Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park is changing fast, and longtime Disney fans may barely recognize it when the dust settles. Walt Disney World Resort is slowly overhauling its classic Old West area, and the beloved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster is at the heart of the transformation.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Shuts Down
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a fan-favorite attraction since 1980, is now officially closed to guests for the entirety of 2025. The iconic coaster, known for its wild twists through the Old West, is undergoing a massive refurbishment, with construction walls blocking access and crews working behind the scenes.
Walt Disney World Resort shared that the ride would be refreshed with “a little bit of new magic,” but specific details about the overhaul remain under wraps. The closure began on January 6, 2025, and marks one of the most significant updates the coaster has received in over four decades.
Crews Replace Roller Coaster Tracks
Rumors of a track replacement gained traction earlier this year when cranes arrived in Frontierland, sparking speculation among Disney Parks fans. These suspicions were confirmed in February when new roller coaster track pieces were seen arriving at Magic Kingdom Park on flatbed trucks.
More recently, guests riding the Walt Disney World Railroad spotted construction workers near the Gold Dust Saloon facade actively replacing sections of the exterior track. WDWNT reported that scaffolding and other equipment in the area suggest that much of the track still needs to be updated before the ride reopens.
Though no official reopening date has been announced, Walt Disney World Resort has indicated that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will likely return in early 2026.
A Roller Coaster With a Unique Legacy
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad isn’t just another Disney attraction. Since debuting at Magic Kingdom Park in 1980, the coaster has inspired international versions at Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris and even achieved scientific recognition. A study confirmed that riding the roller coaster could help guests pass kidney stones – a claim that added an unusual layer of fame to the ride.
Saying Goodbye to the Old West
The refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Frontierland is in the midst of a sweeping transformation that has already claimed several long-standing attractions.
Last year, the Country Bear Jamboree was replaced by the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, while Splash Mountain became Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The decades-old Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade shut down permanently.
Walt Disney World Resort has also confirmed plans to demolish Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat to make way for a new Cars (2006) area. Bulldozers will flatten the island and fill in the Rivers of America, creating space for two new rides themed around Lightning McQueen and friends.
Beyond these changes, Walt Disney Imagineers are planning an all-new Disney Villains Land behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. While official opening dates have not yet been revealed, the new land promises to make Magic Kingdom Park larger than ever.
Follow Disney Dining for ongoing updates as Disney continues to reimagine Frontierland and introduce brand-new adventures at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
What do you hope changes about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park? Should anything stay the same? Disney Dining would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Only if the rides are more imaginable creative than the old rides.