I have some great memories of big Thunder ranch. It was a wonderful place to take your kids to slow down, do some crafts, cookie decorating, and watch a live performance. It was a special part of Disneyland.
So many wonderful memories at Big Thunder Ranch. From those great BBQ chuck wagon dinners just after sunset, to seeing Mickey Moo, that like slice of the park was truly magical.
i would trade galaxy's edge back for big thunder ranch any day.i loved the petting zoo,the bbq, and mickey moo! it was just a nice,quiet place to get away from the busy parts of the park. the only area like that now is tom sawyer island.
The early frontier Land was my favorite and still is. The Wagon Rides the Stagecoach Ride the Train Rides the Mule’s ride, and real animals, the OLD Big Thunder Ranch and BBQ, The old settler's cabin, the Gun Fights in front of the old The Golden Horseshoe's Saloon, etc.etc. what great memories, I’ll NEVER forget.
I recently visited Tom Sawyer Island, and I could tell that it stays are numbered. The fort was closed, as well as the pontoon bridge. It was starting to show wear, and when they stop maintaining something it's because it will soon be closed, completely refurbished, or reimagined. Just wondering if bringing back the goats and other real animals would be the kind of thing to get families over to the island. Maybe even bring back the pack mules. Frontierland needs more frontier, especially since there's no longer shoot outs or shows at Golden Horseshoe. Love Big Thunder Mt. RR, but I can't help but think what it would be like to still have Nature's Wonderland.
Just an observation on the Festival of Fools. It felt like the a Disney Renaissance fair and it’s not uncommon for them set up on farm land so it seems fitting that it would take over Big Thunder Ranch of all places.
I get lots of nostalgia looking at this video. I loved the tranquility of the place, compared to the rest of the park. The Hungry Bear restaurant before the Star Wars land expansion was also a nice semi-quiet place when you sat in the far corner of it.
Loved Big Thunder Ranch, especially the animals. You mentioned when Disneyland had their State Fair event. I still have my somewhat large pin from that.
About extending past the 5 freeway... Building a Hyperloop train from Anaheim to the Central Valley would give a super fun experience for guests and all the land Disney ever wanted to continue expanding. The ride would take 10 minutes. And it's super high capacity.
There has been talk about building a high speed rail from Los Angeles to Las Vegas for decades and that’s justified by the billions Vegas makes from Californians. When that happens then a Hyperloop may be on the horizon. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@jimhshull I'd be glad to have an option to get to Las Vegas. And I have an idea I call Hyperloop Space Mountain (HSM). Hyperloop is predicted to travel at 500 to 800 MPH. So lets say we run it at 100 MPH and it gives a thrilling Space Mountain like ride, except the track is long and does not loop like Space Mountain. The start of the track is in Tomorrowland and the end is 40 miles North in Juniper Hills, California. The ride takes about 5 minutes. Current price per acre in Juniper Hills is $3,500. You could own all the land to build a Shanghai Disneyland (963 acres) for $3.4 Million. And Hyperloop is estimated to cost $11.5 million per mile. So Hyperloop Space Mountain would cost $460 Million. Star Wars Land (Galaxy’s Edge) supposedly cost $1 Billion. Seems like a pretty good deal to me. And that’s how we get a third gate within minutes of Disneyland.
We are a kindred spirit. I love your heart and narration! Big Thunder Ranch was EXACTLY as you described it. I didn’t know what we had there….until it was gone. Then I missed (and still do miss it) terribly. I was sad to see it go and was one of the fortunate few to see it operational and participate in the BBQ, and say we ate at the long wooden tables, took in the live music, watched the last of the running of the goats. This was so wonderful to watch. Thank you.
I would love to drop a kind word to them, however, I am not an annual pass / Key holder and I don’t have a ticket to get in to give them the message. Maybe one day I can and I certainly will when I do.
Honestly, Big Thunder Ranch reminded me of western chuckwagon dinners - bbq and baked beans. Wholesome and delicious. A respite it the back corner to hang out. Loved it! My kids loved it!
I just discovered your channel and subscribed! I’m watching all your prior videos and truly appreciate your honesty. I love the old parks that you created. Thank you for the wonderful memories!!
Overproduced TH-cam videos with sponsorships have become the norm. I absolutely love these by Jim that are well done on a modest platform like (I'm assuming) iMovie or Camtasia. These videos have so much more insight that few others have, as they are coming from an expert who was a part of these projects and special places in the parks.
As much as a tiny part of me wants that sweet sponsorship money the bigger part doesn’t want to be bothered. Creating simple clean and clearly told Disney Parks stories is the reason I created Disney Journey. Thanks for watching and for your comment.
@ Jim, 100% appreciate that. If there’s any way we can support your sharing on insight into your knowledge and experience without you having to advertise, please allow us to sponsor the channel or help you take next steps in some capacity. Your insight and experience can’t be matched!
5:28 - "Proceed at your own pace". That was really the magic of this area. I regret that I never ate at the BBQ place, I just assumed it would always be there and I'd catch it next time. Owen and Dolly Pope's house was just on the other side of Casey Jr, and across the dirt frontage road back in '55 but it moved and can still be seen from TDA's small public "business only" parking lot.
Great video! I LOVE that you had Farley the Fiddler in his duster in your thumbnail for this video. He created sooooo many memories and so much joy for me and my family. That’s the kind of priceless Disney magic that the park is sorely missing.
@@jimhshull 100%!! All of the fun unexpected interactions you get with such great people is a big part of why we love Disneyland. We can still get that somewhat with the staff running the trolleys and Main Street vehicles and the trains, it’s not quite the same as what Farley or Billy Hill & the Hillbillies or the Laughing Stock Company used to bring to the parks. I know, I’m sounding like a “things were better back in my day” kind of crumudgeon but in this case I think there’s a lot of truth. Thank you for this Big Thunder Ranch video. My daughter will love remembering all the fun we had there at BTR; coloring together, visiting the goats, seeing Santa and his reindeer and all the jokes and music.
I have some great memories of big Thunder ranch. It was a wonderful place to take your kids to slow down, do some crafts, cookie decorating, and watch a live performance. It was a special part of Disneyland.
Thunder Ranch was a special place. A quiet location to take a break during a busy day in the park. Thanks for watching.
So many wonderful memories at Big Thunder Ranch. From those great BBQ chuck wagon dinners just after sunset, to seeing Mickey Moo, that like slice of the park was truly magical.
I went to Disneyland so many times and had no idea Big Thunder Ranch existed! 😮
i would trade galaxy's edge back for big thunder ranch any day.i loved the petting zoo,the bbq, and mickey moo! it was just a nice,quiet place to get away from the busy parts of the park. the only area like that now is tom sawyer island.
Best food in the park for sure. I have lots of fond memories of taking my kids to see Santa there. Sure do miss that area.
Me too. Thanks for watching.
The early frontier Land was my favorite and still is. The Wagon Rides the Stagecoach Ride the Train Rides the Mule’s ride, and real animals, the OLD Big Thunder Ranch and BBQ, The old settler's cabin, the Gun Fights in front of the old The Golden Horseshoe's Saloon, etc.etc. what great memories, I’ll NEVER forget.
Early Frontierland was special. Thanks for your comment.
I recently visited Tom Sawyer Island, and I could tell that it stays are numbered. The fort was closed, as well as the pontoon bridge. It was starting to show wear, and when they stop maintaining something it's because it will soon be closed, completely refurbished, or reimagined.
Just wondering if bringing back the goats and other real animals would be the kind of thing to get families over to the island. Maybe even bring back the pack mules.
Frontierland needs more frontier, especially since there's no longer shoot outs or shows at Golden Horseshoe.
Love Big Thunder Mt. RR, but I can't help but think what it would be like to still have Nature's Wonderland.
The Rivers of America will live on, just not in Florida. Thanks for watching.
Just an observation on the Festival of Fools. It felt like the a Disney Renaissance fair and it’s not uncommon for them set up on farm land so it seems fitting that it would take over Big Thunder Ranch of all places.
I liked the site better as a landscape. Thanks for watching.
Wow, thanks for all your history, Jim. I love seeing how all these attractions have evolved.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching.
I get lots of nostalgia looking at this video. I loved the tranquility of the place, compared to the rest of the park. The Hungry Bear restaurant before the Star Wars land expansion was also a nice semi-quiet place when you sat in the far corner of it.
Quiet spaces have become more rare. I’d build more of them. Thanks for watching.
Wow, this was great 🥲👏👏👏 I agree about the hunchback overlay, but as a kid I loved it 😆
When the bbq was there, it was the best food available in the park
@2:35 I would love to learn more about River Town. What it was supposed to be and what it might have contained.
Loved Big Thunder Ranch, especially the animals. You mentioned when Disneyland had their State Fair event. I still have my somewhat large pin from that.
State Fair is remembered by many. Thanks for watching.
About extending past the 5 freeway... Building a Hyperloop train from Anaheim to the Central Valley would give a super fun experience for guests and all the land Disney ever wanted to continue expanding. The ride would take 10 minutes. And it's super high capacity.
There has been talk about building a high speed rail from Los Angeles to Las Vegas for decades and that’s justified by the billions Vegas makes from Californians. When that happens then a Hyperloop may be on the horizon. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@jimhshull I'd be glad to have an option to get to Las Vegas. And I have an idea I call Hyperloop Space Mountain (HSM).
Hyperloop is predicted to travel at 500 to 800 MPH. So lets say we run it at 100 MPH and it gives a thrilling Space Mountain like ride, except the track is long and does not loop like Space Mountain. The start of the track is in Tomorrowland and the end is 40 miles North in Juniper Hills, California. The ride takes about 5 minutes.
Current price per acre in Juniper Hills is $3,500. You could own all the land to build a Shanghai Disneyland (963 acres) for $3.4 Million. And Hyperloop is estimated to cost $11.5 million per mile. So Hyperloop Space Mountain would cost $460 Million. Star Wars Land (Galaxy’s Edge) supposedly cost $1 Billion.
Seems like a pretty good deal to me. And that’s how we get a third gate within minutes of Disneyland.
We are a kindred spirit. I love your heart and narration! Big Thunder Ranch was EXACTLY as you described it. I didn’t know what we had there….until it was gone. Then I missed (and still do miss it) terribly. I was sad to see it go and was one of the fortunate few to see it operational and participate in the BBQ, and say we ate at the long wooden tables, took in the live music, watched the last of the running of the goats. This was so wonderful to watch. Thank you.
It’s always helpful to tell the folk in City Hall when you like something. They take notes. Thanks for watching.
I would love to drop a kind word to them, however, I am not an annual pass / Key holder and I don’t have a ticket to get in to give them the message. Maybe one day I can and I certainly will when I do.
Honestly, Big Thunder Ranch reminded me of western chuckwagon dinners - bbq and baked beans. Wholesome and delicious. A respite it the back corner to hang out. Loved it! My kids loved it!
I just discovered your channel and subscribed! I’m watching all your prior videos and truly appreciate your honesty. I love the old parks that you created. Thank you for the wonderful memories!!
Loved Big Thunder Ranch. It was where we always had lunch.
The BBQ was my go to place during my Disneyland visits. Thanks for your comments.
Overproduced TH-cam videos with sponsorships have become the norm. I absolutely love these by Jim that are well done on a modest platform like (I'm assuming) iMovie or Camtasia. These videos have so much more insight that few others have, as they are coming from an expert who was a part of these projects and special places in the parks.
As much as a tiny part of me wants that sweet sponsorship money the bigger part doesn’t want to be bothered. Creating simple clean and clearly told Disney Parks stories is the reason I created Disney Journey. Thanks for watching and for your comment.
@ Jim, 100% appreciate that. If there’s any way we can support your sharing on insight into your knowledge and experience without you having to advertise, please allow us to sponsor the channel or help you take next steps in some capacity. Your insight and experience can’t be matched!
Sure do miss Big Thunder Ranch. The cool characters that came out during the Holidays. Along with the Bbq 😫
Painted Desert was my favorite when I was a kid.
5:28 - "Proceed at your own pace". That was really the magic of this area. I regret that I never ate at the BBQ place, I just assumed it would always be there and I'd catch it next time. Owen and Dolly Pope's house was just on the other side of Casey Jr, and across the dirt frontage road back in '55 but it moved and can still be seen from TDA's small public "business only" parking lot.
I’d drive by the Pope house when turning into the Team Disney building parking garage. Today it’s used for company meetings. Thanks for your comment.
Have a lot of fond memories of eating at Big Thunder BBQ and watching Billy Hill and the Hillbillies. Thank you!
As a citizen of battu i wish i could've ate at big thunder ranch bbq. Who knows if hungry bear will be half as good as BTR sounded 😊
I didn't get to go to Disneyland until Big Thunder Ranch was already gone and I wish all the time I could've seen it!
Hopefully the Big thunder ranch BBQ becomes Country Bear BBQ that was recently announced! And Jim will u be at the D23 expo this year?
Nice job Jim. I never turn down a good BBQ. Who watches your videos? Other retired Imagineers of course!
BBQ is one of life’s joys. Thanks for watching.
Great video! I LOVE that you had Farley the Fiddler in his duster in your thumbnail for this video. He created sooooo many memories and so much joy for me and my family. That’s the kind of priceless Disney magic that the park is sorely missing.
Live entertainment is so important in creating value and enjoyment for guests visiting Disneyland.
@@jimhshull 100%!! All of the fun unexpected interactions you get with such great people is a big part of why we love Disneyland. We can still get that somewhat with the staff running the trolleys and Main Street vehicles and the trains, it’s not quite the same as what Farley or Billy Hill & the Hillbillies or the Laughing Stock Company used to bring to the parks.
I know, I’m sounding like a “things were better back in my day” kind of crumudgeon but in this case I think there’s a lot of truth.
Thank you for this Big Thunder Ranch video. My daughter will love remembering all the fun we had there at BTR; coloring together, visiting the goats, seeing Santa and his reindeer and all the jokes and music.
You think the updated Hungry Bear BBQ well have similar options that the fanch had?.. BTR was one of my favorite places to eat at.
Fingers crossed that the new menu will contain some of the old favorites. Thanks for your comment.
Well, there were cows and goats, in Medieval France, probably Paris itself, but i doubt there wrre log cabins and split rail fences...😉
I see your point. Thanks for your comment.