2061h Yep, that's disney rides, the theming makes it more fun than otherwise would be.

[@signx]

I'll say... It's the perfect blend, slow enough so you can appreciate and immerse in the theming, but fast enough so you can wear a big smile on your face the whole ride. 😁😁😁😁😁 I love it!

[@NatashaEstrada]

Ride solo with slippery pants then see how much you slide from side to side in the car. It can get pretty thrilling.

[@kenetickups6146]

Theming>>>>>>>>>>>literally anything else I wish other parks would learn this

[@ellawhite5167]

Designers: How many lift hills do you want? Disney: Yes

[@ThemeParkUpdate]

Disney's like ALL OF THEM

[@DARK_AMBIGUOUS]

12?

[@cass4114]

3 lifts at btmr anaheim

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

@@DARK_AMBIGUOUS 49

[@varianzero7469]

Disney: *I’ll take your entire stock*

[@OverDramaticPumpkins]

The Paris one is INCREDIBLE. It feels like it goes much faster, and it ties beautifully into Phantom Manor. I miss that ride...

[@jaberoni]

All rides at Disneyland Paris are better! Pirates, Big Thunder, Space Mountain, Phantom Manor (Haunted Mansion) and even Rock'n'Roller Coaster (RIP)

[@gatsbysdead]

It was the ONE RIDE that was closed on Christmas 2015 when I went. Was SOOOOO disappointed (but at least I got to see the original Phantom Manor before they took out the decaying phantom)

[@mikeywebb9598]

@@jaberoni Eh, I would argue space isn't, but the original space mountain with the bullet to the moon theming deafinitely was better, but with its generic theming now, I would argue that California's is the best, its smooth, has lap restraints, has really cool special effects that look really good, and has an AWESOME halloween overlay that is so cool. But thats just an opinion

[@enderlemon890]

@@jaberoni I cant have an opinion on if they are better then the other parks as i have only ridden the paris ones. What I do know is that I despise rock n roller coaster. I ode it once and my chest hurt for hours after

[@julian-xy7gh]

@@jaberoni the designer said he was never satisfied with the Rock 'n Rollercoaster in Paris and that he didn't manage to get it to the level of the WDW version. He's saying that he's confident the new coaster will be better, so let's hope for the best

[@blackhawks81H]

People don't realize just how intricate these rides are, and how many layers upon layers of safety systems they have. You do an excellent job of making this stuff understandable for those who may not be engineers. I've tried to explain these things to people and just gotten blank stares. Now I direct them to your videos and they understand it immidiatiely. A rare skill to have. Very nicely done, excellent content!

[@shawnspencer8766]

You don't really need to be an engineer to understand this stuff. I'll give it to you, yes there are a lot that goes into these rides, but as far as this one goes it's really fairly simple. Not too many intricacies involved.

[@blackhawks81H]

@@shawnspencer8766 technically you're right... And that may be the case If your friends and family are all reasonably intelligent people... But try explaining this stuff to the average person off the street in this day and age... Their eyes glaze over and they start twitching. Maybe I just live in an area with an inordinate amount of stupid people. Lol

[@shawnspencer8766]

@@blackhawks81H hmmm very true never thought about it like that. I mean, I'm in ride maintenance so i guess working on these rides all the time, I forget most people have probably never seen this kind of stuff before. Good point 👍🏻

[@natalialopez2069]

​@@blackhawks81Hthey are probably not interested, that's all. If I dont care about a topic I wont pay attention, that doesnt make me nor anyone stupid.

[@kddhd9704]

well apparently they didn't have enough "layers of safety systems" as there was an accident where someone was killed and tbh they were lucky it was only one person.

[@disownedpear]

These videos are the best things to come out of the pandemic.

[@masonfeagan8678]

Completely agree. I could watch videos about block zones and coaster operations all day. Sometimes I do haha

[@craigperry3779]

@@masonfeagan8678 same here. I had no idea WTF a block zone was before all of this!

[@dakotahd96]

Agreed, this channel came out of no where and I am grateful it exists.

[@MsFUKNUTS]

I don't know having people say six feet away from me it's been pretty nice

[@ItsAllMoThug33]

Uur lui u ook niet

[@Savvyspades]

One time I was riding this at the Florida version, I was with my dad who is a much larger figure than I, the single lap bar for our row was more spacious for me, so on the first bunny hill I got mad ejector airtime and almost flew out of my seat. Best ride I ever had on it!

[@CoasterStats]

This is one of the sentences, you will only hear from rollercoaster enthusiasts.

[@brianlaneherder3666]

This exact thing happened to me with my wife and her thicker thighs! LOL! Every time I would fly out of that first bunny hill and slam against the lap bar and we would both start giggling.

[@bo1932]

same thing happened to me when i sat with my dad one time!! it was so much fun!! i thought i was gonna fall out at points though

[@ShockerTopper]

That reminds me of Desperado on State Line (Nevada)...I rode it in 7th grade when I was super short still (I was 5'3 for so long until Junior year when I grew 7-8"). I LITERALLY almost flew out of the seat because I could wiggle my way out of the lap bar easily. It was the scariest ride of my life and that counts everything since...because I literally had to hold onto the lap bar and push my weight down to not literally fall out of the ride. Desperado is one intense roller coaster...it's not the greatest ride ever, but it definitely is better than some. I feel sorry for anyone that has never gotten a chance to ride it, especially now that they rarely run it. I went to Vegas 1-3 times a year growing up until I was 21, then I went every month of the year until I was in my early 30's. Now I only go like 3-4 times a year. It's crazy to me that people "save up" to go places that I go on a regular basis with little effort like Disneyland (well not anymore...since it is terrible), Six Flags, the beaches of Orange County, Las Vegas, Big Bear/Mammoth mountains, etc. Too bad this is a communist state and I'll be leaving soon, but it WAS awesome growing up here my entire life. Unfortunately I will join the many that are leaving because they can't take their ridiculous communist ways anymore. Gavin Newson is such a f'n idiot, he needs to go! If he doesn't get recalled it will only be because the election was rigged...no one wants that moron anymore. He has the most ridiculous ideas for FORCING vaccinations and making the strictest laws about COVID. Please someone point out the people you know that actually got COVID, because in this entire time I've met 3 entire people that had it even and no one I knew or heard of died from it. Stupid f'n lying government and their numbers that no one can disprove.

[@chompythebeast]

@@ShockerTopper Man, I _wish_ California were a communist state. Unfortunately, Disney and others are still pretty big on that whole private property thing

[@AdamVesely]

I would love to see a video like this on Space Mountain operations at the Disneyland Resort in CA. They have to dispatch every 22 seconds I believe to avoid a cascade. I've even been on the ride where they have whooshed us through the loading area as the alarms are blaring saying we get to ride again in order to avoid the cascade.

[@riddle4284]

Used to work space mountain. We could run up to 11 rockets at a time and I was told before it was made over in 2003-2005 they could run 12 rockets at a roughly 18 second dispatch interval

[@enterpriset]

Same happened to me, but a kid lost his mind and started crying so they had to send us left after the station instead of right to the first lift hill and evac us with a portable staircase. What was almost a sweet second ride turned into 20 wasted minutes of major annoyance. Darn kids.... Oh well, I did get a pass to re-ride without queueing.

[@vadersky94]

That explains why I got to ride three times

[@dextermorgan1]

@@riddle4284 What's a rocket?

[@riddle4284]

Flattard Killa The coaster trains. We called them rockets for the theming

[@ChrisGeeReacts]

As someone who is trained at Thunder over at WDW, you absolutely nailed it!!!! It was very accurate on how we run things, great job

[@debbster1394]

Wait omg Chris I didn’t know you had a KZbin!

[@ChrisGeeReacts]

@@debbster1394 Yup, I sure do!!!! haha

[@SandrA-hr5zk]

My friend used to work in Frontierland. It’s crazy how many CM’s it takes to run all five coasters at once. If not, then only one station can run. Even though its not a coaster, you want to talk about coordination, running all the boats they used to on the Rivers of America (steam boat, rafts, canoes, and keel boats) was quite impressive.

[@cynicalarcher7075]

@@ChrisGeeReacts let's be realistic chris he forgot the most important thing for operation in this ride.... "Ahem attention on thunder train in motion from spur to 7/8 to 11/12"

[@ChrisGeeReacts]

@@cynicalarcher7075 Or as Bruce would spiel from Mini-Lift. Attention Thunder, Roundhouse. One train Track 3 to 11/12.

[@Silacide]

As someone who has been on BTMR in Paris, I can tell you it’s a m a z i n g! It’s definitely the best ride in the park tbh, would even say it’s the best family coaster i’ve ever done because of the amazing theming and excitement factor.

[@smuella]

that last section in the dark is just incredible, the drop in the dark feels like it will never and and it is legit thrilling for me despite having been on a couple hundred coasters.

[@stephen-dfc]

Definitely the best Thunder Mountain, I remember going back to Florida after it being so excited for BTM and it didn’t come close. The tunnels to and from the mountain give it a fast start and even more thrilling ending.

[@_lucas_1k_]

its honestly so cool how complex this ride is. Definitely my favorite one in the series so far!!

[@spicygroggy]

Disney: Let's use LIMs to propel the train forwards and backwards smoothly in the station. Also Disney: Let's build an uphill break run without LIMs....

[@sharkheadism]

*brake run

[@spicygroggy]

@@sharkheadism give me a brake ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@viddork]

That's the part I couldn't figure out. LIMs, or even just friction tires, could easily eliminate the need for winches, and save the inconvenience of having to evacuate the riders.

[@andrewrichesson8627]

Maybe they're supposed to be a punishment to the ride operators whenever they mess up a dispatch.

[@viddork]

@@andrewrichesson8627 I doubt that it's the ride operators who have to run the winches. On the other hand, dealing with the public while evacuating them would no doubt be brutal.

[@josephbrown9685]

I've been a regular visitor to Walt Disney World since 1981, right around the time that Big Thunder opened, and it's always been one of my favorite coasters due to the intricate details. This video has increased my appreciation for the attraction even more. Thanks for a thorough, fascinating examination of its history and operation.

[@ArrowLooper]

Finally a rollercoaster I've ridden

[@johnmcpherson111]

same lol

[@packisbetter90]

Same. Well I was on the Disneyland in California one. I hate big roller coasters and other intense rides but this one was doable

[@clementinetea2078]

In 2018 I waited in queue for 40 minutes when Big Thunder in Florida was down due to a thunderstorm, I had a wonderful time talking to some Dutch people I met, and a newlywed couple who were on their honeymoon! It was honestly a brilliant time and honestly it's why I'm not too bothered with wait times, as well as the fact I'm British and queuing is practically a sport here lmao Everyone cheered when the ride was opened up again!

[@omgsicle]

What time of year did you visit? I worked on Big Thunder in 2018! :)

[@armchairrocketscientist4934]

I love that the landscape of this ride is inspired heavily by home state of Utah. Seriously, if you want to feel like you're in the old west, go to Arches National Park. It's incredible.

[@lobsterite]

operating this ride looks to be a bit stressful, yet satisfying

[@OBrienMagic]

Not that bad. You have about 30 seconds to load and send the train. Worst case scenario if we are going to back up we can just pull a train off.

[@lobsterite]

@@OBrienMagic gotcha thanks for the insight!

[@huntmcdede1238]

Big Thunder Mountain is perfect for a Disney roller coaster. It’s perfectly themed, has plenty of airtime for those who want it without scary drops, and has an engaging queue line that makes the wait feel way shorter, even with kids. Me and my friends went to Disney last year, and we rode Big Thunder twice- once with Fastpass, and once without, directly afterwards. It was our favorite ride of the day.

[@justinbarlow3494]

Holy smokes, I have a very clear memory from years ago when my dad and I were evaced off thunder mountain in california... Apparently someone on one of the other trains attempted to stand up so they e-stopped the entire ride and we got to walk through the evacuation tunnels. When I became an enthusiast years later I always thought it was strange that they had us evacuate the ride on a normal brake run, but now that totally makes sense! Awesome video!

[@stickskinny1266]

A back row ride on these things is insane with the laterals

[@Stephenp503]

I'm not sure if this is problematic, but a technical overview of Time Traveler would be pretty cool.

[@hewasnumberone4476]

I so hope that's coming in the future

[@PoliticalDestruction]

Could be problematic if the train needs to recover itself from the launch zones. When I saw it stop opening year it couldn't recover the full train from the 1st launch, even after several attempts they had to get everyone off.

[@nvghtime695]

what about the operations on california's space mountain? They send out a train like every 20 seconds!

[@riddle4284]

I used to work that thing and keeping it running was really intense. We had to make sure trains wouldn’t stack, everyone was seated properly, not to mention weight limits and the rocket that slides over onto the track. There were times that if we were backing up we would pull fully loaded trains into the storage bay and get people out there so the ride wouldn’t break down.

[@Nick562012]

Disney worlds space mountain sends a train out every 19.5 seconds

[@114avataraang]

Riddle42 I used to work Space Mountain too back in 2016! So much fun and very fast paced work environment. Loved every second of it. Some old work friends told me they were able to increase the weight limit and the computer system now auto-gaps according to the weight difference so the tower CM doesn’t have to press on the inhibit manually anymore for those specific rockets.

[@thelukejp]

Riddle42 Whoa, that explains the pictures of guests in the maintenance bay.

[@cass4114]

it depends on the interval you set.I work on it

[@bestial_walrus]

"the ride utilized scenes from the living dead and rainbow caverns.." Wow never heard of this version of the ride, but it sounds awesome!!

[@nataliegath395]

This was so well researched and explained. I'd love to see more of these types of videos, especially for Disney rides. Super interesting.

[@JetSetFrankie]

I've been on all 4 of these, love the Paris version of BTMR the underwater transfer to the island is a great feature.

[@ryanpervola163]

Expedition Theme Park: detailed history and creation of theme park attractions ElToroRyan: detailed technicial analysis and explanation of roller coasters. My dude, these new videos youve made are fantastic. Keep these up 👍

[@patthetech]

I remember when I was a kid and rode this with my dad. we were in the front car and noticed a group of girls 4 or 5 rows back (enough to not see around the corners). Dad said "watch this" and as soon as we went around the first corner, he screamed. All the girls started screaming too and didn't stop the whole ride. I was laughing the whole time :)

[@jasonbratton6937]

As a former WDW BTM Cast Member, I can confirm that adding and removing trains was a nightmare and I did everything I could to avoid it. It was incredibly stressful - especially when you were delaying the dispatch of a railroad trainful of Guests. It still gives me anxiety just thinking about it.

[@sapfire2288]

I want to say Disneyland has an extra brake run on a flat right before entering the switch track section just before the station. (this switch track allows trains to reverse into the maintenance area). I would love to see Problematic Roller Coasters - Space Mountain (Disneyland).

[@cass4114]

you are right zone 4

[@hokyman]

Thanks for picking a roller coaster that's super popular despite what enthusiasts think about it. I've lost count of how many times I've ridden the CA version and I still get a kick out of it every time. I'm always really impressed with how Disney handles their operations and I really appreciate your detailing of it! I've seen the transfer track that sends trains to the yard but I had no idea it had to cross Disneyland Railroad to get there. That's insane!

[@kylemiller9370]

I think you are confused. The trains only go across the tracks of the Walt Disney World Railroad at the Magic Kingdom. Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain is shown at 28:08 and is connected via a switch track directly to the spur side of the station.

[@tismejaytee]

“It’s the wildest ride in the wilderness” The rides at Frontiertown: am I a joke to you

[@charleyhibschweiler4555]

*sad Steel Vengeance chain lift noises*

[@javelinmaster2]

@@charleyhibschweiler4555 *Sad Maverick launch section noises*

[@AwesomeJediE]

Coaster Fusion I found you but I'm not surprised lol

[@doritosauce6632]

@@javelinmaster2 *sad Raging Bull un-airtime noises*

[@harmonixfl8479]

@@doritosauce6632 Sad airtime thrills noises

[@laurawilson5666]

I LOVE this ride. Can't wait to hear more about WDW Rollercoasters!!!!

[@danmerillat]

haven't checked to see if he did expidition everest yet but that is a coaster that tried to push the envelope and really suffered for it. The switch mechanism is waaay too slow and they didn't engineer enough motion time in for it so there's just a pause while the ride gets around changing the track.

[@assemblyrequired7342]

I have a soft-spot for Thunder Mountain, even though I've only been on it once (since I've only been to Magic Kingdom a few times). I love locomotives. I love roller coasters. I love the Southwest theme. There's just so much to love about it!

[@riddle4284]

One of my friends that worked the ride told me of something called a “grand slam.” Basically, if a cast member hits a station stop when a train is approaching the station, that train will stop. There is a certain point in the return track where when the station stop is reset the brakes will be released but the train will not engage with the LIMs and creep forward into the station very slowly. The following train will be told the forward train is in motion by the RCS and continue cresting lift C. The train entering the station won’t clear so the other train will engage the safety brakes. This also sends a message to the RCS and all the safety brakes will deploy. So each train has to be evacuated, winched into position, and re-cycled through the track. The whole process can take up to 4 or more hours sometimes.

[@mortifera123]

Worked in attractions at Disney. I never heard this specific name, but it sounds right. Attractions CMs will even fight for the opportunity to evacuate certain stops, and it will often go by seniority to get to evac a "rare" stop. It's considered a badge of honor to get to evac every possible stop.

[@ChrisGeeReacts]

Yup, currently work at Thunder in WDW. We don't use the term Grand Slam. It's why we went down I think it was Thursday or Friday last week

[@scottwebb4808]

At space mountain in Florida. We call sandbagging "gapping", and its usually because storage called tower and asked for one to send in a new train from storage or load might request one to give a guest with disabilities some more time to get out when they reach unload. The trains leave the restraint checkpoint and then hang out at "dispatch" which is the final brake before going into the blue tunnel.

[@bgyoshi]

This ride in Disney Anaheim was my first roller coaster ever, and still remains my favorite coaster to this day. I think my first ride was when I was 6 or 7 years old and I'm 32 now.

[@BrianPinsky]

Just a heads up from a DL native: Disneyland's BTMRR received a complete track replacement in 2014 as, along with a revamped C-lift hill show upgrade, the lift hills were upgraded to feature adjustable speed chains. It become very noticeable on lift hill B as the train speeds up suddenly after the chain catches and then slows back down as the train begins to crest.

[@mikethewhizz5085]

6:39 Ah, yes, the artificial locomotive. As opposed to the organic natural locomotives that naturally grow on railroad cars

[@svis6888]

Yea, just need to water your train regularly

[@LarryA013]

Thank you for explaining the block zones on this ride. When I was young, we got caught in what I believe was the brake zone for block two. We had to walk down the tracks after we were evacuated from the train cars. Scary as hell, but walking down the stairs through the mountain showed some good behind the scenes views.

[@noahberlin3953]

I really like this ride. I have only ridden the one in California but it was a blast. Some decent coaster elements with that amazing disney theming is unforgettable. My theory as to why the safety brakes are sloped upwards is to force cast members to dispatch trains faster by giving them a bigger punishment if they don't.

[@makeupmel99]

A lot of CM's really don't mind if the ride goes down for a valleyed train. Facilities has to come winch the train, and only a few CM's are needed to mind the Tower and Entrance and Exit. The rest hide from Guest view and basically get a paid break with a chance to ride the test train before it opens back up.

[@himitsu.no.rakuen]

I never noticed this as much with Big Thunder as I do with Space Mountain just how MANY trains they are running back to back to back to BACK. The amount of visitors they get, they really can’t stop. It’s crazy. These wonky designs definitely work in their favor.

[@heather1980]

The reason the DL version is better is the explosion theming on the 3rd lift hill . . .

[@omgsicle]

as someone who used to be a cast member on the WDW Big Thunder Mountain: trust me, we all agree 😂

[@SUMMONER917]

Just give us a sliver of y’all’s BTM 😭😭

[@Clay3613]

The only reason the 3rd lift is there is due to space constraints and reusing Mine Train Thru Natures Wonderland scenery.

[@beastisntback9887]

Tho that is a nice scene, it doesn't just automatically make that version better, I could argue that Magic kingdom's is better because of emersive, and well themed queue....

[@aquaticangel3380]

Heather Macdonald totally!

[@jstyxx4110]

Imagineer: So, all rides have a lift hill. Head Imagineer: Well have TWO, NO THREE!

[@brandonwinchester4564]

It’s crazy how Disney does block zones on roller coasters: Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Big Thunder and the Incredicoaster all have crazy operations and ride per hour numbers. You rarely wait an hour for these, even on a busy day. Also while the front of the trains for each of these provides a fairly tame ride, I’m actually shocked to say that there is ejector airtime and good laterals in the back due to the length of the trains, the lack of restraints/stapling and how they move throughout their layouts.

[@exe8bit270]

Hardly wait an hour for these? Have you......been to Disney?

[@shroomzed2947]

@@exe8bit270 They may have gone back when there were actual off-seasons, when most of the parks were empty.

[@xtiantube]

I have ridden on three of the big thunder mountains! By far, the best one is Disneyland Paris! It is so much fun and I love how it is build by the water.

[@NerdFiction]

Also, on that last helix where the goat with the dynamite is, if you don't take your eye off the goat during the entire turn it SUPER intensifies the drop sensation. For a thrill seeker who also loves Disney, this is a must whenever I go to the park to get a bit of that High Intensity thrill.

[@V8chump]

As a 23 year old adult, I can say Disney world is perfect for all ages. I swear everytime I go back every few years I notice something new and appreciate it that much more.

[@lLadyAszneth]

Omgosh Ryan! THANKS for doing this one as part of your Problematic Series. Since WDWMK has always been a home park for me since the early 70's, I was privileged to not get only grow up in BTMR, but when it debuted. It's always been a wild ride and helped me graduate from kiddie coasters to the big boys! Your Florida Fan, Aszneth ("Asz") Hands UP 😁👐

[@ryanthemepark]

Great video, however you got one thing wrong about the Anaheim version of the ride. Back In 2013 when Disney replaced all the track they added a chain lift that can be raised and lowered on the final (uphill) safety break, very similar to a Vekoma boomerang second lift. So the ride can rescue itself.

[@BryanHoltFX]

Hey man, I have gone down the rabbit hole of binging your channel. I operated BTMRR @ Disneyland pre 2013 refurb. Everything you have said is pretty spot on. A few things of note though, a lot of the downtime at the DLR version pre 2013 is because we had sit down (I believe they are still there) sensors on every lift hill. Notoriously B - Lift. When a station back up (or a cascade to some of your viewers) begins, assuming 2 trains in the station, train 3 hits BZ4 (Brake Zone 4), the next train to stop was actually B-Lift! It could be different in Florida. This was due to the length in our Blocks, and to ensure we didn't get a train caught in any of our Safety Brakes, but more importantly to preserve operational spacing as best as possible so that the latter couldn't happen in the future. At the time, B-Lift was notorious because once a train stopped, the sit-down sensors would activate. Any motion detected would create an Auto-E Stop. Often times this could be something as silly as a selfie-stick, or a really tall person's hand. Which is why Tower would repeatedly spam PA to stopped trains to keep hands and arms inside. It should also be noted, that any E-Stop meant evacuation whether a safety break was occupied or not in accordance with safety regulations in California. Love your stuff man, learned so much about the the Florida BTMRR in this one!

[@scrungobungus]

What about incredicoaster? I feel like that ride has the most riders per hour in the world.

[@kpov2533]

That ride does well too would love to see this channel cover it

[@ColiwoodStudios]

This feels like a Defunctland video! Great job!

[@Spiritofthecimmarron]

Big thunder is one of my favourite rides in the Disney parks.I have ridden both Florida and Paris versions and have to say the Paris one is hands down the better of the two, those tunnels under the river are amazing.

[@LukeE94]

Another reason to visit Disneyland Paris - their version of Space Mountain is more like the Hulk at USO. Crush’s coaster is awesome too!

[@Saintshieldmichael]

Yes, no and yes. Yes, BTM is nicer in Paris because it's on an island and it's definitely a reason to visit. No, Space Mountain is not like the Hulk. Ok, it's launched, has a looping and a corkscrew but that's it. Hulk is 1 smooth ride with 7 inversions, Space Mountain in Paris just has 2 inversions and 2 lifthills in the middle of the bumpy ride. Yes, Crush's coaster is nice too. It would be better if the capacity was higher or the ride time was longer because now I mostly don't feel like the long waiting time there is worth the relatively short ride.

[@pocketheart1450]

I love these roller coasters. They're not really tall or Intense or crazy, they don't have any big drops or anything, but they're just so goddamned delightful.

[@Rudl1044]

Mine Train Coaster 1 looks too intense for me!

[@FemaleFullmetal]

I see what you did there...

[@sea_triscuit7980]

This was my favorite roller coaster at Disney next to Space Mountain. As a kid I was lucky getting to go every summer but now as an adult I understand how good I had it and it pains me how much I miss these places. I love your videos, they remind me of a better time :)

[@coasterdaddy7123]

I learned so much about these rides! Amazing analysis!

[@PFMediaServices]

OMG, I've ridden this! Completely forgot until now, which is understandable since it was back in 1989. As far as the ride itself, none of it looks familiar; all I can recall is that my mom and I enjoyed it so much we waited in line for a second time. Ah, that trip to Anaheim was sure a blast. 😁🍍

[@Jars_of_Wiis]

I love this series that you’ve made Ryan!

[@MagicKillerClub]

Absolutely adore the Paris BTM. We rode it for the very first time at night. Turn around off the first lift to see fireworks going off over the castle. I've never laughed so hard on a coaster before or since, it was just pure fun. Even my wife enjoyed it, who actually hates coasters. Can't wait to get back out there.

[@dmccalldds]

I love this ride because it has so much personality. The engine car up front rocking left and right is not only cute, it makes the ride feel wilder because it is never moving the way you currently are. It’s a misleading sentinel which I also noticed on Expedition Everest. I really love the old man in the blue and white striped swim trunks chilling out in the washtub. I think it’s after the third lift, but it’s been 14 years since I rode it.

[@matthewblack2252]

Should stick Disney in the title somewhere so more people can find this brilliant video!

[@falloutpictures]

Big Thunder was actually the first roller coaster I have ever ridden, one of the great things growing up in Florida!

[@KidTonyGaming]

I rode Big Mountain once at Magic Kingdom Orlando, and the line was so long it soured my experience riding the ride. Pretty much every ride that day had 3+ hour waits. Universal Studios ended up getting my business the rest of the week

[@dawg897]

was a cast member when WDW Big Thunder opened, before opening to public they used cast members to test, i rode it 47 times. getting off and running back around into the loading queue. it was fun. even having heard the splash a few weeks before, when one of the trains jumped the track at the point it extends over the river. (was non-weighted at the time i heard) after that they used sandbags and water barrels for weighted testing.

[@lisarothery88]

Yay a rollercoaster I can comment on! I have been on the Paris version of this ride and its AWESOME!! Theming and just a simple ride layout with twists and turns always seem to me, to be the most enjoyable. And despite being a very packed day, we got on the ride very quickly. Thank you for your awesome videos!

[@Basti-vn8gp]

"Wildest in the Wilderness" Some RMC in the Netherlands got something to say about that

[@jdraven0890]

I don't like rollercoasters, but I loved Thunder Mountain and so did the ppl with me who like intense rollercoasters. Disney did quite a job on it. I recall liking the Matterhorn too, another low intensity one that's really well themed.

[@Lauren-laureb]

Is it weird that I really hope your channel blows up and gets more recognition soon? The amount of work that goes into your vids while still having quality is honestly so enjoyable. I’ve already recommended your vids to friends 😂❤️

[@stxrrymidnight]

This rollercoaster is actually one of my favorites in Disney.

[@CoasterRoaster]

215 likes and 0 dislikes. Just the way it should be.

[@DieselDucy]

I have always loved this ride. Also great video. I have adhd and this video kept my attention.

[@sdraper2011]

No mention of the "goat trick" at Anaheim?

[@CinnastixChick]

As an AP for Disneyland and someone who has ridden thunder mountain railroad dozens of times, the Orlando version seems waay different. Maybe its the mirror effect... Cool how they make the same ride a new experience at each park.

[@pjhittesdorf8074]

Wow! I don’t how you retained all that information…if I haven’t worked at DL as long as I have I would be totally confused, but all this actually made sense to me…Thank You!

[@dominicas-b5993]

this may be so inappropriate but i Cannot stop thinking abt the possum at 0:11 hes just so CUTE

[@HOTMiSCHiEF1]

Why dont they just use retractable drive tires on those up hill block sections to push it forward in case of e-stop? No wench needed?

[@shanedemont9980]

mad props to the kid in the white for helping us through all of this

[@taux_gmigmi]

A concept for your consideration: a Saw themed coaster (yes, I know one already exists) where the ride ops wear explosive collars that detonate if they stack a train.

[@JamesTaylorMain]

That would never really happen. Death tolls would skyrocket and there will be lawsuits up the ass. People would stay away from that ride and say "We're not riding that" if they see a dead ride op.

[@kylemiller9370]

James Charles Taylor I think you missed the part where it was a joke.

[@DinerLingo]

One of the elements of the ride I still think about is the smell. That heavy grease/tar smell of all the wood made you really feel like you were in an old rail station.

[@collin5083]

Ryan: "I need a good source" Steve: "I got you homie"

[@SUMMONER917]

I love the lap bars Disney uses here because they work almost like buzz bars. I usually ride with my family all of whom are larger than me, so I get insane almost standing air on the last ejector pop before the final lift hill!

[@Ace_Maus]

I love bouncy rides, so that plus the theming has kept this coaster as my favorite from both Cali and Florida.

[@Adowel123]

I've been on the Florida ride a bunch of times. Once I was on there when the train had to stop to unload people. It was kind of cool because they escorted us off the train and we have to go under the ride and get to see everything. They were extremely serious about no one taking any pictures or recordings. At the end of the underground escort, they gave everyone tickets that allowed us to do 3 fast passes for any ride. Totally worth it.

[@guybunce]

The Paris version is amazing. Have ridden both US ones and Paris many times and the Paris version definitely comes out on top.

[@RealWolfmanDan]

I have been to Disneyland 8 times in my adult life, most recently last weekend for our first family vacation in, 15 years? The first 7 times (5 while I was on active duty, one while working for an AV company) big thunder mountain was closed every single time due to break downs, so I never had the chance to ride it. Until last week, when it was actually open, with a fairly short line. I loved it!

[@matthewbright1939]

How I surprised I’ve been to Disney around 2 thousand times (I used to work there) and I only saw it break down for a whole day once every 2 months it’s good you finally got to ride it

[@Happymali10]

One of the roller coasters at my local park is a Schwarzkopf single loop ("Nessie"). Before a very recent retheming they had the final brake run in a building/tunnel that also hid the spare train. Meaning the train barreled into a tin metal tunnel, where the brakes made A TON of noise. You didn't necessarily see it from the outside, but the sound was heard across half the park.

[@joshcoulsell1065]

Living in the UK ive been on the Paris version most and its my favourite, the two tunnels under the lake are so fun, feels like youre going much faster than you are especially when you sit at the back

[@LoveStallion]

The Paris version is amazing. Easily my favorite. It hauls down that final tunnel underneath the river.

[@mikethewhizz5085]

Florida's thunder Mountain will always be a very special credit on my list

[@bo1932]

got stuck on that third lift hill once. they had to evacuate everyone, so i got to go under the ride and see all of the insides of it. it was such a cool experience!!

[@clamency1735]

The lines were so short on that ride in Florida a week ago that me, my dad, and brother went on it 3 times in a row! We probably could have gone on it more too!

[@safersephiroth943]

This is prob my fave true rollercoaster at disney, if not in general. a nice medium grade coaster thats got the perfect balance of intensity and fun for me.

[@jamesfreeman8652]

Paris is by far my favourite from that and the two US ones, and is in my favourite land of those three castle parks. Absolute crown jewel of Disneyland Paris. The final tunnel is awesome.

[@Foxxy999]

Former ride Op at Magic Kingdom here (not BTM). Nice explanation. Disney generally designs their rides to operate at maximum capacity all day. They would generally rather send empty trains than remove vehicles, which usually only get taken off if there's something wrong mechanically. Dropping from a 5 train operation to a 4 train operation is often done by just leaving the fourth train in Station 2 and letting Station 1 become the main load side. If they decide they want to drop to a 3 train operation - which is almost never these days - they can always pull another train onto the track between the station switch and the swing bridge to go back to the roundhouse. This was a very common sight in the early 00s. You should try to get out to California; I think the DL version of BTM is more exciting.

[@ScottysHaze]

After just two of your vids, I subscribed. That's the fastest I've ever subscribed to any channel ever. Ever. These videos speak very loudly to the younger version of me who spent hours designing custom coasters in roller coaster tycoon lol. Your vids rock. Love all the detailed info. All of that speaks very loudly to the part of me that is just a big geek. THANK YOU!!!!

[@vito3533]

I play a lot of Planet Coaster in my off time, and these are, by far, the best videos to watch while making roller coasters and theme parks. Thank you for such an in-depth look at this wonderful ride

[@drew8282]

Big thunder mountain in Paris was my first coaster EVER! I WAS IN THE FRONT TOO!! It’s a great ride!