Thunder Mountain Question

My first memories of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (early 80's) at DL are of a part in the ride where it scared me because it looked like rocks were falling on the tracks up ahead. But in the nick of time, the train dived a bit , and you instantly realized it was a good optical illusion, at least from a kid's view.
My last visit was in 2000, and that part is no longer there. Anyone know when it was changed and why?

I went to DW in Oct. 2001 and the falling rocks were still there.  I don't know why DL would have them removed.  I do remember though in 1999 when DL was refurbishing the ride.  Maybe the rocks were removed then.

The falling rocks are still there. Maybe they wern't on or you didn't notice them.

I think they were there when I was at DL in 99.  I would think they are still there.  Maybe not?
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- Peabody

Glad to hear they're still there. I was there on Labor Day 2000, the last day it was going to be running before a scheduled shut-down for the addition of electronic gates, if I heard correctly. Anyway, I knew this was coming, which is why we went that day. Perhaps that part had already been "powered down", pending the closure.
I rode it three times that day, looking for that effect, and nothing like that happened at any point during my rides. At any rate, I look forward to visiting again in 2003, and seeing the reactions of my friend's who have never rode it. I wonder if it is as convincing from an adult perspective.