When I visited Disneyland for the first time, one of my questions was how the parks and rides were different from each other. I wrote up a blog post about the general differences between the two parks, but now I want to take a closer look at the attractions that are on both coasts. I started this Disney World vs. Disneyland series, and today I’ll be tackling Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
The Ride
This one is a roller coaster themed to bea runaway mine train from the old west. “The wildest ride in the wilderness!” as they say. It was put up in Disney World and Disneyland around the same time. The tracks are pretty much the same in both areas, but there are a few key differences in the details. While it’s not a kiddie coaster by any means, it’s not nearly as intense as some other roller coasters – a good “in between” one if you ask me. And a ton of fun!
Main Differences
- The Disney World version has more space than Disneyland and so is bigger, though I can’t say you can tell while riding it.
- In Disneyland you reach a point where dynamite is “blown up,” complete with a smoke machine and some cool special effects. This doesn’t happen in the Disney World version.
- In Florida the mine town is affected by flooding, while in California it is because of earthquakes. There is a scene in the Disney World version showing the flooded town before the final lift.
- Maybe it’s just me, but the track felt a little bit smoother in Disneyland.
My Winner
The rides are apparently very similar, but I personally enjoyed the one in Disneyland more. It felt more exciting and smoother. The dynamite scene was apparently added recently during a refurb, and I feel like it does a lot to bring the ride to the next level. I’d love to see that come to Disney World too someday.
What do you think of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?
This was my favorite ride as a kid. It’s honestly the only coaster (coaster is a light term here) that I”ll ride to this day. It’s just the right speed and intensity for my super sensitive stomach and something about having ridden it so many times makes it that much better. The DisneyLand one is totes smoother.
I think it’s so great that Disney offers rides like this that aren’t super intense but not just for kids either. And I agree, I felt the Disneyland one to be smoother too.
I was actually able to go on this ride because it goes pretty slow down the steep drops. I’ve even been on it at both parks, but I can’t really remember anymore.
It’s a good one because it’s not too intense but still really exciting! If you go to Disney within the next couple of years I’m thinking your oldest might like it 😉
I’ve only been to the one in Disneyworld, but I like it very much as an “in between” coaster. I’m not one for super huge and scary thrill rides.
That’s one of the reasons why I love Disney so much. They have something for everyone. While so many theme parks have just kiddie rides where you have to be under a certain height just to go on or super intense and crazy roller coasters, Disney offers things like this.
Love the compare and contrast between the two parks. I’ve never been to Disneyland, but I would love to one day!
It’s definitely worth a visit!
I love love love love these posts, Becky! Since I just came back form experiencing Disney World for the first time after being raised at Disneyland, this is such an interesting perspective. I much prefer the one at Disneyland, but I think I am too biased to give a proper analysis.
Thanks Julia! It’s funny because I’m looking at it from the opposite perspective of you – long time Disney World goer but had my first experience in Disneyland!
I’ve never been to Disneyland but Big Thunder Mountain in Disney World is one of my very favorite rides!! I loved seeing a comparison of the two! 🙂 Makes me want to go visit Disneyland someday and see for myself!
It really is a great ride! While they are certainly similar in both parks, it’s cool to go and notice the little details.
Have you ever done Big Thunder in Disneyland Paris? It’s so much scarier, haha! I look terrified in the picture, as I wasn’t expecting that many turns, ups and downs and for such a big part of it to be in the pitch dark! I will admit I’m a bit of a sissy when it comes to rides, but Big Thunder in Paris reminded me more of Expedition Everest than anything else! 🙂
I haven’t, but we’re planning our first trip to Disneyland Paris for next year! I will definitely look forward to that, it sounds awesome! Expedition Everest is one of my absolute favorites 🙂
I haven’t been to Disney World since I was about 6 or 7? (I’m 24 now) and I haven’t ever been to Disneyland, but I would love to go check out both parks!
Definitely go back if you get the chance – experiencing the parks as an adult really is incredible, it’s not just for kids!
I haven’t been to Disneyland, so I definitely can’t compare. But I loved this ride in Disney World!
I love it too, especially riding it at night!