Big Thunder Mountain closing for lengthy refurb.

[Leigh]

Last time I went on the ride was during a parade so there was no line just 10 people dashing through the maze like rats. We all ended up jumping over the fence as some point so as to avoid 20 more switchbacks and getting any dizzier (sp?) and I did notice how narrow the path was -- it must be hard for some oversized people. They need to fix that. I can't imagine what it is like in the dead of summer!

[CarolwoodPacific]

Great tip, thanks! I imagine the queue will be heading in an interactive direction, similar to that of Soarin', Space, Pooh, and most recently, Haunted Mansion. I give Disney big props for this. They have recognized that some of these attractions get annoyingly long lines, and are doing their best to make them more tolerable.

I realize that some people linger to play with the effects, but isn't that the point? Also, I don't think the amount of time people linger to play with the effects really makes you get on the ride any later. Usually you just move forward to wait some more. I think Disney tries to keep the interactive features further back in the line, and not right near loading to prevent that issue.

Let's hope Pan is next for an interactive queue! (Talk about an *awfully long* wait for an extremely short ride!)

[DIAC1987]

While everyone points out how they hope that the queue is fixed, I personally hope that they improve the ride itself. The rock effects stopped working, the bats still look very cheap, and there's plenty of room for enhancing the final third of the ride. Will those things be fixed? Probably not, but I can always dream.

[Amy]

While everyone points out how they hope that the queue is fixed, I personally hope that they improve the ride itself. The rock effects stopped working, the bats still look very cheap, and there's plenty of room for enhancing the final third of the ride. Will those things be fixed? Probably not, but I can always dream.

I'll have to pay closer attention in a few weeks. When I went on the ride I didn't notice the effects not working since I was enjoying the company of my fellow mayhem marauders!

[Sharonofwindham]

It'll be closed likely by the time I make it, seeing as my CP move-in day is the 9th... my brother will be devastated, that's his favourite!

I'm with your brother, I think once I got over the shock of it, I would have a little temper tantrum !

[Wyntuck]

One of the Character Managers tested having character move along the queue, so that people could interact with characters while they waited, getting two experiences in one! I don't think they do it any more. The guy who had the great idea to do that is gone.

[casrin]

Darn, I'll finally be back down there again and will end up missing it!

[MouseMan]

Gong back to WDW for the first time since 08 and I'm really gunna miss BTMR. It's always a must do for our family. But I'm gunna look at it this way; it's just another reason to plan another trip after this year, just so I can see what they did to the ride and the que.

[NaCler]

Trust me... I just rode this last weekend and it is in MAJOR need of a long refurb. It is almost to the point where it is not enjoyable anymore as it is so rough and the queue is unbearable if you have to go through the standby line. I am really excited to see what they do to improve this one.

[Amy]

Trust me... I just rode this last weekend and it is in MAJOR need of a long refurb. It is almost to the point where it is not enjoyable anymore as it is so rough and the queue is unbearable if you have to go through the standby line. I am really excited to see what they do to improve this one.

Yes, it is most definitely in need of repair
LOVE the new avatar by the way NaCler

[NaCler]

Why thank you Amy... A really awesome person sent me a Christmas package this weekend full of wonderful Disney/Christmas stuff for me and the kids...

[kcarts]

Hopefully it comes back better than ever. The one thing I wish they could improve (not sure how they would) is this....

If you ride in the front row or first few rows, you miss out on the "drops". By the time the back car gets released from the incline, the first few cars are so far into the downhill part of the track you miss much of the drop.

I know that the drops are very mild but the ride would be that much better if everyone in the front cars had the same ride experience as the back cars. Perhaps shorter trains? Perhaps new track technology? Who knows.

[NaCler]

I definitely agree kcarts. Last trip I was in the very first car of the train and I really did not enjoy it at all. I don't know how they will do it, but I'm sure Disney will find a way!

[Sharonofwindham]

Hopefully it comes back better than ever. The one thing I wish they could improve (not sure how they would) is this....

If you ride in the front row or first few rows, you miss out on the "drops". By the time the back car gets released from the incline, the first few cars are so far into the downhill part of the track you miss much of the drop.

I know that the drops are very mild but the ride would be that much better if everyone in the front cars had the same ride experience as the back cars. Perhaps shorter trains? Perhaps new track technology? Who knows.

I thought this held true with all coasters, if you want a faster ride you sit toward the end or in the last car of the train, and if you want the view along with a slower ride, you ride in the front. At least thats the way it has been on any coaster I have ever ridden. If BTM had a bigger drop of course you would get a faster ride, but the way coasters work you will never have the same ride throughout the train.

[Sharonofwindham]

One of my favourite rides down for the full length of my visit Well I suppose I'll just have to go back in 2013

OH NO!! YOU'LL HAVE TO GO BACK Oh well, you gotta do what you gotta do