A new Notice of Commencement has been filed for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, marking another step in the extensive refurbishment project scheduled to begin in early 2025.
The notice lists Coastal Steel Inc. as the contractor, with the work described as "General Construction." The document carries an expiration date of March 13, 2026, reinforcing the expectation that the major overhaul could stretch well into the spring of 2026.
This latest filing aligns with a previous permit issued to DPR Construction, which also carries an expiration date of March 13, 2026. DPR Construction is known for handling complex structural projects, indicating that the timeline for refurbishment phases may be coordinated between Disney's major contractors.
Interestingly, a prior permit involving Coastal Steel Inc. had a much earlier expiration date of August 8, 2025. The new March 2026 date extends the expected timeline for Coastal Steel's involvement, reinforcing the notion that the project may be more extensive than initially anticipated.
Project Timeline at a Glance
- Closure Date: January 6, 2025
- Previous Coastal Steel Permit Expiration: August 8, 2025
- Current Coastal Steel Notice Expiration: March 13, 2026
- DPR Construction Permit Expiration: March 13, 2026
- Expected Reopening: 2026 (likely Spring or later)
This refurbishment is shaping up to be the most comprehensive update to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad since it opened.
Disney has yet to release details on what "a little bit of new magic" entails, but the multitude of permits and extended timelines suggest substantial work ahead.
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