A large crane is now in position behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
The crane, which is now clearly visible from certain vantage points around Frontierland, will be used for tasks like dismantling and replacing track sections, as well as other work requiring a large reach. The scale of the crane suggests that substantial updates are planned for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is set to close for refurbishment on January 6, 2025, and reopen sometime in 2026.
What to Expect During the Refurbishment
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's refurbishment will be its most extensive since a four-month update in 2012. Permits filed for the project indicate work on the ride system, infrastructure, and electrical systems.
Disney has promised "a little bit of new magic" when the attraction reopens, but the exact details of what will change remain under wraps. Previous updates to Big Thunder at Disneyland included enhanced ride systems, updated vehicles, and refreshed theming, so it's possible Magic Kingdom's version could receive similar upgrades.
Stay tuned for more updates as the project unfolds.
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