The Runaway Trains of Big Thunder Mountain | HISTORY

[@NorseNerdleMeister]

First roller coaster I ever rode!

[@toshibavoodoo]

Back for some Disneyland Love... Great video!

[@jasonlahti7211]

RIP Big thunder ranch... My fave restaurant experience in the park. Many good memories!

[@the_bencredible]

Perfect timing. Just got back from the hospital after my wife’s surgery. Time to decompress and watch another another awesome video. Thanks so much for taking the time to put these together.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Give my best to your wife, and also, thank you for watching!

[@pinball541]

Hope she gets better soon! Hello from Phoenix Arizona!🔥

[@1981deloreanfan]

My favorite ride!

[@zuzuspetals9281]

My sister and I loved riding the mules through the desert. The stagecoach and train were cool, those "falling rocks" were scary when you were a kid. Frontierland was our favorite place, as was Main Street.

[@anthonycalbillo9376]

I like slow and interesting rides, more so than roller-coaster rides.

[@erikcasella4826]

Great story

[@chrism3687]

In my considered opinion, it is the perfect coaster. The scale is so perfect regarding speed vs terrain...it's magical.

[@stevehoffman9735]

Thank you. Very wonderful.

[@MrButtonpresser]

It’s certainly my favourite ride. I love the re-use of the older buildings and props too.

[@jaybonn5973]

Big thunder is a very unassuming attraction to me. Pretty uncomplicated until you start to ask why any of the elements are there? And then you peel back layers of history and forgotten attractions which reveals the true magnanimity of the ride. It's breathtaking.

[@pduidesign]

One of the biggest secret ingredients to Disney’s rides that other theme parks have completely failed to comprehend is that each ride is a world onto itself. When you are on Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, etc. you can’t see any of the other rides in the theme park. For example, in Big Thunder Mountain, all you see is the ride and the surrounding rocks and mountains. Only in one part can you get a glimpse of the river’s of America but other than that, each ride is closed off from the world around it giving you total immersion. The only exception I’ve seen is Matterhorn.

[@toshibavoodoo]

LOVE THE ARIEL SHOTs!!! Great video, as are all your videos!!

[@369284ab]

The part where the coaster train is coming back, right before it turns at the end , I swear it mimics the original mine train when it exits the tunnel. I noticed that a few years back when I was eating at the Mexican restaurant . It reminded me of that from when I was a kid, and we would eat at the same spot (but different restaurant) right before we would go on the mine ride. I wonder if Disney did that on purpose.

[@66pens87]

Been going to Disneyland since the late 70’s as a toddler. I remember riding this in the early 80’s and loving it. And to this day, it’s is the very first ride I get on when I arrive to the park. Last rode 2 weeks ago and still love it.

[@rainbowrunner1550]

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad truly is the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness, and it's always something to enjoy riding at Disneyland. But I also like how the different trains have numbers and names on their locomotives. #2 is the train they don't have anymore, since in 2003, it derailed and killed the person in the front row of the first car. And interestingly, one of my favorite KZbinrs (Chuggaaconroy) has a fear of roller coasters because he was waiting in line when it derailed. Despite that, the cast members at Disneyland still have to do routine maintenance to ensure that everything is running as it should. And Big Thunder still remains a blast (literally) to ride.

[@sportfuryman]

This was the first roller coaster I ever rode. I recall being terrified and not really wanting to go on it. But my dad insisted. Im thankful its one of my favorite rides and it set me on a lifelong love of roller coaster style thrill rides.

[@trenauldo]

One thing that strikes me from the flyover shots is just how much the growth of trees and vegetation over years does to add character and mystery to areas of the park. It looks as though while on the Mark Twain that one could see straight across Tom Sawyer Island. That area being as forested as it is now makes the ride experience so much more interesting.

[@Dan-7550]

I couldn't agree more that its one of the best attractions at DL. Its hands down my favorite rollercoaster ever!(with the matterhorn as a close 2nd) That might be the 1st thing I run to once I return to the park. Can't wait

[@mrs6968]

Loved it

[@cliffl2406]

Great story and video.

[@dennisenvoldsen3878]

i love the way you told this story. thank you!!

[@michaeltaylor1603]

I have many things to say about this vid. 1st I've met w/ Tony @ several IAAPA Expos. A very modest and charming man. 2nd I've paid homage to this ride in a scale working model I made with working waterfalls, mountain, and "geyser" effects(my 13th model btw). 3rd Is a "must" ride for me @ both US parks. Bucket list Hong Kong. 4th Tony is classy & I think started the "nods" to past attractions. 5th while I like concept of Western River, I feel it would have suffered fate that befell "all" Pirates in not being PC. Westerns were on the way out in the 70's & Roy was the last "cheerleader " for the attraction. Budget also had a hand in it. The entire area would have cost $60 million US in 1971. It was to be pushed back to 1976 for WDW 5th birthday. But, OPEC 1973 crisis canceled a lot of projects including hotels.

[@FindingTheForce]

This is what you do best Alex. We really enjoy your voiceover talent and storytelling.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@chrisschnizer4395]

My favorite ride!! Though I wonder why Magic Kingdom’s version is the only one to not have a splashdown despite the track getting super close to the water in the flood scene.

[@JamesSmith-op7yc]

I loved this coaster! I'm 60yrs Michigan. Disneyland and Disney World were a treat. I also loved the Cedar Creek Mine Ride at Cedar Point (Ohio was closer to home!) I went on long road trips with my Dad, Mother, and older Sister. Saw the U.S. by driving the roads. Thanks for sharing! (my Sister later went to college in CA. and she's still in San Diego!) J.

[@SWIFTO_SCYTHE]

That's my favorite rider Disneyland I love the theme

[@WasatchWind]

Yes, my favorite ride. The _best_ ride.

[@waltsapartment-105]

Despite being a huge Disney nerd, I always learn something new in every video by Alex the Historian 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@kevinkunzmann8782]

Awesome! I was at the grand opening. So much fun!

[@TheDavidMancini]

Really great documentary, a joy to watch.

[@chrisjeffries2322]

Thank you for taking us along for the rides!

[@tomklock568]

Thanks! Such a great and fun ride!

[@reimagineering.tomorrowlan1505]

This was both my daughter's first rollercoaster and to this day it's still their favorite go-to ride. I remember when it opened when I was 6 and I fell in love with it instantly.

[@tim.kaiser_aka_timmaay]

Another masterpiece! Thanks Alex!

[@davidmiles533]

Thank you Alex. As you know, the Mine train was my favorite attraction and Thunder holds special memories for myself and family. Be well.

[@tyleroryan]

Great video Alex. My favorite ride since a kid in the 80's.

[@oliversherman2414]

I've been to Disney World but I've never been on this ride before. I'll have to go there if I visit America again

[@MT-jd8pc]

My favorite ride in Disneyland let’s go

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! ATOTALLY AWSOME VIDEO!!!! ONE OF MY FAVORITE RIDES!!!! A TIME TRAVELER RIDE!!!

[@Ron_Rhodes]

Well done video. It brings back memories of when I drove the Cave Train at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. We had dynamite and explosions, but also cavemen, dinosaurs, and even once had a real (stuffed) grizzly bear.

[@rattyeely]

I remember the bear in the cave! Is it gone now?

[@Ron_Rhodes]

@@rattyeely I'm afraid so. Some of the cavemen are still there, but the brontosaurus that used to rise out of the water just sits and peeks over the edge.

[@dmaxsba]

Been following you for years. Love your videos and honestly I just REALLY enjoy your calming voice. Thank you for the content!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks! I'm glad to hear you're still sticking around for the videos!

[@DestinationsChronicles]

My favorite ride of them all! Oh, and Bob Gurr is my favorite imagineer!

[@Xaunaturalz]

Can't wait until Big Thunder opens again !! Any insights into the updates ??

[@AlextheHistorian]

Unfortunately, I don't

[@lindasolis7117]

So wonderful, Alex. Thank you! You always find little tidbits I have never heard/seen before!! Love it.

[@jrios29]

You still continue to astound me with every video you make! I watch a lot of Disney Park ride videos (and I mean A LOT) and you still manage to teach me several things I never knew about our favorite rides! I should be a requirement to watch your videos prior to entering a Disney Park! Please keep up the amazing work!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@the_bencredible]

Yep! Between Alex and Provost Park Pass there’s really no need to watch any other Disney related channels.

[@jrios29]

@@AlextheHistorian Offhand entertains me as well! I try to keep up with all of them, but those are my favorites!

[@jasonallen1532]

Nice video Alex, really well done.

[@Sheri7029]

That was quite interesting and well written. I enjoyed this vlog very much.

[@ExpeditionSteve]

Great video Alex!!! Got a bonus of Mine Train history too! 😁 One of my go to attractions!

[@christinacavaness5105]

Great video Alex! ThunderRailroad is by far one of my favorite rides.I love riding it at night during the Fireworks show.

[@freshofbreathair1476]

My mom and my favourite ride when we went 30 years ago. Fun, cool looking and short lines.

[@jaya8897]

Alex, another enjoyable video, I love the information and nostalgia your videos provide. I can’t wait to go back to Disneyland! I’ll be there with the family in December.

[@Ericland_Entertainment_Inc]

This mountain was my first rollercoaster. Ever since that day, I've returned to the Big Thunder Mining Company to take a ride on supposedly haunted trains. This ride contains MANY things I love, trains, the old West, and Disney. Even though we lost a legendary ride in the process, a new legend was born to carry the torch.

[@ExpeditionSteve]

Hey Eric!

[@Ericland_Entertainment_Inc]

@@ExpeditionSteve Steve?? HEY YOU!! How ya been? It's been a while since I've seen ya. Miss ya

[@ExpeditionSteve]

Yep it's me! Lol Miss ya too! Hopefully one of these days we can meet up again at Dland!

[@Ericland_Entertainment_Inc]

@@ExpeditionSteve I hope I can go to Disneyland for my birthday, bit since I have online school and a job, I'm not sure. I'll get back to you on that. I'm also nearly done with my new Halloween costume.

[@ExpeditionSteve]

Ok sounds good! Let me know. Oh cool! You'll have email me some pictures when you're done!

[@drewadventurehistory]

I agree I love the old west

[@tommyv8559]

Thanks for making this video I love hearing all the history behind all the rides

[@lauri-jeancarlson8476]

big thunder mountain railroad is favorite ride at Disneyland park and at magic kingdom park at WDW

[@Tryingtohaveityall]

Another masterpiece. I love Big Thunder. It’s fantastic. But I have to admit I’m a little sad I never got to ride Natures Wonderland and I’m also sad Western River never came to fruition

[@RaechelSykes]

This is EXTREMELY well done. Thank you

[@ZebraLens]

Great work Alex, you are firing on all cylinders 😊 with these mini-documentaries. Especially giving details that aren't more widely known. 💟

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you so much! I've always wanted to see someone put this kind of detail into Disney history, so I thought, well I know the stuff, so I should do it myself and see if people like it!

[@chrisjeffries2322]

@@AlextheHistorian We like it!

[@rickpontificates3406]

Alex, your documentaries are TOP NOTCH and it's a crime that this video doesn't have 1M LIKES

[@thebear7086]

I love that you included a history of the Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland. I loved that ride as a kid. Still miss it, though I enjoy Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

[@michelleluna4278]

I really believe you have the best history videos!! Always enjoy them 😊

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@teslaaa6603]

This is my favorite ride at DL. I don't even know why. It just makes me so happy.

[@brianlarsen9952]

Thank you for this. Still my favorite ride. I'm old enough to remember the construction of Big Thunder, as well bear country and the wrecked train. The footage from the original rides are absolutely amazing.

[@prettygirl2105]

Great history story of this ride. I love hearing the backstory and riding again to rediscovering the magic.

[@mistuhfan]

I really appreciate how comprehensive you are with your research and presentation. Makes it very enjoyable to watch.

[@hpoliver2981]

Back in the pack-mule days, the mules were all strung together on a rope line. All was fine until a girl a few mules ahead of mine dropped her sweater on the trail. My mule was sure that sweater was a critter out to get him and went nuts, bucking and creating a tangle of mules all trying to go different directions at the same time. That was an "E" ticket ride for sure!

[@artkaufman595]

Bob Gurr tells the story of an animatronic that ran exactly once. It was a mountain goat that was supposed to jump out from behind a rock and disappear behind another. It worked fine in test but the first time one of the mule trains was passing, it spooked the lead mule and the same kind of chaos arose. According to Bob, they could never get that mule to pass that spot again.

[@TeaEmess]

I've been loving all the new videos! Great work Alex!

[@susanowen1709]

You have made me feel quite nostalgic for an attraction I never even went on - I would love to be able to go back in time to ride the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland. It's awesome how they kept so many of the original animatronics & the same environmental immersion of the old ride when they built Big Thunder Mountain. On a side note, after having watched several Disney history videos, I just have to ask: is there any attraction that Bob Gurr *wasn't* involved in? His name pops up everywhere, LOL!

[@AlextheHistorian]

They say about Disneyland attractions "if it has wheels, Bob Gurr probably helped design it". He worked on pretty much everything!

[@danielboone3770]

Wonderful story! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩

[@jetsons101]

Alex this is great. As time goes on you work gets better and better. Hats off to you.... Mine Train Thru Natures Wonderland is still one of my favorite rides, well this and the Peoplemover. Thanks for your hours of work.....

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you Mike! I was really excited to finally make a video about the mine trains, glad I got it done. I plan to do the peoplemover sometime in the near future!

[@jetsons101]

@@AlextheHistorian :-)

[@riparianlife97701]

I hope you get rich producing this amazing content!

[@dylanharris9131]

My favorite Disneyland ride! I love your videos Alex, thanks for doing such an amazing job with these videos!! 🤠👍🏻

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks Dylan!

[@peterdibble]

Really nice work on this one, Alex. I only vaguely knew about the old ride, so it was interesting to finally learn how it evolved into Big Thunder Mountain.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks Peter! Hey I enjoyed your video about the H4 Hercules, and your recent monorail video!

[@peterdibble]

@@AlextheHistorian Thank you! ☺️

[@hiridavidfeign]

Excellent on every level. I get so excited when I see a new video. Thanks!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@jaybonn5973]

Huh. Thank you for explaining the bridge between Natures Wondarland and the unbuilt Thunder Mesa. That never made sense to me and I had always confused the two. And it also explains so much how we got to the name Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

[@daveandjeannerose2816]

Hello Alex. This video was really interesting to watch. We often wondered how the Railroad was created, and how it got the name Big Thunder Mountain. Thank you for sharing this with us. It definitely is a unique ride!!

[@stanleydomalewski8497]

Great Video!

[@tatecarlson]

One thing I love about Big Thunder Mountain, is that there is indeed a larger overarching story that is indeed overlooked. I remember doing some research on the Disneyland Paris BTM and the Disneyland BTW and WDW BTW, and I personally believe that all of them tie into the 3 eras. Disneyland Paris references BTW from 1849 to 1866, while Disneyland and WDW show Big Thunder Mountain from 1880 to 1899 when the town of Rainbow Ridge gets demolished by an earthquake while Tumbleweed got destroyed in a flash flood.

[@paulfabre6058]

Nicely done. You really do tell your stories like a plaid. I guess I wonder what you would tell a guest when they ask why the locomotive only has one set one set of wheels?

[@AlextheHistorian]

I purposely left that out of the video,, I only tell people when they ask me. When I worked at Disney I made something up, because it wasn't something I would be permitted to discuss.

[@bulldawg7232]

Got to sit in the back! Although it is cool to watch the locomotive in the front...

[@1corycar]

Well done video!!!!

[@GavinFreitas-xe2cq]

That was wonderful! Thank you!

[@stevedegaetano8188]

This is like two for the price of one! The history of the Mine Train thru Nature’s Wonderland could stand on its own!

[@johnbehneman1546]

A MUST WATCH!!!

[@wmason1961]

OMG I forgot all about the stagecoach ride at Knott's berry farm. We went there often when I was a kid in the 60s.

[@ArtBellJr]

While many others tell the stories and facts about the attractions. You tell what the creators where thinking and makes a far better story.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@BassGuitarSlide]

Great documentary, especially the references to other attractions are very interesting! I only rode the European counterpart and it was awesome: it might not be particularly thrilling, but the beautiful theming and location make up for it and it is just pure fun!

[@remconet]

Great video! Would love to see a follow up video on the different variants you can find in other Disney parks.

[@therobloxmaster3114]

I had so much fun

[@leeprice2849]

Rides like Big Thunder are what set Disney apart from other Amusement Parks. Sadly it looks like they won't be building anything except IP based rides from now on. Was Expedition Everest the last one?

[@AlextheHistorian]

Off the top of my head, yeah I think Expedition Everest was the last non-IP based ride ever built in their American parks.

[@marcoantoniogarcia38]

They should have kept the rainbow caverns for big thunder mountain’s finale, that would have been awesome!

[@gcbaba]

I remember the mules and the stage coach ride

[@Syncopator]

I well remember the original Mine Train ride-- and when I was very young I also recall going on the pack mules. A bit nostalgic but Big Thunder is a worthy upgrade.

[@patrickperalta59]

I wish I had been able to ride the mine train ride but I never did. I was born in 1967 and by 1977 the ride was closed for good....being so young I never remember seeing the ride.

[@lenthisgoldstein9553]

yes, I remember the slow rainbow cavern train attraction in fact every time I ride it until it shut down I always made sure that I sat on the pull-down pad seat on the door. I prefer to call it Thunder Mountain I can see it's big just like I drop Mickey's from Toontown.

[@notmyrealname6150]

I enjoy your videos. Please do one on the Pirates of the Caribbean.

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

Hahaha Walt standing fully upright on the ride

[@AlextheHistorian]

In all the years I've had this video up, even the original version of this video dating back to 2016...you're the ONLY person to notice the funny irony of that! I've been waiting 8 years for someone to notice!

[@jameslovell8682]

I waited 40 years to get to Disneyland from Europe. When we got there, Big Thunder Mountain and a lot of other attractions were closed for maintenance, "For your future enjoyment". Most of our Disney photos were of these irritating signs. I complained at customer services. They weren't interested. That was 12 years ago. We have never been back.

[@stephenhaupt7713]

Can I provide additions to your story. On Main Street they had fringed topped carriages pulled by a single horse as well as a hose wagon from the Fire Department pulled by a pair of horses. This was on top of the Draft Horses pulling the Street Cars, sometimes as many as 4 on the street at once. The mule ride operated in Frontier Land until 1972. My friend Charlie Brock was the main wrangler leading the strings of ridden mules from 1955. All the livestock were housed at the Pony Farm located where you have the Circle D Ranch now. Originally it was sized twice as large. It had a lighted arena and a riding club for the cast members and Walt would come out and ride in the evenings. They had their own blacksmith shop to shoe all horses which included a 600 pound anvil. Walt and Roy were also good Polo players. The current horses are now housed on a property in Norco, California "Horsetown USA" about 35 miles east of the Park.