The Legend of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Billy the "Goat Trick"

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of the most iconic rides which opened at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA in 1979, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL in 1980, Tokyo Disneyland in Tokyo, Japan in 1987, and Disneyland Paris in Paris, France in 1992, but its backstory is far more than just a thrilling roller coaster. Tucked within the twists and turns of this Wild West-themed ride lies an exciting legend, a tale that blends the magic of Disney with a dash of mystery and a lot of history. Let’s dive into the fascinating story behind Big Thunder Mountain and uncover the lore that makes this ride more than just a roller coaster!

The Setting: A Ghost Town With a Dark Past

The ride is set in the fictional town (Rainbow Ridge in Disneyland; Tumbleweed in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World; Thunder Mesa in Disneyland Paris), which was once a bustling mining town during the California Gold Rush of the 1850s. The story of Big Thunder Mountain begins with this town, which was built atop a massive mountain known as Big Thunder Mountain. The legend tells of a time when the town’s miners discovered rich veins of gold buried deep within the mountain. They quickly flocked to the area to mine the treasure, and the town flourished.

However, things took a dark turn when the miners unknowingly unearthed something far more dangerous than gold. Deep within the mountain, an ancient supernatural force was awakened, and this force began to cause strange and unexplainable events to unfold. The gold that had made the town rich began to run dry, and mysterious accidents started to plague the miners. The mountain itself seemed to be angry at the disturbance and fought back in bizarre ways, with sudden tremors, dangerous landslides, and erratic weather patterns becoming the norm.

The Curse of Big Thunder Mountain

The legend of Big Thunder Mountain revolves around a curse that has haunted the mountain ever since. Some say that the curse was placed by the spirits of the mountain or perhaps by Native American tribes who warned the miners to leave the land undisturbed. Regardless of the cause, it’s clear that Big Thunder Mountain is a place where the supernatural is very real.

As you ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you’re essentially being taken through the remnants of this once-thriving town, which now lies abandoned and in ruins. The possessed trains you’re riding in mimic the old mining trains that were once used to transport ore from deep within the mountain, and the track itself takes you on a perilous journey through the wilderness, where the effects of the curse can still be felt. From falling rocks to sudden bursts of dynamite, the entire ride is a chaotic adventure—one that echoes the wild past of the cursed mountain.

The Story Unfolds: Ride and Discover

As you journey through the ride, you’ll encounter several elements of the town’s history. You’ll pass through old mining tunnels, dilapidated structures, and deep caverns that suggest the once-thriving operation has now been overtaken by nature and the supernatural forces that lurk within the mountain. One of the key details is the iconic geysers and exploding dynamite—symbols of the power that lies beneath the mountain’s surface.

Interestingly, the ride isn’t just a fun, thrilling coaster experience; it’s designed to tell a story about the miners' greed, the consequences of disturbing ancient powers, and the idea of man’s struggle against nature. The ride’s combination of humor, thrills, and eerie mystery helps bring this legend to life, making it feel like your part of a larger-than-life tale of exploration, danger, and, ultimately, the eerie power of Big Thunder Mountain.

The Imagineers' Touch

When designing Big Thunder Mountain, Walt Disney Imagineers didn’t just want to create a thrilling ride; they aimed to craft an experience that felt immersive and connected to a rich backstory. That’s why the theming is so detailed—from the mining cars to the towering peaks of the mountain to the hidden surprises scattered throughout the ride. It’s all part of a carefully constructed world, and as you zip through the track, you can almost feel like you’ve stepped into the middle of a forgotten legend.

In fact, the ride is so carefully crafted that it even ties into other Disney attractions. At Disneyland, the nearby Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion also contain elements of the supernatural, blending together the mystical and the thrilling to give guests a sense that they’re part of an interconnected world of strange events and hidden wonders.

Why It’s So Popular

The popularity of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad comes from more than just its exciting roller coaster elements. The story behind the ride—the mystery of the cursed mountain, the eerie events, and the unforgettable imagery—makes it feel more like a cinematic adventure than a simple theme park attraction. Plus, as with many Disney stories, the blend of thrills and humor adds an extra layer of charm that resonates with people of all ages.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, the legend of Big Thunder Mountain is one of those hidden gems that makes a visit to Disneyland or Walt Disney World feel like an adventure you’ll never forget. It’s a reminder that even in the most exciting moments, there’s always a story to be discovered—just around the bend or hidden behind a waterfall.

Next time you hop on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, take a moment to appreciate the legend that surrounds this iconic ride and all the incredible details that make it so magical. It’s more than just a roller coaster; it’s a journey into the heart of one of Disney’s most mysterious and thrilling stories.

The Billy the "Goat Trick"

Billy the Disney Goat is an iconic character featured in all four versions of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, one of the many animatronic animals that inhabit Thunder Mountain.

At Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Billy can be found on the rooftop of Tumbleweed, while at Disneyland Paris, he shares the spotlight with another goat chewing on a clothesline. Over at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, Billy is perched on one of the hoodoos, munching on a stick of dynamite and bleating at the passing trains near the second lift hill.

Billy is also central to the famous Disneyland “Goat Trick,” a well-known phenomenon among both Guests and Cast Members that creates an extra boost of G-Force for riders.

If you ask any Cast Member working the attraction, they’ll tell you that focusing on the goat during your ride increases the sensation of disorientation. Here’s how it works:

As you ascend the chain lift of Disney's Big Thunder Mountain, you’ll spot the goat either on the rooftop, chewing on a clothesline or with dynamite in its mouth depending on which Disney theme park you are at. To experience the “Goat Trick,” keep your eyes locked on Billy as the ride descends. The act of staring at the goat causes you to feel as though you’re moving faster than you actually are, due to the way it affects your sense of balance. It is said that this trick confuses your inner ear, making your body interpret the G-forces in an unusual way. Essentially, the visual input of seeing the goat while the ride moves creates conflicting signals in your brain, centered on the idea of centripetal force.

This creates the sensation that you’re being pushed backward rather than sideways, amplifying the feeling of G-Force.

Many riders find that to truly experience this sensation, it’s best to sit in the back three rows of the train, leaning slightly to the left so your back is almost completely against the side of the car. So, next time you’re aboard Big Thunder Mountain, remember to find a spot near the back and give Billy the Goat your full attention!

Billy, The Goat on top of Big Thunder Mountain in Disneyland in CA. Photo by howtodisney.com

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction (BTMRR) at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction (BTMRR) at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Photo by WDW Magnazine.

Trivia question.

What attraction originally occupied the space where Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is now located at Disneyland in California?

Answer. Rainbow Caverns Mine Train. Before Big Thunder Mountain took its place at Disneyland, there was another attraction called the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train, which debuted in 1956. In 1960, the ride was revamped and became the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland. This attraction closed in 1979 to make way for Big Thunder Mountain. The iconic rainbow-colored caverns at the beginning of Big Thunder Mountain serve as a tribute to the original Rainbow Caverns Mine Train, and these same caverns appear in the Magic Kingdom's version of the ride. Additionally, there's a subtle reference in the queue, where you can spot a picture of the mine with the cave labeled as "Rainbow Caverns." Look closely and you'll also see Mine Shaft #71, which marks the opening year of the Magic Kingdom in 1971.

Aerial view of Rainbow Caverns Mine Train Ride at Disneyland in 1956. Photo by cardcow.com