Does Thunderation really stand for T.N.T? I have heard old prospectors and hill people in movies (The Shepherd of the Hills) use the word in sentences like: What in Thunderation? Not sure where the word come from.
I believe Thunderation does stand for TNT (in SDC's case), because it's officially spelled ThuNderaTion, and the caps spell TNT. Thunderation is also a slang term, that expresses bewilderment, amazement, and confusion (that's the best way I can describe it). Encarta has a more formal definition. It says it's an exclamation of annoyance or surprise.
I was enthralled with ThuNderaTion when it was first announced. I remember how excited I was to see the model right by the entrance to the park in 1992! I couldn't believe SDC was putting in a coaster! I agree with Steve. It would be fun to hear the backstory, find out how they chose the name, and see the number of sketches and name changes they went through.