Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has officially closed its doors for a lengthy refurbishment, leaving millions of Walt Disney World Resort guests without access to the Frontierland roller coaster. As of Monday, January 6, 2025, construction walls have gone up around the ride, signaling the start of a massive transformation.
Big Changes at Thunder Mountain Railroad
First opening in 1980, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been thrilling Disney Park guests for 44 years. Located in the heart of Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland, the wildest ride in the wilderness is now set to undergo significant changes, marking a temporary goodbye for one of the Central Florida theme park’s most beloved attractions.
The refurbishment is part of a broader plan to reimagine Magic Kingdom Park. In the coming years, the closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be joined by the shuttering of Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat. These closures will allow Walt Disney Imagineers to fill in the Rivers of America and introduce two new attractions inspired by Pixar’s Cars (2006).
A Villainous Future
In addition to the Cars-themed attractions, Disney is planning a brand-new land focused on some of the company’s most infamous villains.
“Be prepared, you poor unfortunate souls,” Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro said during D23 Expo 2024. “It’s going to be a fearless new vision for what a Disney experience can be.”
This upcoming Disney Villains land will feature two attractions, themed dining, and retail locations, allowing guests to interact with the darker side of Disney storytelling. These updates signal the most significant changes to Magic Kingdom Park’s layout in decades.
What We Know About the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment
Months before the closure, a crane appeared in Frontierland, sparking rumors about a possible track replacement for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. While Disney has been tight-lipped about specific details, a general construction permit filed by Walt Disney World Resort suggests that this refurbishment could last at least 14 months, with the permit expiring in March 2026. Disney has only teased “new magic” coming to the attraction.
For those looking to experience Frontierland during the refurbishment, the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and the Frontierland Shooting Arcade will remain open.
Do you hope they make any changes to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments.
They shouldnt fix something that isnt broken!