Saying Goodbye to Big Thunder Ranch

I love Disneyland but sometimes I think it doesn’t love me back. Over the years more and more of my favorite pieces of the park disappear – Swiss Family TreehouseBear Country JamboreePeopleMover. Oh People Mover I miss you most of all. Recently, I discovered another one of my favorite attractions is not long for this world – Big Thunder Ranch.

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I’ve loved Big Thunder Ranch ever since I was a kid. With its Old West atmosphere, live animals and countrified entertainment it truly was a special place. But on January 10th it will be gone; replaced by a Star Wars attraction. Ugh. I have zero interest in Star Wars but know that most people do. If Disney wants to add a Star Wars themed land fine. Put it by Tomorrowland. Or better yet, use it to replace Tomorrowland. But Big Thunder Ranch? It blends so perfectly with Big Thunder Mountain. Is Star Wars going to do that? I don’t think so.

Needless to say I’m disappointed but at least I had a chance to say goodbye. A couple of weeks ago I was at Disneyland for Dapper Day and made sure to stop by my beloved ranch.

I petted the goats,

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visited the log cabin,

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and soaked up the Fall atmosphere.

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Big Thunder Ranch, I’ll miss you.

2 Comments

  1. Mary October 3, 2015 at 2:51 am

    Ok, so, while I am a Star Wars fan & excited for the land, I, too, was surprised they’re putting it at The Ranch BUT, your post sparked chatting with my boyfriend about this & he reminded me Star Wars has MANY ‘desert’/’ranch-y’ elements to the films, AND when I argued that Tomorrowland is a WAY better spot, he also corrected me: Star Wars is about a Galaxy far away, “A long time ago”, NOT the future. Drats, Disney knows what they’re doing!!!

    I will miss Thunder Ranch, though, too–my beloved goats & donky! :/ I hope they find a new home for a petting zoo.

    1. mk1005 October 5, 2015 at 2:29 am

      I guess…I still wish they would put it somewhere else. On our visit we talked to the employees at Thunder Ranch and they’ve all adopted the goats:-)

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