The Runaway Trains of Big Thunder Mountain

The Runaway Trains of Big Thunder Mountain | HISTORY

Рет қаралды 84,208

2 жыл бұрын

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has a more complex history than you might think! The area it sits on has had other Disneyland attractions dating back to opening day in 1955, and those attractions have influenced the look of the rollercoaster ride and its scenery. From the stagecoaches and pack mules to the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train and Mine Train Thru Nature's Wonderland, all the way to the mountain of the present day. This is the full history of Big Thunder Mountain!
NOTE: I am not an actual university-educated historian. "Alex the Historian" was a stage name created back in 2016 as a light-hearted reference to my Disneyland history content, and I never try to mislead people into thinking otherwise. The name has grown to become part of my channel, just like my hat has become part of my appearance. To change it now, so late in the game, would be detrimental to my channel.
#Disneyland #BigThunderMountain #WaltDisney
TIMESTAMPS:
CREDITS:
Lowlight footage of Big Thunder Mountain is credited to LMG Vids, you can see his 4k ride-through video here:
• [2021] Thunder Mountai...
MUSIC:
"Roundup on the Prairie" by Aaron Kenny
• Roundup on the Prairie
"Scott Buckley - Stars In Her Skies" is under a Creative Commons (CC BY 4.0)
/ scottbuckley
Music provided by BreakingCopyright: bit.ly/stars-in-her-skies-song
"Scott Buckley - Terminus" is under a Creative Commons (CC BY 3.0) license.
/ musicbyscottb
Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: • 🎖️ Free Epic Heroic Mu...
"Punch Deck - Brahe" is under a Creative Commons (cc-by) license
Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: • 🐻 Nostalgic Music [Cop...
"Melody of My Dreams" by Whitesand
• Inspiring Emotional Mu...
"Alex Productions - Lost" is under a Creative Commons (CC BY 3.0) license.
kzfaq.info/love/x0_...
Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: • 🏗️ Free Corporate Back...
"NewHOfTechnology - Soft Corporate" is under a Creative Commons license (CC-BY)
Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: • 'Soft Corporate' by Ne...
-----------------------------------------------------------
Consider becoming a member of my channel and get exclusive content and perks! Learn more here: / @alexthehistorian
---------------------------------
My email: alexthehistorian55@gmail.com
DISCLAIMER: I am not a University-educated historian, Alex the Historian was a nickname I got while working at Disneyland as a tour guide. After 5 years of using it as a stage name for my channel, it would be detrimental to the channel to suddenly change the name.

Пікірлер: 163

@NorseNerdleMeister 2 жыл бұрын

First roller coaster I ever rode!

@the_bencredible 2 жыл бұрын

Perfect timing. Just got back from the hospital after my wife’s surgery. Time to decompress and watch another another awesome video. Thanks so much for taking the time to put these together.

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Give my best to your wife, and also, thank you for watching!

@pinball541 2 жыл бұрын

Hope she gets better soon! Hello from Phoenix Arizona!🔥

@jaybonn5973 27 күн бұрын

Big thunder is a very unassuming attraction to me. Pretty uncomplicated until you start to ask why any of the elements are there? And then you peel back layers of history and forgotten attractions which reveals the true magnanimity of the ride. It's breathtaking.

@369284ab 2 жыл бұрын

The part where the coaster train is coming back, right before it turns at the end , I swear it mimics the original mine train when it exits the tunnel. I noticed that a few years back when I was eating at the Mexican restaurant . It reminded me of that from when I was a kid, and we would eat at the same spot (but different restaurant) right before we would go on the mine ride. I wonder if Disney did that on purpose.

@anthonycalbillo9376 2 жыл бұрын

I like slow and interesting rides, more so than roller-coaster rides.

@erikcasella4826 4 ай бұрын

Great story

@zuzuspetals9281 2 жыл бұрын

My sister and I loved riding the mules through the desert. The stagecoach and train were cool, those "falling rocks" were scary when you were a kid. Frontierland was our favorite place, as was Main Street.

@peckfaceagain 2 жыл бұрын

Regular size pack mules are my favorite.

@rainbowrunner1550 Жыл бұрын

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad truly is the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness, and it's always something to enjoy riding at Disneyland. But I also like how the different trains have numbers and names on their locomotives. #2 is the train they don't have anymore, since in 2003, it derailed and killed the person in the front row of the first car. And interestingly, one of my favorite KZfaqrs (Chuggaaconroy) has a fear of roller coasters because he was waiting in line when it derailed. Despite that, the cast members at Disneyland still have to do routine maintenance to ensure that everything is running as it should. And Big Thunder still remains a blast (literally) to ride.

@1981deloreanfan 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite ride!

@michaeltaylor1603 2 жыл бұрын

I have many things to say about this vid. 1st I've met w/ Tony @ several IAAPA Expos. A very modest and charming man. 2nd I've paid homage to this ride in a scale working model I made with working waterfalls, mountain, and "geyser" effects(my 13th model btw). 3rd Is a "must" ride for me @ both US parks. Bucket list Hong Kong. 4th Tony is classy & I think started the "nods" to past attractions. 5th while I like concept of Western River, I feel it would have suffered fate that befell "all" Pirates in not being PC. Westerns were on the way out in the 70's & Roy was the last "cheerleader " for the attraction. Budget also had a hand in it. The entire area would have cost $60 million US in 1971. It was to be pushed back to 1976 for WDW 5th birthday. But, OPEC 1973 crisis canceled a lot of projects including hotels.

@MrButtonpresser 2 жыл бұрын

It’s certainly my favourite ride. I love the re-use of the older buildings and props too.

@chrisschnizer4395 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite ride!! Though I wonder why Magic Kingdom’s version is the only one to not have a splashdown despite the track getting super close to the water in the flood scene.

@Dan-7550 2 жыл бұрын

I couldn't agree more that its one of the best attractions at DL. Its hands down my favorite rollercoaster ever!(with the matterhorn as a close 2nd) That might be the 1st thing I run to once I return to the park. Can't wait

@pduidesign Жыл бұрын

One of the biggest secret ingredients to Disney’s rides that other theme parks have completely failed to comprehend is that each ride is a world onto itself. When you are on Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, etc. you can’t see any of the other rides in the theme park. For example, in Big Thunder Mountain, all you see is the ride and the surrounding rocks and mountains. Only in one part can you get a glimpse of the river’s of America but other than that, each ride is closed off from the world around it giving you total immersion. The only exception I’ve seen is Matterhorn.

@chrism3687 2 жыл бұрын

In my considered opinion, it is the perfect coaster. The scale is so perfect regarding speed vs terrain...it's magical.

@trenauldo 2 жыл бұрын

One thing that strikes me from the flyover shots is just how much the growth of trees and vegetation over years does to add character and mystery to areas of the park. It looks as though while on the Mark Twain that one could see straight across Tom Sawyer Island. That area being as forested as it is now makes the ride experience so much more interesting.

@66pens87 Жыл бұрын

Been going to Disneyland since the late 70’s as a toddler. I remember riding this in the early 80’s and loving it. And to this day, it’s is the very first ride I get on when I arrive to the park. Last rode 2 weeks ago and still love it.

@sportfuryman Жыл бұрын

This was the first roller coaster I ever rode. I recall being terrified and not really wanting to go on it. But my dad insisted. Im thankful its one of my favorite rides and it set me on a lifelong love of roller coaster style thrill rides.

@jasonlahti7211 Жыл бұрын

RIP Big thunder ranch... My fave restaurant experience in the park. Many good memories!

@JamesSmith-op7yc Жыл бұрын

I loved this coaster! I'm 60yrs Michigan. Disneyland and Disney World were a treat. I also loved the Cedar Creek Mine Ride at Cedar Point (Ohio was closer to home!) I went on long road trips with my Dad, Mother, and older Sister. Saw the U.S. by driving the roads. Thanks for sharing! (my Sister later went to college in CA. and she's still in San Diego!) J.

@SWIFTO_SCYTHE 2 жыл бұрын

That's my favorite rider Disneyland I love the theme

@MT-jd8pc 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite ride in Disneyland let’s go

@waltsapartment-105 2 жыл бұрын

Despite being a huge Disney nerd, I always learn something new in every video by Alex the Historian 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

@chrisjeffries2322 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking us along for the rides!

@Ron_Rhodes 2 жыл бұрын

Well done video. It brings back memories of when I drove the Cave Train at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. We had dynamite and explosions, but also cavemen, dinosaurs, and even once had a real (stuffed) grizzly bear.

@rattyeely Жыл бұрын

I remember the bear in the cave! Is it gone now?

@Ron_Rhodes Жыл бұрын

@@rattyeely I'm afraid so. Some of the cavemen are still there, but the brontosaurus that used to rise out of the water just sits and peeks over the edge.

@davidmiles533 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alex. As you know, the Mine train was my favorite attraction and Thunder holds special memories for myself and family. Be well.

@kevinkunzmann8782 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I was at the grand opening. So much fun!

@DestinationsChronicles 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite ride of them all! Oh, and Bob Gurr is my favorite imagineer!

@WasatchWind 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, my favorite ride. The _best_ ride.

@FindingTheForce 2 жыл бұрын

This is what you do best Alex. We really enjoy your voiceover talent and storytelling.

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@reimagineering.tomorrowlan1505 9 ай бұрын

This was both my daughter's first rollercoaster and to this day it's still their favorite go-to ride. I remember when it opened when I was 6 and I fell in love with it instantly.

@hpoliver2981 Жыл бұрын

Back in the pack-mule days, the mules were all strung together on a rope line. All was fine until a girl a few mules ahead of mine dropped her sweater on the trail. My mule was sure that sweater was a critter out to get him and went nuts, bucking and creating a tangle of mules all trying to go different directions at the same time. That was an "E" ticket ride for sure!

@artkaufman595 10 ай бұрын

Bob Gurr tells the story of an animatronic that ran exactly once. It was a mountain goat that was supposed to jump out from behind a rock and disappear behind another. It worked fine in test but the first time one of the mule trains was passing, it spooked the lead mule and the same kind of chaos arose. According to Bob, they could never get that mule to pass that spot again.

@TheDavidMancini 2 жыл бұрын

Really great documentary, a joy to watch.

@tim.kaiser_aka_timmaay 2 жыл бұрын

Another masterpiece! Thanks Alex!

@stevedegaetano8188 2 жыл бұрын

This is like two for the price of one! The history of the Mine Train thru Nature’s Wonderland could stand on its own!

@Tryingtohaveityall 2 жыл бұрын

Another masterpiece. I love Big Thunder. It’s fantastic. But I have to admit I’m a little sad I never got to ride Natures Wonderland and I’m also sad Western River never came to fruition

@jrios29 2 жыл бұрын

You still continue to astound me with every video you make! I watch a lot of Disney Park ride videos (and I mean A LOT) and you still manage to teach me several things I never knew about our favorite rides! I should be a requirement to watch your videos prior to entering a Disney Park! Please keep up the amazing work!

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@the_bencredible 2 жыл бұрын

Yep! Between Alex and Provost Park Pass there’s really no need to watch any other Disney related channels.

@jrios29 2 жыл бұрын

@@AlextheHistorian Offhand entertains me as well! I try to keep up with all of them, but those are my favorites!

@dennisenvoldsen3878 2 жыл бұрын

i love the way you told this story. thank you!!

@lauri-jeancarlson8476 2 жыл бұрын

big thunder mountain railroad is favorite ride at Disneyland park and at magic kingdom park at WDW

@Eric_Ramirez_Gaming_101 2 жыл бұрын

This mountain was my first rollercoaster. Ever since that day, I've returned to the Big Thunder Mining Company to take a ride on supposedly haunted trains. This ride contains MANY things I love, trains, the old West, and Disney. Even though we lost a legendary ride in the process, a new legend was born to carry the torch.

@ExpeditionSteve 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Eric!

@Eric_Ramirez_Gaming_101 2 жыл бұрын

@@ExpeditionSteve Steve?? HEY YOU!! How ya been? It's been a while since I've seen ya. Miss ya

@ExpeditionSteve 2 жыл бұрын

Yep it's me! Lol Miss ya too! Hopefully one of these days we can meet up again at Dland!

@Eric_Ramirez_Gaming_101 2 жыл бұрын

@@ExpeditionSteve I hope I can go to Disneyland for my birthday, bit since I have online school and a job, I'm not sure. I'll get back to you on that. I'm also nearly done with my new Halloween costume.

@ExpeditionSteve 2 жыл бұрын

Ok sounds good! Let me know. Oh cool! You'll have email me some pictures when you're done!

@ExpeditionSteve 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Alex!!! Got a bonus of Mine Train history too! 😁 One of my go to attractions!

@ZebraLens 2 жыл бұрын

Great work Alex, you are firing on all cylinders 😊 with these mini-documentaries. Especially giving details that aren't more widely known. 💟

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I've always wanted to see someone put this kind of detail into Disney history, so I thought, well I know the stuff, so I should do it myself and see if people like it!

@chrisjeffries2322 2 жыл бұрын

@@AlextheHistorian We like it!

@stevehoffman9735 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Very wonderful.

@tyleroryan 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Alex. My favorite ride since a kid in the 80's.

@toshibavoodoo 2 жыл бұрын

LOVE THE ARIEL SHOTs!!! Great video, as are all your videos!!

@tommyv8559 23 күн бұрын

Thanks for making this video I love hearing all the history behind all the rides

@jaya8897 2 жыл бұрын

Alex, another enjoyable video, I love the information and nostalgia your videos provide. I can’t wait to go back to Disneyland! I’ll be there with the family in December.

@christinacavaness5105 Жыл бұрын

Great video Alex! ThunderRailroad is by far one of my favorite rides.I love riding it at night during the Fireworks show.

@susanowen1709 2 жыл бұрын

You have made me feel quite nostalgic for an attraction I never even went on - I would love to be able to go back in time to ride the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland. It's awesome how they kept so many of the original animatronics & the same environmental immersion of the old ride when they built Big Thunder Mountain. On a side note, after having watched several Disney history videos, I just have to ask: is there any attraction that Bob Gurr *wasn't* involved in? His name pops up everywhere, LOL!

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

They say about Disneyland attractions "if it has wheels, Bob Gurr probably helped design it". He worked on pretty much everything!

@freshofbreathair1476 Жыл бұрын

My mom and my favourite ride when we went 30 years ago. Fun, cool looking and short lines.

@teslaaa6603 Жыл бұрын

This is my favorite ride at DL. I don't even know why. It just makes me so happy.

@rickpontificates3406 9 ай бұрын

Alex, your documentaries are TOP NOTCH and it's a crime that this video doesn't have 1M LIKES

@riparianlife97701 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you get rich producing this amazing content!

@lindasolis7117 2 жыл бұрын

So wonderful, Alex. Thank you! You always find little tidbits I have never heard/seen before!! Love it.

@RaechelSykes 2 жыл бұрын

This is EXTREMELY well done. Thank you

@Sheri7029 2 жыл бұрын

That was quite interesting and well written. I enjoyed this vlog very much.

@thebear7086 2 жыл бұрын

I love that you included a history of the Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland. I loved that ride as a kid. Still miss it, though I enjoy Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

@brianlarsen9952 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this. Still my favorite ride. I'm old enough to remember the construction of Big Thunder, as well bear country and the wrecked train. The footage from the original rides are absolutely amazing.

@bulldawg7232 Жыл бұрын

Got to sit in the back! Although it is cool to watch the locomotive in the front...

@michelleluna4278 2 жыл бұрын

I really believe you have the best history videos!! Always enjoy them 😊

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@tomklock568 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Such a great and fun ride!

@jasonallen1532 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video Alex, really well done.

@fmxstar101 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video

@jetsons101 2 жыл бұрын

Alex this is great. As time goes on you work gets better and better. Hats off to you.... Mine Train Thru Natures Wonderland is still one of my favorite rides, well this and the Peoplemover. Thanks for your hours of work.....

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mike! I was really excited to finally make a video about the mine trains, glad I got it done. I plan to do the peoplemover sometime in the near future!

@jetsons101 2 жыл бұрын

@@AlextheHistorian :-)

@dmaxsba 2 жыл бұрын

Been following you for years. Love your videos and honestly I just REALLY enjoy your calming voice. Thank you for the content!

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad to hear you're still sticking around for the videos!

@ArtBellJr Жыл бұрын

While many others tell the stories and facts about the attractions. You tell what the creators where thinking and makes a far better story.

@AlextheHistorian Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@patrickperalta59 Жыл бұрын

I wish I had been able to ride the mine train ride but I never did. I was born in 1967 and by 1977 the ride was closed for good....being so young I never remember seeing the ride.

@robotwolf 2 жыл бұрын

At WDW, when there was a train stopped at the safety brake before C-lift, the original PLC software would print "OH NO MR BILL WE'LL BE WINCHING ALL NIGHT!" on the display.

@cliffl2406 2 жыл бұрын

Great story and video.

@mistuhfan 2 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate how comprehensive you are with your research and presentation. Makes it very enjoyable to watch.

@marcoantoniogarcia38 11 күн бұрын

They should have kept the rainbow caverns for big thunder mountain’s finale, that would have been awesome!

@TeaEmess 2 жыл бұрын

I've been loving all the new videos! Great work Alex!

@Xaunaturalz 2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait until Big Thunder opens again !! Any insights into the updates ??

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately, I don't

@dylanharris9131 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite Disneyland ride! I love your videos Alex, thanks for doing such an amazing job with these videos!! 🤠👍🏻

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dylan!

@daveandjeannerose2816 2 жыл бұрын

Hello Alex. This video was really interesting to watch. We often wondered how the Railroad was created, and how it got the name Big Thunder Mountain. Thank you for sharing this with us. It definitely is a unique ride!!

@wmason1961 Жыл бұрын

OMG I forgot all about the stagecoach ride at Knott's berry farm. We went there often when I was a kid in the 60s.

@oliversherman2414 7 ай бұрын

I've been to Disney World but I've never been on this ride before. I'll have to go there if I visit America again

@peterdibble 2 жыл бұрын

Really nice work on this one, Alex. I only vaguely knew about the old ride, so it was interesting to finally learn how it evolved into Big Thunder Mountain.

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter! Hey I enjoyed your video about the H4 Hercules, and your recent monorail video!

@peterdibble 2 жыл бұрын

@@AlextheHistorian Thank you! ☺️

@mrs6968 2 жыл бұрын

Loved it

@hiridavidfeign 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent on every level. I get so excited when I see a new video. Thanks!

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

@danielboone3770 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful story! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩

@drewadventurehistory Жыл бұрын

I agree I love the old west

@paulfabre6058 2 жыл бұрын

Nicely done. You really do tell your stories like a plaid. I guess I wonder what you would tell a guest when they ask why the locomotive only has one set one set of wheels?

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

I purposely left that out of the video,, I only tell people when they ask me. When I worked at Disney I made something up, because it wasn't something I would be permitted to discuss.

@stanleydomalewski8497 Жыл бұрын

Great Video!

@gaywizard2000 2 жыл бұрын

This ride is such a nice homage to the original unlike most Disney decisions! I don't remember the original, when did it close?

@BassGuitarSlide 2 жыл бұрын

Great documentary, especially the references to other attractions are very interesting! I only rode the European counterpart and it was awesome: it might not be particularly thrilling, but the beautiful theming and location make up for it and it is just pure fun!

@gcbaba 7 ай бұрын

I remember the mules and the stage coach ride

@remconet 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Would love to see a follow up video on the different variants you can find in other Disney parks.

@GavinFreitas-xe2cq Жыл бұрын

That was wonderful! Thank you!

@pasu129 Жыл бұрын

Let’s not forget to mention, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is indeed “The Wildest Ride In The Wilderness!”

@1corycar 2 жыл бұрын

Well done video!!!!

@lenthisgoldstein9553 2 жыл бұрын

yes, I remember the slow rainbow cavern train attraction in fact every time I ride it until it shut down I always made sure that I sat on the pull-down pad seat on the door. I prefer to call it Thunder Mountain I can see it's big just like I drop Mickey's from Toontown.

@jameslovell8682 8 ай бұрын

I waited 40 years to get to Disneyland from Europe. When we got there, Big Thunder Mountain and a lot of other attractions were closed for maintenance, "For your future enjoyment". Most of our Disney photos were of these irritating signs. I complained at customer services. They weren't interested. That was 12 years ago. We have never been back.

@therobloxmaster3114 Жыл бұрын

I had so much fun

@anthonycalbillo9376 2 жыл бұрын

Too bad it probably won't be restored back to it's original version. Great video though.

@Doggeslife 2 жыл бұрын

Last time I rode it was 1992. My, how the trees have grown. It was far more sparce back then.

@leeprice2849 2 жыл бұрын

Rides like Big Thunder are what set Disney apart from other Amusement Parks. Sadly it looks like they won't be building anything except IP based rides from now on. Was Expedition Everest the last one?

@AlextheHistorian 2 жыл бұрын

Off the top of my head, yeah I think Expedition Everest was the last non-IP based ride ever built in their American parks.

@stephenhaupt7713 7 ай бұрын

Can I provide additions to your story. On Main Street they had fringed topped carriages pulled by a single horse as well as a hose wagon from the Fire Department pulled by a pair of horses. This was on top of the Draft Horses pulling the Street Cars, sometimes as many as 4 on the street at once. The mule ride operated in Frontier Land until 1972. My friend Charlie Brock was the main wrangler leading the strings of ridden mules from 1955. All the livestock were housed at the Pony Farm located where you have the Circle D Ranch now. Originally it was sized twice as large. It had a lighted arena and a riding club for the cast members and Walt would come out and ride in the evenings. They had their own blacksmith shop to shoe all horses which included a 600 pound anvil. Walt and Roy were also good Polo players. The current horses are now housed on a property in Norco, California "Horsetown USA" about 35 miles east of the Park.

@javiercortes5232 6 ай бұрын

Maybe for being a super classic, majbe ghe smell, skeletons and music, POTC always come almost automatically as my favorite ride; Rise of the Ressistance, ghe ned Mickey's Train for being wonders of technical advances and character's integration, but on a second thought, BTMR is my favorite