June 1986 – February 1996, April 2009 – January 2016
LOCATION
Frontierland – When entering from New Orleans Square, guests would follow the path along the Rivers of America, toward Fantasyland. They would find Big Thunder Ranch just after Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
BACKGROUND
Big Thunder Ranch was the best post 70’s representation of Frontierland’s original concept: a scenic, relaxing stop set in the American pioneering era. As Frontierland evolved over the years, especially with the installation of the railroad, the land became more crowded and had less open spaces for leisurely stagecoach rides. Big Thunder Ranch maintained the original nostalgia and charm of Frontierland, and was an ideal spot for guests interested in spending some quality time in the old, wild west.
From 1996 – 1998, Big Thunder Ranch transformed into the Festival of Fools, a Hunchback of Notre Dame themed show and town square. After the show closed, the area remained closed off, used as a special event space and partial backstage area. Finally, Big Thunder Ranch reopened in 2009, returning to its original premise of an old-fashioned ranch and barbecue picnic area.
EXPERIENCE
The ranch was a closed off, quiet area that offered a trip into the past. Guests could visit the petting zoo and interact with farm animals (and reindeer during the holidays!), grab some barbeque, explore Miss Chris’ Cabin, or enjoy a show at the outdoor theater. Depending on the season, you could find different decorations, show schedules, and activities corresponding with the nearest holidays, so all year long there was something new to experience.
CLOSURE
While Big Thunder Ranch was a beautiful and nostalgic attraction, it was a wide open space that was ultimately underutilized. The ranch never had much traffic flow, even on really crowded days and during the holidays. Disneyland has always been short on space, so it was only a matter of time before this space would be repurposed. In 2015, Disney announced plans to build Star Wars Land, and Big Thunder Ranch closed to make room for the new land and its attractions.
TRIVIA
My original rating: Big Thunder Ranch is an easily overlooked stop. Many guests rush past it on their way to and from Fantasyland, and it’s corner location makes hard to spot from a distance. But if you take the time to explore Big Thunder Ranch, you’re in for a treat. The shows are fun, the food smells great, and it’s the only place in the park where you can meet live animals! Little ones love the petting zoo, and the ample seating makes the ranch a great rest/lunch spot for guests of all ages. Don’t forget to walk through Miss Chris’ Cabin; this old-fashioned house is beautifully decorated, and is my favorite spot in the ranch! (★★★★☆)
The turkeys in the ranch were famous! President Bush pardoned them in 2008 as part of the annual Presidential Thanksgiving Pardoning.
Disneyland was the only Disney park with this attraction.
A few times a year, Disneyland hosted Annual Passholder events in the Big Thunder Ranch theater.
When Disneyland brought out rare characters, they usually greeted guests in the ranch.
