Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Overhaul Underway: Track Work Begins and Props Tagged for Demo and Preservation

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Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment - January 6 2025

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Posted: Monday January 6, 2025 11:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney is wasting no time on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment, with visible progress already being made at the classic Magic Kingdom attraction. Crews have been spotted throughout the mountain, working on various parts of the ride, including the track and interior props.

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment - January 6 2025

Track Work and Prop Tagging in Progress

Workers can be seen conducting inspections and making adjustments along the ride's track, a key focus of the project. Inside the mountain, props have been tagged, with some labeled "Demo" for removal and others marked "Protect," indicating which elements will remain part of the attraction.

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment - January 6 2025

The refurbishment officially began on January 6, 2025, and the attraction is expected to reopen sometime in 2026. The project's timeline, reinforced by permits valid until March 2026, suggests a major renovation. Disney has promised "a little bit of new magic" when the attraction reopens, though specific updates remain under wraps.

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment - January 6 2025

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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?

Moth16 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).