While visiting Magic Kingdom today, we spotted the first new track piece being installed at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Today’s arrival of the new track comes just over three weeks after the first piece of the old track was hauled away. The new track appeared to be for the first lift hill that guests experience inside the mountain as the ride begins. Here’s your first look at the new track!
New Roller Coaster Track Installed at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
We were enjoying an early morning on Tom Sawyer Island when we noticed the crane start to move and the new track begin to emerge from a backstage staging area some 150′ away from the attraction. After fumbling with the camera a bit, we grabbed some photos of the track as it was lifted through the air into place. The track swung over the Walt Disney World Railroad attraction, which remains open during the work, and toward an opening in the mountain where the ride emerges from the caverns to begin its runaway journey.
We’ll start with some photos from Tom Sawyer Island before jumping on board the Liberty Square Riverboat for a unique view of the work!
Eventually, the piece dipped behind the mountain where crews were waiting to receive it. The piece was hooked up to a lift system to then be guided down into the mountain. This looks to be the first part of the bottom of the lift hill, with a slight upward curve to the track. Here’s a look at the work from aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat!
By the time we had made a second lap around the Rivers of America on the Riverboat, the crane had detached from the track, and crews were working on lowering the track piece into place down in the mountain. It’s likely that they’ll build from the bottom of the lift hill up to the top.
For the latest news, photos, and info about the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad track replacement project, check out our project tracker page below!
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