Big Thunder/Nature's Wonderland Animals

[Dragonman]

Thought it would be fun to share some secrets about Big Thunder. Most of the animals you see
are a reference to Disneyland's original Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland ride and could very well be the same figures just re skinned. Here's a couple examples
Mr. Bobcat and the pigs

Another tribute to Nature's Wonderland is the roadrunner fighting a snake. I cannot find an image of the original Disneyland scene but I believe it was there.

Also most of the cacti on the ride are apparently also from Nature's Wonderland

 

[Dragonman]

I have recently received confirmation that these are in fact the original animals from natures wonderland. I have also found a photo of the original roadrunner/snake scene at Disneyland which proves this is true.

 

[GVentola]

For a place where it seems change is always in order and the idea that something is "historical" doesn't matter, it's nice to see Disney make "tip of the hats" to old attractions. Plus recycling is always good for the earth! It's like how the audio-animatronics of the Three Caballeros at Epcot used to be at Magic Kingdom in the "Mickey Mouse Revue" show when I was a kid. I find this kind of thing exciting, and apparently others do to. Not sure exactly why, though!