Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closing for major refurbishment August to November 2016

[marni1971]

The effect was very simple. They were known as the "Free Falling Rocks".

Five pairs of vertical rods - two on the left and three on the right- line the sides of the walls between the rock work at the crest of the lift. Each rod had a horizontal stick attached sticking out into the "false track" scene above the ride path. At the end of each stick was a lightweight "rock". They literally dropped down the rods - albeit controlled - with a slight deceleration before reaching the bottom. They then reset before the next train arrived.

If you look carefully today just before passing under the false track level some of the vertical rods are still visible:

Combined with animated lighting projection, moving shadows from the falling rocks, the bulging walls and shaking lamps the effect was quite realistic.

 

[alissafalco]

Has this been confirmed yet for a refurb?

 

[lnsemsf]

Has this been confirmed yet for a refurb?

It has not been added back in to the refurb list yet, but based on the fact it has "no hours available" on the Disney World website during the listed dates it sounds like it's still being planned.

 

[RSoxNo1]

The effect was very simple. They were known as the "Free Falling Rocks".

Five pairs of vertical rods - two on the left and three on the right- line the sides of the walls between the rock work at the crest of the lift. Each rod had a horizontal stick attached sticking out into the "false track" scene above the ride path. At the end of each stick was a lightweight "rock". They literally dropped down the rods - albeit controlled - with a slight deceleration before reaching the bottom. They then reset before the next train arrived.

If you look carefully today just before passing under the false track level some of the vertical rods are still visible:

View attachment 126059

Combined with animated lighting projection, moving shadows from the falling rocks, the bulging walls and shaking lamps the effect was quite realistic.

Personally, I thought the old falling rock effect at Thunder looked cheesy. The new effect in Disneyland is a better effect, but I'd love to see a bigger explosion at the end.

 

[durangojim]

I am thinking it isn't a real video. Looks almost too real.

I absolutely remember them from the 90s because the first time I rode Thunder Mountain when they weren't present it stuck out to me.

 

[lnsemsf]

Well folks, as of today this is officially back on the refurbishment calendar. April 4th - July 2016. No specific end date was put back on the list this time, but assume mid July.

 

[halltd]

Well folks, as of today this is officially back on the refurbishment calendar. April 4th - July 2016. No specific end date was put back on the list this time, but assume mid July.

Where does one find said refurbishment calendar?

 

[lnsemsf]

Where does one find said refurbishment calendar?

You have to be a registered on the Disney Travel Agent portal.

 

[matt9112]

Even back in the early-mid 90's, BTM's track in Orlando was feeling a bit rough (and that was back when maintenance was actually competent). I also rode Paris' at the time when it was still new and it was incredibly smooth by comparison. I'm assuming no major track work has been done to WDW's in decades, could definitely use a track replacement. Disneyland recently got one apparently, so WDW could stand one as well.


While BTM could be smoother, i'd be far more worried about Space Mountain. At least Big Thunder doesn't feel like it's going to collapse at any moment...

The roughness of space mountain adds to the thrill.

 

[gonzoWDW]

The roughness of space mountain adds to the thrill.

I like to pretend I'm going through a meteor shower the whole time, really ties the whole experience together

 

[andre85]

Personally, I thought the old falling rock effect at Thunder looked cheesy. The new effect in Disneyland is a better effect, but I'd love to see a bigger explosion at the end.

I'm pretty sure they toned down the explosion. I remember going on it when it was new and the smoke cloud filled most of the cavern. Now it's like a little puff

 

[WDWLover#1]

Any bets on the new finale scene being added?

 

[marni1971]

Any bets on the new finale scene being added?

If it isn't I'd be surprised.

Well, more annoyed.

 

[ford91exploder]

Space need 2 years. Basically, everything besides the skin of the mountain needs to go.

Remember that kind of refurb WAS scheduled for WDW's SM and killed at the last minute by Georgie K, and Phil H. If you are there when the work lights are on you can see where the fabricators marked up the structure for demo and refitting.

 

[ford91exploder]

No, the top of the mountain needs a good sandblast and clean job as well; but, the whole ride needs to be gutted to bring it back to some semblance of being a worthy Disney mountain.

Park ops will have a hard time allowing an E offline for the multi year job it needs... but, maybe that's where Frontierland's expansion could come in to help.

Anyway, I look forward to the new projection mapped finale on BTM in the swamps. It's great in Anaheim.

Or you CAN do it in 6 months or so if you have three shifts of crews working the project.

 

[HMF]

Remember that kind of refurb WAS scheduled for WDW's SM and killed at the last minute by Georgie K, and Phil H. If you are there when the work lights are on you can see where the fabricators marked up the structure for demo and refitting.

Georgie K was in Paris at the time thus had nothing to do with the 09 Space Mountain half-baked refurb. blame goes to Phil H for cutting the budget and Meg Crofton for letting him.

 

[ford91exploder]

The roughness of space mountain adds to the thrill.

Houston we have pogo <beep>, And yes pogo is a real thing in a rocket launch google it.

 

[ford91exploder]

Georgie K was in Paris at the time this had nothing to do with the 09 Space Mountain half-baked refurb.

Phll Holmes definitely did. Along with installing the leaky tubs in PoTC which DL rejected (probably BECAUSE they leaked), So who was in Georgie K's shoes in 09?

 

[HMF]

Phll Holmes definitely did. Along with installing the leaky tubs in PoTC which DL rejected (probably BECAUSE they leaked), So who was in Georgie K's shoes in 09?

Meg Crofton.

 

[ford91exploder]

Meg Crofton.

HOW could I forget MEG! (yes I've been trying to)!