Ayla
Well-Known Member
Me, too.
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MK Big Thunder Mountain to receive full retrack
- Thread starter TheCoasterNerd
- Start date
Smoky
Active Member
The loud lift hills are an integral part of the theme/soul of the ride. I really hope they stay. If you don't like it just plug your ears for a few seconds.
Mike S
Well-Known Member
Colored lights. Adding a “haunted backstory”.
SpectroMan93
Well-Known Member
BTMR having a haunted backstory isn’t new. It’s been established that the mine was built on the site of an ancient burial ground, which has displeased the spirits there. I like that they’re using lighting and sound effects to tell that story better.Colored lights. Adding a “haunted backstory”.
Truthfully I would have never known that backstory.
I just assumed, like Space Mountain, there was no story, no backstory… just fun.
I don’t know if this ride really needs a backstory, but I’m not complaining.
Ayla
Well-Known Member
It's had a backstory since the day it opened.
From Perplexity...
And what's the backstory of Barnabas T. Bullion?
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Backstory of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
The story of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is set during the American Gold Rush in the late 1800s. Gold is discovered in the Big Thunder Mountain region, sparking rapid development and the formation of a mining town called Tumbleweed. Leading the charge is Barnabas T. Bullion, founder of the Big Thunder Mining Company, who is determined to extract the mountain’s riches without regard for local warnings or the mountain’s sacred status to Native Americans.
Despite repeated warnings that the mountain harbors mysterious and protective supernatural forces, mining operations continue. Soon, unexplainable phenomena begin to plague the operation: machinery fails, cave-ins occur, and a catastrophic flash flood wipes out the town of Tumbleweed
After the disaster, strange happenings intensify. Locomotives are reportedly seen racing autonomously around the mountain, hinting at paranormal activity and the embodiment of the mountain’s mysterious power. The mine trains—now possessed or driven by unseen forces—are said to offer riders a wild journey through the haunted and enchanted landscape.
Disney Imagineers have woven these elements into both the physical queue and the ride experience. Throughout the queue, guests encounter mining relics, warnings, and even artifacts from the era, immersing them in this ghostly gold rush saga. The ride itself presents increasingly supernatural mine scenes and dramatic natural disasters, with new scenes (such as Rainbow Caverns) being added as the attraction is refurbished
And what's the backstory of Barnabas T. Bullion?
Barnabas T. Bullion is the fictional founder and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company, introduced as part of the enhanced storytelling for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom. He hails from a powerful East Coast family and sees gold as his birthright, motivated both by ambition and his “oddly appropriate” name.
With dreams of striking it rich, Bullion leads mining operations at Big Thunder Mountain, ignoring local warnings about the sacred, mysterious forces guarding the mountain. His determination and disregard for these forces bring trouble: as mining progresses, strange disasters and supernatural occurrences intensify, plaguing both the miners and the town that grows around the mines. Despite repeated setbacks, Bullion persists, always driven by the promise of gold and his belief in destiny—his ultimate gold strike.
Disney Imagineers modeled the character's appearance on legendary Imagineer Tony Baxter, who designed much of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and other iconic Disney attractions. His presence is felt throughout the ride’s queue and story elements: guests see his portrait and company references among the mining artifacts and documents.
Bullion’s backstory and actions serve as the core of the ride’s haunted mine lore, embodying both the spirit of the gold rush era and the supernatural consequences of greed and hubris in the face of ancient warnings.
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What's in the queue that clues the guests into this backstory?
The queue for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom is filled with elements that reveal the story and mystery behind the ride’s backstory:
Mining Company Office: Guests pass through the headquarters of the Big Thunder Mining Company, with offices filled with mining gear, safety notices, and company documents that reference Barnabas T. Bullion, warnings about the mountain, and the history of mining disasters.
Portraits and Documents: There are portraits of Barnabas T. Bullion himself, along with old-time letters, memos, and newspaper clippings posted on bulletin boards detailing the gold rush, lost miners, and unexplained events.
Equipment and Relics: Themed mining equipment such as ore carts, dynamite crates, and lanterns decorate the queue, along with display cases showing geological samples and “strange artifacts” discovered in the mine.
Interactive Elements: Guests can spin wheels, trigger (simulated) explosions using plungers, and interact with various props that help immerse them in the world of a working and haunted gold mine, including canaries, old mine shafts, and mysterious chambers.
Safety Warnings and Notices: The queue features humorous safety warnings and stern advisories, referencing accidents, flooding, and the supernatural reputation of the mountain, suggesting that something mysterious or even cursed affects the mining operations.
Music and Sound Effects: Atmospheric gold rush-era music and occasional sound effects (like rumbling or cave-ins) are part of the experience, further deepening the sense of place and letting guests know something isn’t quite right.
All these elements collectively build the sense of history, supernatural danger, and greed that form the backstory of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—and hint at why the trains might run wild.
Disone
Well-Known Member
So the first cave changes colors now. I get that this is part of an enhanced version of telling the story whereas before you just drove through the cave.... But I'm underwhelmed by a lighting change. Here's crossing a finger that maybe a geyser explodes while in there or something.
Preach
Agree. But they did say there is more to announce. Fingers crossedColored lights. Adding a “haunted backstory”.
How about this: I completely replace all the tracks.
easyrowrdw
Well-Known Member
Yeah. A haunted mine never conveyed to me. It was a ride through an old mine and town and it got out of control. It’s fun. Honestly, it being some supernatural thing feels kinda stupid to me.
Disone
Well-Known Member
Zzzzz unless ... Are you adding a loop too?
I can loosen your restraint bar and we can hope for the best!!
Disone
Well-Known Member
Bummer. I've already ridden with the restraint bar loose enough that I could walk off the attraction without pushing it up. I doubt that's going to do much more. #sidetracked
JustInTime
Well-Known Member
Is it lightning or thunder we are talking here? I actually love the name tying into the story. It’s starts with a big thunder clap.
