EVERYTHING We Know About the New Big Thunder Mountain Backstory
If you have been reading along here at MickeyBlog, you know that Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed earlier this year for an extensive refurbishment.
Over the last several months, we have watched as Disney has taken the attraction apart, redoing rockwork, replacing the track, and refurbishing show elements.
During that time, Disney also kept the aim of the new refurbishment under wraps.
That all changed yesterday with a major revelation.
Introducing the Rainbow Caverns
As part of a series of Disney World-related announcements yesterday, Disney announced that Big Thunder Mountain was receiving a new Rainbow Caverns scene and an expanded backstory.
Photo: Disney
Before we get into the new announcements, we have to understand how we got here.
The 2012 Backstory
The last time that Thunder Mountain underwent an extensive refurbishment was January 2012. When the attraction reopened, Disney introduced a new backstory for the attraction, centered on Barnabas T. Bullion (the spitting image of Imagineer Tony Baxter), president of the Big Thunder Mining Company.
Photo: Disney
The backstory read:
“Barnabas T. Bullion is the founder and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company. The longtime mining magnate comes from a powerful East Coast family and considers gold to be his very birthright by virtue of his oddly appropriate name; in fact, he considers the ultimate gold strike to be his destiny,” the backstory explained.
“And that is why he is having so much trouble with Big Thunder Mountain. According to superstitious locals, Big Thunder Mountain is very protective of the gold it holds within, and the unfortunate soul who attempts to mine its riches is destined to fail.”
And so far that prophecy is coming to pass. The mine has been plagued by mysterious forces and natural disasters ever since.
And yet the Big Thunder Mining Co. is still in operation,” it continued.Disney
“In fact, Bullion is discovering new veins of gold and digging new shafts every day, offering a closer look at the Big Thunder mining operation than ever before.
But a word to the wise for anyone attempting to visit the mountain: watch out for runaway trains.”
The Updated Backstory
When announcing the new Rainbow Caverns scene coming to Thunder Mountain, Disney revealed a new, updated backstory for the attraction that is similar to the one that came before.
“The story of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad dates back to Olden Times, or rather, Golden Times, during the early days of America’s first major gold rush. When Barnabas T. Bullion struck gold in the Big Thunder region, he saw a future full of riches and hustled to start the Big Thunder Mountain Company,” it reads.
Big Thunder Mountain Rainbow Caverns Update – Play ‘n’ Preview
“However, them shiny dreams rarely come without a cost, and Bullion quickly found himself in a battle with the forces of nature and in a whole heap of trouble. One day, strange and unexplainable things started happening. Machines failed. Cave-ins shut mines down. No matter how deep the miners dug into the heart of the mountain, the forces of Big Thunder fought back. And when the attraction reopens next year, the unsuspectin’ passengers who board the runaway trains will learn just how wild the wilderness can get.”
A New Ride Synopsis
Alongside the expanded backstory, Disney has now provided a new synopsis for Thunder Mountain.
Disney
“After you arrive at the legendary Big Thunder Mining Company, descend into an active mine shaft and board your runaway train. As you enter the cavern, the engine speeds up along the rickety track. Dodge exploding dynamite and falling boulders as you swoop around turns, drop into canyons, and dart through the town of Tumbleweed,” the new description reads.
Photo: Disney
“Your rip-roaring adventure proves that some legends are true. You’re sure to have a real blast!”
What Fans Can Expect
Reading the update, it looks like Disney has more than just the Rainbow Caverns in store for fans. Perhaps, Disney World will finally get the dynamite effect that other versions of Thunder Mountain have?
Photo: Disney
No matter what the final result ends up being, it sounds like Thunder Mountain fans are in for a real treat.
I, for one, can’t wait for the attraction to reopen next year!
Photo: MickeyBlog
