Do you want to see some animals that are real—not Audio-Animatronic? Then visit the horses, sheep, and goats of Big Thunder Ranch. Don’t miss the most famous resident of the ranch, the bovine Mickey Moo. You’ll also find smaller animals in enclosures lining the trail leading to the ranch. While you’re here, watch a blacksmith demonstration and visit the old ranch house.

Hungry? Sit outside and enjoy barbecued beef ribs and chicken at the Big Thunder Barbecue—but only during busy seasons and on selected weekends.

Big Thunder Ranch is “back from Yesterland.”

Big Thunder Ranch opened in Disneyland in June 1986 on land that had once been part of the Mine Train through Nature’s Wonderland.

Big Thunder Ranch closed in early 1996 to make way for the Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fools outdoor theater spectacular. Big Thunder Barbecue became the Festival of Foods. The menu and the overall experience stayed about the same (although disney.com suggested that Big Thunder Barbecue had been “transformed into a Medieval Parisian seating arena”—Medieval Paris must have looked a lot like a Western ranch).

The Festival of Foods reverted to Big Thunder Barbecue.

Big Thunder Ranch is once again open during the daytime, and there are once again animals on display. The area is now hosted by Brawny. The Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fools arena is used for occasional group events, such as corporate parties.

McDonald’s in Frontierland Casa de Fritos Home

Disclaimers, Copyrights, and Trademarks

Updated June 25, 2010.

Photograph of Big Thunder Ranch sign: 1992 by Mike McKiernan
Photograph of Mickey Moo: 1992 by Mike McKiernan
Photograph of Goats at Big Thunder: 1992 by Mike McKiernan