There's not a coaster on earth that holds the same nostalgic weight to me that Big Thunder Mountain does. To me it's quite simply the greatest family ...
There's not a coaster on earth that holds the same nostalgic weight to me that Big Thunder Mountain does. To me it's quite simply the greatest family coaster that's ever been built and I don't think I'll live to see the day that i'll lose its crown in that department. Is it intense? Not particularly, but I don't expect a family coaster to hit me over the head with intensity like I do when I'm riding a thrill coaster. What it delivers is a complete ride experience of visual and atmospheric marvel. From the sight of that larger than life mountain...to the queue that just soaks you in that tangible Old West atmosphere...to the views it gives you of the absolutely masterful Frontierland environment while you're going down the hill tracks...to the overwhelming ambience you get from going down and down under the water in the ride's grand finale...I'm thankful for its existence.
This one gets a 4/5 in spirit. Because in spirit Paris' Space Mountain is the most impressive and unique dark coaster conceivable. The steampunk-style...
This one gets a 4/5 in spirit. Because in spirit Paris' Space Mountain is the most impressive and unique dark coaster conceivable. The steampunk-style building - as well as the surrounding area of Discovery land - is a thing of brilliance. The concept of the layout itself - an indoor coaster with visual effects, an uphill launch and a few inversions - is ingenious. And while the track itself does show its age - a few pacing issues and a noticeable rattle come to mind - it's still capable of delivering a fun experience. But why oh why did they ditch the absolutely fittingly unique original Jules Verne "De la Terre à la Lune" theming? Don't get me wrong, I like Star Wars. Star Wars is great, Star Wars is iconic...but if I want Star Wars, I'll just go and watch Star Wars.
Here's a few of my ideas nobody asked for: give Vekoma carte blanche to reimagine the lay-out. We all know what Vekoma next-gen is capable of and I'm willing to bet they'll be able to deliver something absolutely brilliant in this day and age. Then please, for the love of God, bring back the original Jules Verne visual and audio theming with some updated effects. There's a genuine artistry behind the vision of the original classic Disney rides (Space Mountain, Phantom Manor, Big Thunder Mountain, (OG) Pirates...) that's capable of delivering an unique theme park experience that no modern day pop culture franchising will ever possibly deliver.
The sight of that temple for sure is a sight to behold. Its visual aspect is probably the only reason I'm willing to rate this a 2,5/5 because the rid...
The sight of that temple for sure is a sight to behold. Its visual aspect is probably the only reason I'm willing to rate this a 2,5/5 because the ride itself is a combination of lackluster and discomforting. A brand with the budget and the vision of Disney and a manufacturer with the skills of Intamin have no reason to serve up a coaster this dull.
