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The Disney Parks Blog has offered a first look at the new interactive features being added to the queue of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom, placing guests inside the ride’s new back story of a mining company, taking them through the Mining Office, Explosives Magazine Room, Performance Post, Ventilation Room.
Imagineers tour the Big Thunder Mountain interactive queue
When the new interactive queue opens in a few weeks, guests will notice signs indicating they’ve stepped into the offices of Big Thunder Mining Company.
Crates of explosives placed around the queue will emphasize the point, labeled as “Western River Explosives,” a nod to Disney’s never-built Western River Expedition ride, one that Big Thunder creator Imagineer Tony Baxter has fondly included in several presentations to fans in recent years.
The Mining Office will offer a glimpse at the miners’ schedules.
But the real interactive fun begins in the Explosives Magazine Room, containing plungers that will enable guests to set off a few big booms within the attraction itself.
The Performance Post will allow guests to check up on the miners to see how they’re doing, looking down deep into the Big Thunder mine.
Interactivity continues in the Ventilation Room, replacing real canaries (once used in coal mining a warning system for toxic gases) with a more automated system Disney’s Imagineers have crafted.
There is no official opening date set yet for the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad interactive queue, but it’s said to be within the next few weeks.
I kind of love this. I love abandoned things and this looks like you’ll really get to snoop around and old mining operation. Reminds me of Myst or Lost.
Western River Expedition was Marc Davis’ baby.
It didn’t have anything to do with Tony Baxter.
Indeed. I was getting my thoughts crossed, which I have now corrected above. Thanks.
Looks great! Do we know if something similar is going to be put into the BTM queu at Disneyland?
I would love to know this too…they are refurbishing it for the next 7 months so hopefully they are!
I love how Imagineers find ways to enhance our experiences with our childhood favorite rides without necessarily having to rebuild the attractions. It’s a great way to build new memories without having to intrude on what us Disney fans hold most dear.
I really like what you said here. You summed up what I always wanted to say but I couldn’t think up the right words in the order like this. It’s like you see inside my head and know me!
Thanks, Jeff.
I have a prediction this queue is going to be just as mediocre as every one before it, only this time with one disturbing extra detail. This ridiculous collection of underwhelming novelties is supposed to be a testament to the life long career of Tony Baxter ? I think imagineering should just stop
I have something to admit, I didn’t actually watch the video or read any details before writing my previous comment. This queue looks to be surprisingly impressive
I have a prediction: you are a bitter and sad person who enjoys the anonymity of the Internet because you can spread negativity everywhere. Oh wait, that’s not a prediction…it’s the truth.
I don’t understand the hate for the interactive queues. I think this looks great. People think society is losing its attention span and we didn’t need these gimmicks in lines years ago. I say nay. Years ago as a child, even with the best themed lines in the world, I was well aware I was still in line and yes, would eventually get bored. And now they’re doing something about it.
The graphics are works of art. Love them all. Would like to have posters of them for my family room.
The queue looks like tons of fun. Can’t wait to see it next month.
Everything Disney does is very professional. They are always thinking out of the box. This is my family’s favorite ride and now we are excited to wait in line. Thank you! We cannot wait to see my children’s faces.
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