Even though I am glad the tradition of "Picture Spots" has remained, it's still a little jarring to see the name Nikon instead of Kodak. The lovely view of Big Thunder Mountain makes for a great photo, regardless of the sponsor!
Tons of props make the queue a breeze; hard to get bored here if you have any kind of thirst for visual detail.
SO glad that Rainbow Ridge survived the refurb; even though nobody lives here, it's great to see the buildings!
The dinosaur bones also remain; wouldn't it be cool if the Mine Train actually went THROUGH a gigantic dinosaur skeleton?!?
Just another previously unnoticed queue detail.
The first time I rode BTMRR after the refurb, I was placed in the middle of the train, which kind of sucked for photos. This time I requested the front, which also has its pros and cons. No people in front of you, but the cab blocks the center of most photos.
I was hoping to get a decent shot of the bats, but alas, it turned out too dark. I did get a few semi-decent shots of the Rainbow Caverns tribute:
I love the uphill climb of the Mine Train with the overhead spray:
And then the wild ride begins:
a bit blurry, but what can you expect? It's a friggin' roller coaster!
This attraction has some of the best artificial rock work, making for some really great shots against the deep blue sky.
Watch out for the snakes!
My favorite animal on the attraction:
Two more howling coyotes. You don't notice it as you are zipping through, but the photo shows their less-than-hidden base track.
And now it's time for a little fireworks, thus adding to the reason for dynamite being in the goat's mouth:
Uh oh…
Looks like it's gonna' blow!
The smoke and fire are impressive, but I still feel that the ride needs more of a "BOOM"!!
Love this view of Rainbow Ridge from the top:
…as you continue your quick descent back to the loading area.
If only my shutter speed had been set a bit quicker!
And now we can breathe, as the Mine Train slows down, passing by Rainbow Ridge:
Those prices aren't too bad!
Hope you enjoyed your virtual trip on BTMRR!
See more Daveland Disneyland Big Thunder Mountain Railroad photos at my main website.
6 comments:
They could have a Kodak sticker placed over Nikon on the "Picture Spot" signpost for some sort of "Limited Time Magic" event. Come relive the magic of the Kodak Picture Spot signpost!
Yes, it's hard to get bored in the Big Thunder Mountain queue as it's one of the best in the park along with the Indiana Jones Adventure queue. So any many cool and real artifacts to discover and look at along with eavesdropping on the residents of Rainbow Ridge.
The dynamite goat is cool, but the swingin' possum is my favorite.
I love the "mi/km distance" signpost referencing the fictional towns of the sister attractions located in the other Disney castle parks.
There is one resident in Rainbow Ridge, sort of. As you exit the splash by the dinosaur bones and make that first turn, look inside the very first building. I don't know the name but it has the pale green crescent sign on the roof, and is left of the "Big Thunder Epitaph" office. If you look inside the windows as you pass you'll see a painting on the wall of Tony Baxter as "Barnabas T. Bullion, Founder and President of Big Thunder Mining."
I should also mention this is new as of the recent refurb, and the only reference to Barnabas T. Bullion at the Anaheim attraction. The Orlando BTMRR is much deeper into that story as evidenced by their queue line.
And when you're there, make sure to listen carefully for the ghoooooost whistle!
Dave, this is great. I skipped this last trip due to the unendurable crowd and so did not see the new renovations.
Was the typewriter still clacking in the newspaper office? The sounds were arguably the best part of Rainbow Ridge.
JG
I am ashamed to say I didn't notice if the sounds were still being played!
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