Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, one of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic attractions, is gearing up for its most extensive refurbishment to date – and a new notice suggests we were right in thinking just how long it will take.
After months of speculation, Disney confirmed in late 2024 that the beloved Frontierland roller coaster will temporarily close on January 6, 2025, for a significant overhaul. While an exact reopening date hasn’t been announced, the ride’s page on the Walt Disney World Resort website teases that it will return in 2026 with “a little bit of new magic.”
What To Expect From Thunder Mountain’s Refurbishment
There have long been whispers that this magic will involve a full track replacement, a process that would be both intricate and time-intensive.
The latter seems increasingly true, judging by a newly filed Notice of Commencement that names Coastal Steel Inc. as the contractor for “General Construction” and boasts an expiration date of March 13, 2026.
According to WDWMagic, this matches the timeline of a prior permit issued to DPR Construction, a firm experienced in large-scale structural projects. Interestingly, an earlier permit for Coastal Steel carried an expiration date of August 8, 2025, indicating that the project’s scope may have expanded, further lengthening the timeline.
This marks the first major refurbishment for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad since 2012 when it underwent a four-month closure for upgrades. However, the upcoming overhaul is expected to be far more extensive.
Theme parks often replace the tracks of aging roller coasters to ensure safety, improve performance, and enhance guest experiences. Over time, wear and tear can lead to rougher rides, making such maintenance essential.
Big Thunder Mountain isn’t the only ride to undergo this type of refurbishment. In 2024, Disneyland Resort temporarily closed The Incredicoaster on Pixar Pier to replace its loop track, a task it had similarly completed in 2018.
Universal Orlando Resort took a similar approach with the Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure, which closed for a year between 2015 and 2016 to replace large sections of its track, upgrade trains, and add features like onboard audio and special lighting effects.
Other Upcoming Changes in Frontierland
Beyond Big Thunder Mountain, Disney is making other significant updates to Frontierland. The park will introduce the world’s first Disney Villains land, featuring two new attractions, alongside a Cars-themed area with its own unique rides. This expansion, however, comes at a cost—the closure of Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat, a move that has sparked debate among Disney enthusiasts.
As Disney embarks on these ambitious projects, fans are left speculating about what changes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad might see. Will the updates preserve its classic charm while adding new layers of magic? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the wildest ride in the wilderness is about to get wilder.
Are you excited about the extra magic coming to Thunder Mountain?
