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This Disney World Ride Has Been Nicknamed the “Kidney Stone Coaster,” Here’s Why

kidney stones disney world

There’s nowhere in the world quite like a Disney Resort. From amazing rides and attractions like Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, or Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, respectively, there is much to enjoy when at the Disney Parks. But it’s recently come to light that this is not all fans have been taking to Walt Disney World for. And Disney Fanatics, this one may surprise you!

magic kingdom disney world

Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort/Credit: Disney

“The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness”

One Disney World ride  that many Disney Guests will agree is certainly worth going to any Disney Park for is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. As Disney World themselves say, this ride is one where Guests can “Race through a haunted gold mine aboard a speeding train on this thrilling coaster-style ride.”

During Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, fans will “arrive at the legendary Big Thunder Mining Company, descend into an abandoned mine shaft, and board your train…Dodge exploding dynamite and falling boulders as you swoop around turns, drop into canyons and dart through the mysterious ghost town of Tumbleweed.”

It’s one that is legendary among all fans for the wild ride and breathtaking views at night (hint: think about the fireworks) at Magic Kingdom.

big-thunder-mountain-railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad / Credit: Disney

But recently, fans have been going to this attraction for something markedly different; it’s a reason more medical in nature.

Kidney Stones & Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

It’s been documented by Disney fans that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one attraction that has a surprising upside. If you’re a Guest suffering from kidney stones, it’s rumored that this attraction helps you pass them.

Dr. David Wartinger, a professor emeritus of urology at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and a co-author of a study that explored this phenomenon even said in 2016 that the preliminary study’s findings “support the anecdotal evidence that a ride on a moderate-intensity roller coaster could benefit some patients with small kidney stones.”

One Guest recently put the theory to the test!

Steph Fallon recently took to social media to share how she went to the Magic Kingdom to pass a kidney stone in Disney. The fan shared her story in a clip that went viral and now has over 1.1 million views on TikTok. Fallon shared her entire journey, from her flight in New Jersey through her journey riding at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

@steph_fallon

10/10 would recommend after a week of constant pain #kidneystone #kidneystones #bigthundermountain #disney #disneyworld #24hourtrip #fyp #foryou #lifehack

♬ original sound – Steph Fallon

Fallon details in the video she rode the coaster twice (with a break for the Buzz Lightyear attraction in between) and in the backseat like folks who have shared this trend have mentioned before. Fallon also shared she was in “so much pain” and took a flight back to Jersey the same night.

Fallon reported that she woke up the next morning and passed the kidney stone, adding “10/10 would recommend after a week of constant pain” in her caption.

Beacons of Magic, Tree of Life, Disney's Animal Kingdom

Beacons of Magic, Tree of Life, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Walt Disney World Resort / Courtesy of Disney

Fans were all tickled but spoke out in support of Fallon. One shared, “Your are true MVP for making this one part AND showing the kidney stone. 😂”

Another fan also said, “Best part is that you’re SO not alone in passing a kidney stone at Disney 😅.”

It’s certainly a unique reason to be at the Disney Parks!

About Priyanka Kumar

Priyanka is a writer, artist, avid reader, and travel enthusiast based in Chicago. In her free time, she is probably walking by the lake, catching up on the latest releases on TV, or spending inordinate amounts of time rewatching Moana, Encanto, and her Disney Channel life-long favorites Zack and Cody wreak havoc on the Tipton.

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