“I have only been on the Florida version, so I will only be describing that.” Continues to describe all 4 BTM’s in per-metre detail

This is why theming is very important. This is an example of a mild thrill roller coaster but makes up for theming and immersion.

Disney: We're not gonna put Pirates of the Caribbean in Disney World on opening day, Florida has so much pirate culture already Disney three decades later: Let's put a park based on California right across from our park _in California_

"This ride does not use normal block zones" Years of academy training wasted

Legitimately, the extensive theming on these rides make them feel far faster than they really are (and oddly a lot more memorable than several much larger thrilling coasters); especially that quirky bunny hill with the twist and sudden drop. Thanks for getting all the info on the ride ops. That's just crazy how many cars are on there.

Designers: How many lift hills do you want? Disney: Yes

The Paris one is INCREDIBLE. It feels like it goes much faster, and it ties beautifully into Phantom Manor. I miss that ride...

In some ways, this is the perfect coaster. Its extensive use of theming and clever design rather than just straight intense forces means that both enthusiasts and people who don't ride coasters that often have an excellent experience.

These videos are the best things to come out of the pandemic.

People don't realize just how intricate these rides are, and how many layers upon layers of safety systems they have. You do an excellent job of making this stuff understandable for those who may not be engineers. I've tried to explain these things to people and just gotten blank stares. Now I direct them to your videos and they understand it immidiatiely. A rare skill to have. Very nicely done, excellent content!

Riding this in Orlando while the Magic Kingdom fireworks went off was an unforgettable experience.

I would love to see a video like this on Space Mountain operations at the Disneyland Resort in CA. They have to dispatch every 22 seconds I believe to avoid a cascade. I've even been on the ride where they have whooshed us through the loading area as the alarms are blaring saying we get to ride again in order to avoid the cascade.

One time I was riding this at the Florida version, I was with my dad who is a much larger figure than I, the single lap bar for our row was more spacious for me, so on the first bunny hill I got mad ejector airtime and almost flew out of my seat. Best ride I ever had on it!

Big Thunder Mountain is perfect for a Disney roller coaster. It’s perfectly themed, has plenty of airtime for those who want it without scary drops, and has an engaging queue line that makes the wait feel way shorter, even with kids. Me and my friends went to Disney last year, and we rode Big Thunder twice- once with Fastpass, and once without, directly afterwards. It was our favorite ride of the day.

Finally a rollercoaster I've ridden

I find it hilarious how Disney is like “FIFTY FOOT DROP! WILL YOU SURVIVE!?” While Xcelerator and every other coaster at Knott’s is just chilling down the road.

Disney: Let's use LIMs to propel the train forwards and backwards smoothly in the station. Also Disney: Let's build an uphill break run without LIMs....

Another great video. Very informative. All of Disney's rides are designed to penalize slow operations (except in Japan). Nearly every single Disney ride will cascade if there's a sizable pause within the station. In Space Mountain's case at DL, a 50 second pause cascades the ride (that was closer to 30 back before the rebuild). It's one reason DL's Space Mtn crew is so aggressive with speeding people into their seats. It's also why the alternate disabled platform was constructed when the ride was rebuilt in the mid 2000's. Space Mtn at DLR used to do this to "catch up" if there was a gap between load and A lift. As an aside, Space Mtn at DLR pre-rebuild was way crazier than BTM is. I'd love to see an ops video on that thing. As a teenage guest, I could spot the cascade before it happened. On several occasions I backtracked through the station into the middle of the queue to watch lights come on and the rockets slam to a stop on each block brake! Tokyo's and Hong Kong's don't run enough rockets to make this an issue though and DL's issues have largely been addressed now. BTW, Vekoma fabbed DLR's original Thunder Mtn, as they did with Space Mtn at DLR as well. Both were rebuilt by dynamic in the last 20 years. Even before the overhaul, the BTM at Tokyo simply paused on lifts for delays and restarted via ops clearing the blocks without even lockout/tagout. And that was only for trains stopped on C lift. Tokyo has always operated their trim brake as a block brake at the end of the ride, in addition to the ready brake. In reality, they can hold two trains behind the station. They're also trained to "steal" dispatches in Tokyo as they don't want to get into a setup situation even if it means dispatching an empty through the station to catch up. At TDL's Thunder, with 1 train always parked in the station (stealing), they can reliably cycle 4 trains through one side full time so cascades are very rare anyway. If there's an all out breakdown then trains will stop all over the course but the zones beneath the lifts are recoverable. Tokyo doesn't have need for winches at all (not even sure if it was equipped pre-rebuild). In general, Tokyo's rides don't have cascades though. For whatever reason, crews there are drastically slower at getting vehicles out on most of their rides compared to elsewhere. I've been block checked/paused on a ridiculous amount of Tokyo Disney's rides that would cascade/estop on their cousins elsewhere. Even the classic take rides will just stack 10 vehicles behind unload halfway into the ride and you just sit there and proceed from scene to scene and then block/pause until the next dispatch. Over and over. One the classics, I've actually stopped for a combined 5+ minutes between each block due to backups and it's completely normal. They simply don't have the "you'll pay for slowness" for operators in Tokyo. Of course, it means they're constantly displaying bad show in every ride every day with the endless block/pausing. If they can't get that many vehicles cycled through on a consistent basis, it's not aiding capacity by having people sit in scenes waiting for 4 or 5 cars ahead at unload. Just bizarre IMO. I can't even count the number of rides I've had this happen on at both of the Tokyo Parks. Love TDR to death and TDS is my favorite park, but operations are a notch below the other resorts (other than Paris which has it's own operations challenges).

Been riding this at Disneyland for 40 years. It’s never stopped. I had no idea it is so complex and I never noticed the block checks! Please do Space Mountain. That one did stop on me once near the bottom/end. A cast member released the break, gave us a little push, and we coasted into the station.

This has ejector airtime in the way back. It’s good fun

As someone who is trained at Thunder over at WDW, you absolutely nailed it!!!! It was very accurate on how we run things, great job

In 2018 I waited in queue for 40 minutes when Big Thunder in Florida was down due to a thunderstorm, I had a wonderful time talking to some Dutch people I met, and a newlywed couple who were on their honeymoon! It was honestly a brilliant time and honestly it's why I'm not too bothered with wait times, as well as the fact I'm British and queuing is practically a sport here lmao Everyone cheered when the ride was opened up again!

As someone who has been on BTMR in Paris, I can tell you it’s a m a z i n g! It’s definitely the best ride in the park tbh, would even say it’s the best family coaster i’ve ever done because of the amazing theming and excitement factor.

operating this ride looks to be a bit stressful, yet satisfying

A back row ride on these things is insane with the laterals

I remember when I was a kid and rode this with my dad. we were in the front car and noticed a group of girls 4 or 5 rows back (enough to not see around the corners). Dad said "watch this" and as soon as we went around the first corner, he screamed. All the girls started screaming too and didn't stop the whole ride. I was laughing the whole time :)

its honestly so cool how complex this ride is. Definitely my favorite one in the series so far!!

what about the operations on california's space mountain? They send out a train like every 20 seconds!

I've been a regular visitor to Walt Disney World since 1981, right around the time that Big Thunder opened, and it's always been one of my favorite coasters due to the intricate details. This video has increased my appreciation for the attraction even more. Thanks for a thorough, fascinating examination of its history and operation.

I love that the landscape of this ride is inspired heavily by home state of Utah. Seriously, if you want to feel like you're in the old west, go to Arches National Park. It's incredible.

"It gives riders agreat view a the mountain" It also gives a great view of the fireworks if you're lucky enough to be on it while the show is happening.

As a former WDW BTM Cast Member, I can confirm that adding and removing trains was a nightmare and I did everything I could to avoid it. It was incredibly stressful - especially when you were delaying the dispatch of a railroad trainful of Guests. It still gives me anxiety just thinking about it.

This ride will always have a special place in my heart for helping me overcome my fear of roller coasters as a kid. Not the fastest, most threatening, or most hair-raising coaster around, but approachable and still a lot of fun, especially with the theming.

I've been on all 4 of these, love the Paris version of BTMR the underwater transfer to the island is a great feature.

"the ride utilized scenes from the living dead and rainbow caverns.." Wow never heard of this version of the ride, but it sounds awesome!!

Holy smokes, I have a very clear memory from years ago when my dad and I were evaced off thunder mountain in california... Apparently someone on one of the other trains attempted to stand up so they e-stopped the entire ride and we got to walk through the evacuation tunnels. When I became an enthusiast years later I always thought it was strange that they had us evacuate the ride on a normal brake run, but now that totally makes sense! Awesome video!

This is your best problematic coasters video yet. Perfect description of the Weirdest Ride in the Wilderness. I had no idea the maintenance area was so far away from the station. The finale on the Paris version, by the way, is just incredible and incredibly fast. It makes this version seem so much more complete.

This was so well researched and explained. I'd love to see more of these types of videos, especially for Disney rides. Super interesting.

Thanks for picking a roller coaster that's super popular despite what enthusiasts think about it. I've lost count of how many times I've ridden the CA version and I still get a kick out of it every time. I'm always really impressed with how Disney handles their operations and I really appreciate your detailing of it! I've seen the transfer track that sends trains to the yard but I had no idea it had to cross Disneyland Railroad to get there. That's insane!

“It’s the wildest ride in the wilderness” The rides at Frontiertown: am I a joke to you

I'm not sure if this is problematic, but a technical overview of Time Traveler would be pretty cool.

Expedition Theme Park: detailed history and creation of theme park attractions ElToroRyan: detailed technicial analysis and explanation of roller coasters. My dude, these new videos youve made are fantastic. Keep these up 👍

Bruh when I ride this alone ( mind that I’m 13 and only 4’11” and skinny ) I always get a restraint size that is like a buzz bar for me and when these laterals hit, I SOAR from side to side on the train and I am launched outta my seat on those ejector pops

I've been to disneyland paris about 8 times in my life since I live about 500km away from it and I have to say: the Big Thunder Mountain in disneyland paris is really cool. coaster wise we're really lucky, the best space mountain AND the best big thunder mountain :o

A really great, well engineered attraction. Even though this coaster has 3 lift hills, they make great use of themeing throughout and a faster than normal speed for the lift to make it all part of the attraction. Truly a work of art as a themed attraction goes. I've ridden WDW and DLRs versions, and prefer the one in CA over the one in FL. I just think it's a smoother coaster.

I want to say Disneyland has an extra brake run on a flat right before entering the switch track section just before the station. (this switch track allows trains to reverse into the maintenance area). I would love to see Problematic Roller Coasters - Space Mountain (Disneyland).

Just a heads up from a DL native: Disneyland's BTMRR received a complete track replacement in 2014 as, along with a revamped C-lift hill show upgrade, the lift hills were upgraded to feature adjustable speed chains. It become very noticeable on lift hill B as the train speeds up suddenly after the chain catches and then slows back down as the train begins to crest.

I have a soft-spot for Thunder Mountain, even though I've only been on it once (since I've only been to Magic Kingdom a few times). I love locomotives. I love roller coasters. I love the Southwest theme. There's just so much to love about it!

6:39 Ah, yes, the artificial locomotive. As opposed to the organic natural locomotives that naturally grow on railroad cars

This ride in Disney Anaheim was my first roller coaster ever, and still remains my favorite coaster to this day. I think my first ride was when I was 6 or 7 years old and I'm 32 now.

I LOVE this ride. Can't wait to hear more about WDW Rollercoasters!!!!

One of my friends that worked the ride told me of something called a “grand slam.” Basically, if a cast member hits a station stop when a train is approaching the station, that train will stop. There is a certain point in the return track where when the station stop is reset the brakes will be released but the train will not engage with the LIMs and creep forward into the station very slowly. The following train will be told the forward train is in motion by the RCS and continue cresting lift C. The train entering the station won’t clear so the other train will engage the safety brakes. This also sends a message to the RCS and all the safety brakes will deploy. So each train has to be evacuated, winched into position, and re-cycled through the track. The whole process can take up to 4 or more hours sometimes.

The reason the DL version is better is the explosion theming on the 3rd lift hill . . .

Imagineer: So, all rides have a lift hill. Head Imagineer: Well have TWO, NO THREE!

I never noticed this as much with Big Thunder as I do with Space Mountain just how MANY trains they are running back to back to back to BACK. The amount of visitors they get, they really can’t stop. It’s crazy. These wonky designs definitely work in their favor.

Thank you for explaining the block zones on this ride. When I was young, we got caught in what I believe was the brake zone for block two. We had to walk down the tracks after we were evacuated from the train cars. Scary as hell, but walking down the stairs through the mountain showed some good behind the scenes views.

At space mountain in Florida. We call sandbagging "gapping", and its usually because storage called tower and asked for one to send in a new train from storage or load might request one to give a guest with disabilities some more time to get out when they reach unload. The trains leave the restraint checkpoint and then hang out at "dispatch" which is the final brake before going into the blue tunnel.

I love this series, really hope space and Rock n Roller are coming soon!

I have ridden on three of the big thunder mountains! By far, the best one is Disneyland Paris! It is so much fun and I love how it is build by the water.

My favorite Problematic Coasters yet! Great to see you go in-depth on such a classic and complicated Disney attraction. I recommend getting to the California version if it isn't already on your list; the Dynamic Attractions re-track in 2014 did wonders for it, and it feels smoother and faster than the Florida version despite being mostly the same layout (Dynamic's 2005 Space Mountain is genuinely incredible and sits in my top 10 coasters, wish they built more).

It’s crazy how Disney does block zones on roller coasters: Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Big Thunder and the Incredicoaster all have crazy operations and ride per hour numbers. You rarely wait an hour for these, even on a busy day. Also while the front of the trains for each of these provides a fairly tame ride, I’m actually shocked to say that there is ejector airtime and good laterals in the back due to the length of the trains, the lack of restraints/stapling and how they move throughout their layouts.

I never knew how weird the operations were on these rides! Never underestimate Disney though. I've also only ridden the Florida version of the ride and it's definitely one of my favorite rides there. It's fun for the whole family and the theming is so well done.

Omgosh Ryan! THANKS for doing this one as part of your Problematic Series. Since WDWMK has always been a home park for me since the early 70's, I was privileged to not get only grow up in BTMR, but when it debuted. It's always been a wild ride and helped me graduate from kiddie coasters to the big boys! Your Florida Fan, Aszneth ("Asz") Hands UP 😁👐

Yay a rollercoaster I can comment on! I have been on the Paris version of this ride and its AWESOME!! Theming and just a simple ride layout with twists and turns always seem to me, to be the most enjoyable. And despite being a very packed day, we got on the ride very quickly. Thank you for your awesome videos!

As a 23 year old adult, I can say Disney world is perfect for all ages. I swear everytime I go back every few years I notice something new and appreciate it that much more.

I really like this ride. I have only ridden the one in California but it was a blast. Some decent coaster elements with that amazing disney theming is unforgettable. My theory as to why the safety brakes are sloped upwards is to force cast members to dispatch trains faster by giving them a bigger punishment if they don't.

Fantastic video! Complicated, but very informative, curious how it is, the more you know about a ride the more you appreciate it. Specially Disney rides, where they have to deal not only with the complexities of the ride itself, but with the elaborate theming and blending with surrounding areas. Thanks a lot for sharing your obviously deep knowledge of these rides with the rest of us.

Absolutely adore the Paris BTM. We rode it for the very first time at night. Turn around off the first lift to see fireworks going off over the castle. I've never laughed so hard on a coaster before or since, it was just pure fun. Even my wife enjoyed it, who actually hates coasters. Can't wait to get back out there.

I learned so much about these rides! Amazing analysis!

This feels like a Defunctland video! Great job!

I visited Disneyland Paris only once, when I was 12 on a schooltrip back in 2001. It wasn't a busy day, and there was barely a cue at Big Thunder. We went and rode it, ran through the exit and straight back in line and could board almost immediately. We did that 4 times in a row. I loved the part with the mirrored bends where trains pass eachother closely. The feeling of danger of hitting your hands if you had them in the air right before diving into the tunnel. The rocks at the lift tunnel that moved as if they'd fall over on the train. That ride alone is my main memory from that visit. :)

This explains so much.. At the Disneyland version I’ve witnessed them have to take like 4 trains off the track in a row, which was odd and quadrupled the wait time, along with witnessing the very slow task of getting the ride setup after an EVAC. Had no idea the ride was so quirky. Brilliant video, thanks!

Another reason to visit Disneyland Paris - their version of Space Mountain is more like the Hulk at USO. Crush’s coaster is awesome too!

Mine Train Coaster 1 looks too intense for me!

I play a lot of Planet Coaster in my off time, and these are, by far, the best videos to watch while making roller coasters and theme parks. Thank you for such an in-depth look at this wonderful ride

I love this ride because it has so much personality. The engine car up front rocking left and right is not only cute, it makes the ride feel wilder because it is never moving the way you currently are. It’s a misleading sentinel which I also noticed on Expedition Everest. I really love the old man in the blue and white striped swim trunks chilling out in the washtub. I think it’s after the third lift, but it’s been 14 years since I rode it.

would love to see a technical analysis of space mountain. Great video!

I love this series that you’ve made Ryan!

My absolute favorite roller coaster as a kid, whenever I return to it, it fills me with happy nostalgia

This was my favorite roller coaster at Disney next to Space Mountain. As a kid I was lucky getting to go every summer but now as an adult I understand how good I had it and it pains me how much I miss these places. I love your videos, they remind me of a better time :)

Great video, however you got one thing wrong about the Anaheim version of the ride. Back In 2013 when Disney replaced all the track they added a chain lift that can be raised and lowered on the final (uphill) safety break, very similar to a Vekoma boomerang second lift. So the ride can rescue itself.

What about incredicoaster? I feel like that ride has the most riders per hour in the world.

Also, on that last helix where the goat with the dynamite is, if you don't take your eye off the goat during the entire turn it SUPER intensifies the drop sensation. For a thrill seeker who also loves Disney, this is a must whenever I go to the park to get a bit of that High Intensity thrill.

OMG, I've ridden this! Completely forgot until now, which is understandable since it was back in 1989. As far as the ride itself, none of it looks familiar; all I can recall is that my mom and I enjoyed it so much we waited in line for a second time. Ah, that trip to Anaheim was sure a blast. 😁🍍

Should stick Disney in the title somewhere so more people can find this brilliant video!

0:24 it looks like they forgot to pull down the restraint lol

I've ridden the Paris version only twice but it is for sure my favorite coaster! So fun and well themed. The tunnel leading into the loading station is amazing!

I did the Florida version in 1990, i remember it was intense but smooth and now nowing that this version was computer designed makes me understand why. Thanks for doing all the research, it's awesome information to hear and look at ! God i wish i had done Space Mountain !!! back then i was to scared lol

"Wildest in the Wilderness" Some RMC in the Netherlands got something to say about that

215 likes and 0 dislikes. Just the way it should be.

The opening year or so of Big Thunder at DL was FULL of downtime. The first time I attempted to ride- we went out of the station and the train went WAAY too quickly and slammed to a stop on the first lift. They were having a lot of problems controlling the LIMs initially. We were evacuated. I think the first two years, I don't recall a visit where we saw it open most of the day.

Very impressive analysis of the multi train operation. There’s a whole lot more going on than I previously realized.

Is it weird that I really hope your channel blows up and gets more recognition soon? The amount of work that goes into your vids while still having quality is honestly so enjoyable. I’ve already recommended your vids to friends 😂❤️

No mention of the "goat trick" at Anaheim?

I love your coaster analysis and passion. It’s great learning these amazing little tidbits about how these coaster run. These points are as fun to learn as riding them.

Thunder Mountain is my absolute favourite ride at Disneyland. I've only been to Disneyland, so that's the only version I know, but it's such a wonderfully designed coaster. Even though it's not anywhere close to an extreme thrill seeker adrenaline junkie roller coaster, it's not boring at all because they managed to make it feel faster than it actually is, and there's a surprising amount of air time and lots of lateral forces that you really feel because of the seating and lap bar. It's great that they managed to make a ride that's fun for all ages rather than one that's fun for kids but too mild for adults. The theming though is the absolute best part. It's beautifully designed, arguably the most picturesque roller coaster in any Disney park, it's stunning. All together, Thunder Mountain is such a memorable ride because everything it does is done exceptionally well. It's fantastic, I love it, and it was always a highlight of our Disneyland trips when it was open. My dad and I would ride it over and over and over, it never got dull.

I wonder if there’s a way to add LIM to those safety brakes instead of relying on the winch 🤔

1. Even Disney has clones! 2. 5 TRAIN OPS!!

cannot begin to explain how much comfort and love I get from these videos autoplaying in the background as I read romantic isekai mangas thank you

Ryan great video! The insight into this ride is awesome!! I love this ride because the theming kicks up the fun level immensely! I appreciate all of the hard work that you put in to these!