Sources close to the matter suggest that the closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is part of a long-awaited plan approved by Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle.
Disney World Magic Kingdom Attraction To Receive Major Overhaul
According to Disney insider Scott Gustin, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom is set to close on January 6, 2025. The beloved attraction will remain closed for the entirety of the year, with a planned reopening in 2026, following what Disney has described as “new enhancements.” While Disney has not offered specific details on what these enhancements will entail, speculation has already begun among Disney fans.
NEW: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park will close for an extended refurbishment on Jan. 6, 2025. The last day to ride before it closes is Jan. 5. The ride is planned to reopen in 2026 with new enhancements. No other details provided.
NEW: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park will close for an extended refurbishment on Jan. 6, 2025. The last day to ride before it closes is Jan. 5.
The ride is planned to reopen in 2026 with new enhancements. No other details provided. pic.twitter.com/TcXOVNnArY
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 14, 2024
Many believe the updates could be connected to the rumored Cars Land expansion or even the highly anticipated Villains Land, which was announced at the D23 Expo. In the same announcement, Disney revealed that several attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close starting January 12, though notably, the popular DINOSAUR attraction was not included on the list of early 2025 closures.
Major Overhaul for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This update will not only include track and control system upgrades but will also introduce new thematic elements and special effects. Notably, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to receive a version of the dynamite explosion effect that has been featured in other versions of the ride across Disney parks globally.
Reports from a theme park news site indicate that these changes have been in development for some time. In fact, the explosion effect had originally been planned for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary but was shelved in 2020 under the leadership of former Disney CEO Bob Chapek due to pandemic-related delays and budget constraints.
Now, with plans finally moving forward, Big Thunder Mountain is slated for a significant overhaul, ensuring it remains one of the Magic Kingdom’s most thrilling and popular attractions.
New Effects and Technological Upgrades
While Disney has not confirmed any specific changes, insiders have provided a glimpse into what visitors can expect when the ride reopens in 2026. One of the most anticipated updates is the installation of a modified version of the explosion effect found in other versions of the ride, such as at Disneyland in California. However, sources suggest that the version coming to Walt Disney World may be “value engineered,” meaning it could be a more streamlined or budget-conscious version of the effect.
In addition to new special effects, the overhaul will likely include crucial hardware updates to improve the ride’s overall reliability. In recent years, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has experienced unexpected downtime, particularly due to issues with its lift hills. As part of the refurbishment, Disney is expected to replace hardware on the lift hills, install new sensors, and revamp the ride’s control board. These changes are designed to minimize ride interruptions and ensure smoother, more reliable operation for years to come.
The overhaul will also allow Disney to enhance safety and operational efficiency, which has been a key focus in recent updates to the park’s aging attractions.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens the Door for Refurbishments
Big Thunder Mountain’s closure comes at a time when Disney is looking to manage crowd capacity while keeping the Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions operational. The opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in late 2024 will provide some “wiggle room” for Park Operations, allowing them to take Big Thunder Mountain offline without causing a significant strain on guest experience.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the new attraction replacing Splash Mountain, is expected to draw large crowds when it opens. Its debut will serve as a buffer during Big Thunder Mountain’s closure, helping to maintain visitor satisfaction while Disney focuses on upgrading the 44-year-old Frontierland coaster.
Future Speculation: Cars Land and Villains Land
Although Disney has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the Big Thunder Mountain enhancements, the timing of the refurbishment has fueled rumors that the changes could be linked to larger projects within the Magic Kingdom.
Some fans are speculating that the overhaul could pave the way for a new Cars Land expansion, a popular concept first introduced at Disney California Adventure. Others believe that Villains Land, a much-anticipated project announced at D23, could be on the horizon and that the Big Thunder Mountain closure may be a precursor to those plans.
For now, Disney fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but the upcoming changes are sure to generate excitement and speculation among park-goers and theme park enthusiasts alike.
As more details are released, Disney visitors can expect a reinvigorated version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad when it reopens in 2026—bringing a refreshed blend of new technology and classic thrills to the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.
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