DAPs Magic Disney News – by Mr. DAPs
Walt Disney Imagineering is sharing what they are calling a “first look” at the new interactive queue for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort. To do so, they released a video today showcasing some of the new features. The video is hosted by Project Manager Wyatt Winter and Creative Designer Pete Carsillo. The queue now helps build the story behind the founder and president of Big Thunder Mining Company, Barnabas T. Bullion.
Guests will be able to explore the Mining Office, the Explosives Magazine Room, and even do some hands on mining activities themselves when Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in a few weeks and they can return for the “wildest ride in the wilderness!”
Here is the backstory for Barnabas T. Bullion from the Disney Parks Blog:
“Barnabas T. Bullion is the founder and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company. The longtime mining magnate comes from a powerful East Coast family and considers gold to be his very birthright by virtue of his oddly appropriate name; in fact, he considers the ultimate gold strike to be his destiny. And that is why he is having so much trouble with Big Thunder Mountain. According to superstitious locals, Big Thunder Mountain is very protective of the gold it holds within, and the unfortunate soul who attempts to mine its riches is destined to fail. And so far that prophecy is coming to pass. The mine has been plagued by mysterious forces and natural disasters ever since. And yet the Big Thunder Mining Co. is still in operation. In fact, Bullion is discovering new veins of gold and digging new shafts every day, offering a closer look at the Big Thunder mining operation than ever before. But a word to the wise for anyone attempting to visit the mountain: watch out for runaway trains.”
