FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

4. Ride every version of Big Thunder Mountain

There are Big Thunder Mountain attractions at four of Disney's theme parks: Disneyland, Disney's Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disneyland. Hong Kong Disneyland is the only current resort not to feature one, although it does have the similarly-themed Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland
Image © Disney

The original version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad resides at Disneyland, where it opened on September 2, 1979. The ride was actually designed for Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom by Imagineers Tony Baxter and Bill Watkins, but Disneyland managed to complete its own version first. The track layout was mirrored, placing it to the right of Frontierland's Rivers of America, whereas the Magic Kingdom's version is on the left. The "wildest ride in the wilderness" was manufactured by long-time Disney manufacturer Arrow Dynamics. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney's Magic Kingdom Also built by Arrow, the Magic Kingdom's version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is near-identical to Disneyland's, but with that mirrored layout. These days it features an enhanced queue line, packed with interactive elements. Big Thunder Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland Tokyo Disneyland received its own installation of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in 1987. Like much of the rest of the park, it's virtually a clone of the Magic Kingdom's version. However, it was manufactured by Dutch firm Vekoma, rather than Arrow. Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Paris Also manufactured by Vekoma was the Disneyland Paris of Big Thunder Mountain, which opened alongside the park in April 1992. It's the most unique of the four versions of the ride, sitting in the middleof the Rivers of the Far West. This changes the ride experience, as the train now has to pass through a tunnel to actually reach the island on which the mountain is located. It also provides a stunning visual centrepiece for Frontierland. Not only that, but it's the most likely version of Big Thunder Mountain to be covered in snow. We experienced a ride on the coaster back in 2010 while it was blanketed in the white stuff, at sunset. It remains one of the most amazing experiences we've had at a Disney theme park. How many versions of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have you experienced, and which is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!

5. Stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite

The fifth entry in this list is by far the hardest to accomplish. In fact, it requires a huge, gigantic slice of luck. But still, we can all dream of staying in the world's most exclusive hotel room, can't we? Originally conceived as a place for Walt Disney to stay at the Magic Kingdom when visiting with his family, the Cinderella Castle Suite sits on the upper floors of the Magic Kingdom's iconic castle. Walt, of course, passed away before the park opened. The space set aside for the suite was therefore used for storage and as a call center over the following 40 years. In 2006, though, Disney announced that it would transform the area into a single, luxury suite. The move was made ahead of the Year of A Million Dreams promotion that launched in 2007, with the Cinderella Castle Suite to be one of its most impressive and talked-about elements. The suite can sleep up to six people, and is housed up on the fourth floor of the castle. To reach it, guests take a special elevator. It covers 650 square feet, making it smaller than some might imagine. Let's take a look around... Cinderella Castle Suite bedroom

Image: Disney

The stunning bedroom is truly fit for a king and queen. It boasts two queen-sized beds (appropriately), each featuring a custom-designed headboard decorated with a Cinderella crest. The beds face an ornate fireplace, weighing 600 pounds. This is made of limestone, and is in a 17th century gothic style, molded from a original wooden fireplace in France. Fiber optics are used to create a convincing "fire" effect, which can be switched on and off via a remote control. Above the fireplace sits a portrait of Cinderella. There's more to this than meets the eye, though - it magically transforms into a flat-screen television. Disney's Imagineers designed this effect. Either side of the fireplace are Venetian glass sconces, adorned by Cinderella likenesses. Cinderella Castle Suite bedroom (2)

Image: Disney

Elsewhere in the room, an antique Dutch secretary desk features velvet-lined shelves. There are three hand-woven rugs from Thailand, as well as two cinder pots designed to reflect Cinderella's humble beginnings (each is made form hand-hammered copper). Cinderella Castle Suite bedroom (3)

Image: Disney
Cinderella Castle Suite bedroom (4)
Image: Disney

The mosaic floor of the suite's entry area contains more than 30,000 tiles, including 3,400 24-carat gold and 120 white gold pieces. Four craftswomen created it over a period of four months. A custom-made glass slipper made by Steuben Glass is also on display. Guests receive their own glass slipper (of a less expensive design) to take home with them. 

The impressive bathroom features sinks made from hand-hammered copper and silver leaf. The ceiling boasts "twinkling stars", and the windows are made of stained glass. The highlight, though, is the custom-made jacuzzi, complete with multiple jets, a waterfall faucet and chromatherapy lighting. 

 

The suite's final room boasts a magic mirror, based on a French design. Like the Cinderella portrait in the bedroom, this transforms into a television. The custom-designed sofa-bed features French-style carved details, while the stained glass windows tell the story of Cinderella and look out towards the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in Fantasyland. There are hidden draws and cupboards in the mirrored space in the parlor, with one opening up to reveal a DVD player and refrigerator.

 

Unfortunately, you can't make a reservation for the Cinderella Castle Suite. You can't even join a waiting list. You have to win your stay. Originally, Disney handed a night in the suite to one lucky family every day during the Year of a Million Dreams promotion. These days, it often offers them up via sweepstakes - so keep a close eye on the Disney Parks Blog for announcements. There is another method. Get really, really famous. Kevin and Danielle Jonas were handed the keys to the suite for their first anniversary, and Tom Cruise has also stayed there. Until then, though...keep dreaming!

 
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Comments

I love it all, the magic, food, rides, shops, exhibits, it is fantastic. I used a scooter car which was pricey but I needed it. I will return!

I love Disney World, in many ways more than Disneyland,but honestly why is Disneyland becoming so overlooked. nearly all sites and blogs dedicated to the world of the Mouse focus on Disney World and neglect its older brother. For those of us who cant make it to Florida every year and turn to California simply because its closer would love to find out more on the original.

Add new comment

About Theme Park Tourist

Theme Park Tourist is one of the web’s leading sources of essential information and entertaining articles about theme parks in Orlando and beyond.

We are one of the world’s largest theme park guide sites, hosting detailed guides to more than 80 theme parks around the globe.

Find Out More About Us...

Plan Your Trip

Our theme park guides contain reviews and ratings of rides, restaurants and hotels at more than 80 theme parks worldwide.

You can even print them.

Start Planning Now...