Disney has filed a new permit for the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment project at Magic Kingdom, with an indication of a possible timeline for completion.
The permit has been assigned to DPR Construction, a company known for its expertise in complex and technical projects, and is valid through March 13, 2026.
This is the second permit, following an earlier filing with Coastal Steel, which carries an expiration of August 8, 2025.
2026 Reopening
This new permit sheds light on a potential reopening timeline for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Initially, Disney confirmed the attraction would close for refurbishment starting January 6, 2025, with a target reopening in 2026. With DPR Construction assigned to the project and the permit's expiration extending into March 2026, it's possible that guests may not see Big Thunder reopen until at least spring 2026. While permits provide some insight, they aren't always a reliable indicator of a project's exact timeline. For now, however, they offer the best available information.
A Comprehensive Overhaul for the Iconic Attraction
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a fan-favorite since its debut at Magic Kingdom in 1980, is set for its most extensive refurbishment yet. Earlier permits had already hinted at large-scale updates, focusing on the attraction's core ride system and other essential components. Disney has yet to announce specific details about what new elements might be introduced, but the refurbishment promises "a little bit of new magic" upon reopening.
Disneyland's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad underwent a similar large-scale overhaul in 2012, during which significant updates were made to both the ride system and visual elements.
Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox