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

16 days ago in "Big Thunder Mountain Railroad"

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.

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.

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.

View all current and upcoming Walt Disney World refurbishments

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

View all comments →

TiggerDad2 hours ago

It will probably take a little longer for that process than removal. ;)

Mr. Sullivan8 hours ago

I can't even begin to imagine how frustrating it's gonna be to re-lay down track inside the existing mountain structure. Just thinking about it is irritating me and I don't even have to do it.

JoeCamel12 hours ago

Deep subject

MisterPenguin12 hours ago

What would happen if hole met ladder?

JoeCamel12 hours ago

Don't make me start a hole thread.. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54260679293_0c50858d70_k.jpg

MerlinTheGoat16 hours ago

Dang, guess we just figured out which Disney movie IP this is being changed to...

MisterPenguin16 hours ago

gerarar17 hours ago

All (visible) roller coaster track has been removed, apparently. Source and more:

FigmentFan823 days ago

ToTBellHop3 days ago

He employs only top men so we are good.

mikeymouse3 days ago

Man, what a project! Hoping that all the kings horses and all the kings men can put Big Thundy Mounty back together again!

JoeCamel3 days ago

Looks like they are rebuilding at least some of the footers

Disstevefan14 days ago