Last Chance to Ride Big Thunder Mountain, Kali River Rapids, and Gran Fiesta Tour Before Refurbishments Begin January 2025

Posted: Friday January 3, 2025 11:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

If you're planning a visit to Walt Disney World soon, make time for three popular attractions before they close for refurbishment next week. Beginning January 6, 2025, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Kali River Rapids, and Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros will be temporarily unavailable as Disney prepares them for updates and maintenance.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — Magic Kingdom

Last Day to Ride: January 5, 2025
Reopening Timeline: 2026

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is heading into an extended closure for its most extensive refurbishment to date. The popular Frontierland coaster will return in 2026 with what Disney calls "a little bit of new magic," though specific details remain under wraps. Fans of the attraction will want to grab one last ride before the iconic "wildest ride in the wilderness" goes quiet for the long refurbishment.

Crane Deployed at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - December 17, 2024

Kali River Rapids — Disney's Animal Kingdom

Last Day to Ride: January 5, 2025
Expected Reopening: March 2025

This annual closure is typical for Kali River Rapids during the cooler months, as Disney uses the downtime to perform routine maintenance. No specific reopening date has been confirmed, but Disney expects the raft ride to be back in action sometime in March 2025. If you enjoy a thrilling river journey with splashes of adventure, now is your chance before the ride is temporarily off the itinerary.

Kali River Rapids overview

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros — EPCOT

Last Day to Ride: January 5, 2025
Reopening Date: March 15, 2025

Located inside the Mexico pavilion, this charming boat ride featuring José, Panchito, and Donald Duck is also set for a brief closure. Disney plans to reopen Gran Fiesta Tour on March 15, 2025. Fans of the Three Caballeros should take advantage of this last opportunity to enjoy the attraction before it closes for its scheduled refurbishment.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

View all current and upcoming Walt Disney World refurbishments

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Disgruntled Walt10 hours ago

Making a new thread for this rumor. EDIT: Here it is!

peter1143512 hours ago

The timing

TrainsOfDisney12 hours ago

Yes, all other versions are side by side. I believe all other versions have on board audio as well. The one in Anaheim is my favorite. I was so glad they restored the blue light tunnel again!

JD8012 hours ago

That rumor makes sense because I believe tomorrow and is getting a big polish after all th stuff already announced is completed. This is 4+ years from now. Unless they think that can get BTM and Space done before Villains is ready. I don't think they want major rides down with villains just opening.

James Alucobond13 hours ago

Is it not side-by-side in other parks? Also, I find it fairly uncomfortable even as a 150-lb man.

EricsBiscuit13 hours ago

Losing the two tracks on Space Mountain would be another insult to the MK. The big wigs in Burbank couldn’t care less about MK.

gorillaball13 hours ago

But the single wide vehicle is what makes it unique, lose that and you lose a lot. Especially with the most recent two coasters built being two wide, indoor coasters.

Agent H14 hours ago

Oh I know the last time I went on it was at the Christmas party and I spent the whole ride terrified I was going to lose my phone

James Alucobond14 hours ago

I mean whether or not it'll switch to single track with a double-wide vehicle. That would honestly go a long way toward me bothering with it again. The current vehicles always have me grasping at my pocket contents out of concern that they'll slide into the abyss.