Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closes for Major Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closed for Refurbishment - January 6 2025

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Posted: Monday January 6, 2025 9:15am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

As of today, January 6, 2025, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has officially closed at Magic Kingdom to begin its long-planned refurbishment. The classic Frontierland coaster, known as the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” will remain closed throughout the year, with Disney projecting a reopening sometime in 2026.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closed for Refurbishment - January 6 2025

A Comprehensive Overhaul

While Disney has not released detailed plans for the refurbishment, multiple permits filed over the past year point to a significant project involving structural upgrades and electrical work. The most recent notices suggest that work could extend until at least March 2026.

This marks the most extensive refurbishment for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad since 2012, when the ride closed for four months to undergo updates to the track and show elements. This time, the scale of the work appears larger, likely aimed at modernizing the ride system and refreshing key areas of the attraction.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closed for Refurbishment - January 6 2025

What We Know About the Timeline

Closure Date: January 6, 2025
Expected Reopening: Sometime in 2026
Notices of Commencement: Coastal Steel Inc. and DPR Construction filings expire in March 2026
Previous Permits: Include general construction, structural work, and electrical updates

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closed for Refurbishment - January 6 2025

Looking Ahead

While details about what Disney describes as “a little bit of new magic” remain unknown, past Big Thunder refurbishments—such as Disneyland’s 2014 update—have included modernized effects, enhanced lighting, and new story elements. If Magic Kingdom’s version follows a similar path, guests may experience updated visuals alongside ride system improvements.

Stay tuned for further updates on Big Thunder’s progress and what’s next for Frontierland as the refurbishment continues.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closed for Refurbishment - January 6 2025

Discuss on the Forums

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danlb_20006 hours ago

Yeah, I wonder where it is being staged, there isn't enough room where the crane is to stage all of it.

TheCoasterNerd6 hours ago

Or 7474 Chancellor Drive https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/what-is-disney-doing-at-7474-chancellor-drive.984103/

larryz8 hours ago

I would look along Floridian Way, by the fireworks launch racks just N of the MK

ToTBellHop9 hours ago

Plus, I presume there will be a lot of rock work replacement after the track is in. With a brand new track, they’ll want a good deal of time to test. Disney puts coasters through a lot with all those trains. Like Steve, I’m shocked we haven’t seen piles of track in aerial photos. Where are they keeping all that track?

Moth15 hours ago

I was thinking the same, but I feel the new effects they want to add will have them open on time (early next year).

Disney Analyst23 hours ago

Looking at some articles online, when IOA redid The Hulk, they closed in early September, only started removing track end of September, and it was only into November that all the track was removed. They installed new track from January-March, and it reopened in August. This already seems to be moving faster, and while I assume this is a bit more complex working with the mountain... could it reopen sooner than thought?

Disgruntled Walt1 day ago

I'm telling you, they're going to rush this as hard as they can. I think this is going to open early 2026, as soon as TBA goes down for refurb (maybe even sooner). I'll bet that's what they're aiming for. Because with TBA as erratic as it is, and the potential for more construction walls blocking the ROA in the near future, it's going to be a wasteland until they get BTM open again.

Drew the Disney Dude1 day ago

lazyboy97o1 day ago

Steel coasters are modular and use a lot of standard parts and methods for installation. They’re bolted together. The supports are often or can be standard steel pipe. Some manufacturers will sometimes even let you source the supports from elsewhere.

wdwmagic1 day ago

Indeed. The crew seemed to be very well prepared and have a very clear plan of action. I'm really surprised we haven't seen the new track being delivered or stored (aerial shots).