What is the best time to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?

At Disneyland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad typically has its shortest waits around 8 AM and its longest around 11 AM. Riding right at rope drop is your best bet.

How long is the wait for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?

The standby wait for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad runs about 27 minutes on a typical day and climbs near 75 minutes at its busiest.

Does Big Thunder Mountain Railroad break down a lot?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently graded Spotty for reliability. Running about 93 percent of the day over the last 90 days, with most outages lasting about 70 minutes.

Is there a height requirement for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?

Yes. Riders must be at least 40 in (102 cm) tall to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Does Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have Lightning Lane?

Yes. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad offers Lightning Lane, so you can pay to skip the standby line if you would rather not wait.

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Disneyland · Frontierland Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Family coaster · 40 in (102 cm)

Disneyland · Frontierland

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Wait Time & Best Time to Ride

At Disneyland Resort's Disneyland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a ride worth planning around. This guide shows the current wait, typical wait, best time to ride, ride length, drop and intensity, Lightning Lane, and whether it is worth rope dropping.

Updated July 25, 2026. Live waits refresh throughout the day.

Right now 15 min

Typical wait 27 min

Peak seen 75 min

Quietest hour 8 AM

Quick facts

Land: Frontierland
Height: 40 in (102 cm)
Lightning Lane: Yes
Opened: 1979
Ride length: About 3.5 minutes
Thrill: Family coaster

Best Time to Ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Typical standby wait by hour. The quietest hour is marked in gold (8 AM); the wait usually peaks around 11 AM.

12 8AM

22 9AM

28 10AM

31 11AM

31 12PM

31 1PM

29 2PM

29 3PM

29 4PM

29 5PM

28 6PM

28 7PM

29 8PM

23 9PM

27 10PM

20 11PM

Pro tip: ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the first hour after rope drop or in the last hour before Disneyland closes. If you would rather not wait at all, Lightning Lane lets you skip the standby line.

Is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reliable?

Spotty Running about 93 percent of the day over the last 90 days, with most outages lasting about 70 minutes.

Should You Rope Drop Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?

The shortest waits for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are right at rope drop and in the final hour before Disneyland closes, so arriving for park open is usually worth it. If the line is already long, ride later in the evening or use Lightning Lane.

The Disneyland rope drop plan Best times at Disneyland Plan your Disney day

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad FAQ

What is the best time to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?: At Disneyland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad typically has its shortest waits around 8 AM and its longest around 11 AM. Riding right at rope drop is your best bet.
How long is the wait for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?: The standby wait for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad runs about 27 minutes on a typical day and climbs near 75 minutes at its busiest.
Does Big Thunder Mountain Railroad break down a lot?: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently graded Spotty for reliability. Running about 93 percent of the day over the last 90 days, with most outages lasting about 70 minutes.
Is there a height requirement for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?: Yes. Riders must be at least 40 in (102 cm) tall to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Does Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have Lightning Lane?: Yes. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad offers Lightning Lane, so you can pay to skip the standby line if you would rather not wait.

More at Disneyland

Live wait board All rides ranked Best times to ride Crowd calendar Rope drop plan Ride reliability Lightning Lane prices Ride height guide Is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad scary? Plan your day

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