Disneyland's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Derailed for Nine Months

Yesterday we told you about Knott's Berry Farm's Timber Mountain Log Ride, which opened in July 1969, undergoing a multimillion-dollar makeover starting this month.

Now comes word Disneyland's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which opened in September 1979, is getting a $4 million rehab itself beginning Monday.

But Big Thunder is expected to be closed for nine months, compared with five months for the Knott's log ride.

Knott's Berry Farm Log Ride, the Park's Oldest But Still Most-Popular Attraction, Gets a Rehab

What's the deal with simultaneous down times for popular rides a short distance from one another that both whisk guests through fake mountain ranges? Keep in mind the Anaheim theme park's Frontierland pretty much resembles all of the Buena Park theme park.

I blame Obama!

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Actually, in the case of the Disney ride, tracks and rail cars need to be replaced, parts of the mountain need to be repainted and lighting and sound need to be improved, according to an Orange County Register piece quoting Mouse House's spokeswoman Suzi Brown.

The work will also reportedly require the closing of the trail and gate leading into Frontierland from Fantasyland for 11 days beginning Monday. After that, it is to be closed weekdays, except holidays, through April.

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