All Big Thunder Mountains Unite!

[Jorn]

I didn't really know in what section to put it, but since Paris is my second home, I decided to post it in here.

For fun I've made a video showing all the four Big Thunder Mountains currently available in Disney parks around the world. And to my surprise, I noticed that all four were for the biggest part similar in track layout. Only Disneyland's version is build completely mirrored from the other three versions, however if you flip the video (like I did) you'll see the resemblance.

I hope you enjoy, and by the way; which one do you prefer?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH8WkEOtCAU
Click here for higher resolution version

[konekobus]

Ive only been on the TDL and DLP version. But I liked the DLP version much more. So Im really surprised to see they're all basically the same
DLP's BTM being an island alone makes it better though.

[aimster]

I've only been on the WDW and DL ones, but it's been almost 20 years since I last rode the DL one so it's really hard for me to compare.

Neat video though!

[Grizzly]

Disneyland Paris' was the most fun for me. Tokyo's is second.

[TDLFAN]

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Disneyland Paris' was the most fun for me. Tokyo's is second.

Agreed. DLP's is the Best overall (fast and greatly themed) TDL's ride is expansive and combines the best of both MK and DL's, with some unique scenes as well. DL's is 3rd for being the only mirror image and also for having an intimacy and tight feel of it's own. MK is 4th. Simply because it feels to be the slowest and also because many of the original scenes have been altered for the worst, like the elimination of the dropping rocks in the earthquake scene...so this particular version is lackluster.

However.. let's be clear about this... YES, with the exception of DL's being the only left-handed version, all mountains have a similar track layout from the moment you hit the first lift and until you come off the last lift only. The tracks are very different during the rides beginning and ending portions, with the MK and TDL having a similar track design before the first lift.

Also,
-TDL and DLP have the distinction of having the return track do a full circle around the loading/queue building and feature steep drops.

-DL's has the only "outdoor" loading platform above the queue.

-DLP is the only one to go underwater.

-TDL's features a nice mine cave, complete with mine train track as a preshow once the ride starts, and is also the only track that takes you by the waterfall seen in the first lift once again before the end (you see the indoor waterfall twice)

-MK and DL's go into a bat cave immediately after the ride starts.

-DLP's ride starts off fast as you quickly plundge into a dark drop right out of the loading platform.

-TDL and DL's features the drop thru Coyote canyon..and also have the golden pixie dust effect during the earthquake scene.

-DLP's have the gold dust as well but the scene is different giving guests the sensation of traveling thru a mine cave where explosions are being set off around us..

-DLP and TDL's have the bats after the last lift during the last drop before returning into the loading station..

etc etc etc...

Gosh.. so many differences among all of the rides... yet so similar.

[Coheteboy]

Cool, thanks for the detailed descriptions and video, you guys!

I've only been on Disneyland's and Walt Disney World's and out of those two, WDW is definitely the lesser one in my opinion. It just feels sooo slow!

[DeadlyAvenger]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

TDL's features a nice mine cave, complete with mine train track as a preshow once the ride starts, and is also the only track that takes you by the waterfall seen in the first lift once again before the end (you see the indoor waterfall twice)

Actually, at DLP you go through the waterfall cavern from the first lift hill immediately as you enter the mountain for the final descent (about 2:20 in the video). If you're lucky you can see a train run by from the first lift.

[TDLFAN]

Originally Posted by DeadlyAvenger

Actually, at DLP you go through the waterfall cavern from the first lift hill immediately as you enter the mountain for the final descent (about 2:20 in the video). If you're lucky you can see a train run by from the first lift.

Thanks. I forgot about that. I also forgot to mention that the MK version is the only one featuring a flash flood scene.

[fizzog]

The TNT effect works really well on DLP's...when it works. Same for the possums and other assorted effects. It may have the best BTM (in my opinion, of course) but like so many other rides that have their best incarnation in Paris, it doesn't mean they're the best maintained or updated.

[nathan detroit]

Although I prefer DLPs, I do like the larger number of AAs and the dino bones of WDWs.

[pussnboots]

That video is giving me serious motion sickness. Nice work, though!

[Olivier]

That's a cool video. Thanks !

[TDLFAN]

You shouls have seen the line for BTW at DLP today!!! Very very long!!

[Olivier]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

You shouls have seen the line for BTW at DLP today!!! Very very long!!

OMG, I was waiting september for less busy parks... (I haven't been there since last june)

[TDLFAN]

Even the FP queue was filled to the point where the CM stands to check the FP tickets!!! It was that bad yesterday.... and I missed the parade accident since I left early!