Big Thunder Mountain Railroad turns 46 today! The Disneyland version of the attraction opened on September 2, 1979. Designed by Tony Baxter and Bill Watkins, Big Thunder Mountain was inspired by Marc Davis’ planned Western River Expedition. Walt Disney World was never originally intended to have Pirates of the Caribbean - instead, Davis designed a boat ride through a western town. A runaway mine train was part of that concept. When guests were disappointed that WDW didn’t include Pirates, Imagin

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad made its high-speed debut at Disneyland on September 2, 1979, bringing a new level of thrills to Frontierland. Designed by Imagineer Tony Baxter, the attraction was inspired by the landscapes of Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley, featuring towering red rock spires and an elaborate backstory rooted in the lore of the Old West. The ride replaced the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland, a slower-paced attraction that had operated since 1960. While Nature’s Wonderland