Disney Begins Refurbishment Preparations at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Large Scrim Installed

Gallery / 5 Photos
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad October 2024

Posted: Tuesday October 29, 2024 9:22am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

A large scrim has been set up behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom, concealing early construction activity as Disney prepares for the attraction's upcoming refurbishment.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad October 2024

Initial Preparations for Extensive Refurbishment

The appearance of the scrim suggests that preliminary work is already underway ahead of Big Thunder's scheduled closure on January 6, 2025. This early phase may involve site preparation for the installation of a large crane, which is likely needed to manage significant upgrades to the coaster's ride system and track. Disney's previously filed permits indicate the project will require extensive structural updates, with the ride expected to reopen sometime in 2026. Given the scale of the refurbishment, cranes and other heavy equipment will almost certainly be essential.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad October 2024

Anticipated Timeline

Disney has not yet provided specifics on what updates are planned, but recent permits indicate that the project timeline extends through March 2026. While this offers a general timeframe for completion, exact dates may shift as the work progresses.

Big Thunder Mountain at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom will close on January 6, 2025 for a lengthy refurbishment

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danlb_20008 hours ago

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

TheCoasterNerd8 hours ago

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

larryz10 hours ago

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

ToTBellHop11 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?

Moth17 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 Analyst1 day 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).