Magic Kingdom Park is on the cusp of a major transformation as Walt Disney World Resort begins bidding farewell to the original Frontierland town of Tumbleweed. After decades of setting the stage on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a fresh new chapter is unfolding with the introduction of a refreshed Tumbleweed as part of the attraction’s ongoing year-long refurbishment.
The extensive Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment has been underway since January 2025. Recently, crews celebrated a key milestone—allegedly installing the final steel track piece—bringing the beloved roller coaster closer to reopening. But the updates extend far beyond the coaster’s track.
Today at Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain celebrated a refurbishment milestone.
Judging by the large ceremony, it appears the final piece of the attraction’s complete re-track has been lifted into place!
Today at Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain celebrated a refurbishment milestone. 🚂
Judging by the large ceremony, it appears the final piece of the complete re-track of the attraction has been lifted into place! pic.twitter.com/X99ZhL66Z4
— Mickey Views (@MickeyViews) May 28, 2025
According to WDWNT, the buildings that make up the coaster’s fictional town of Tumbleweed are undergoing a vibrant makeover. Disney cast members have been repainting the scaffolding-covered facades, transforming the Gold Dust Saloon from teal to a brighter blue and transforming a neighboring building with a fresh, eye-catching yellow. A nearby stagecoach wrapped in protective tape hints at further refurbishments to come.
Even the ride queue is seeing attention, with wooden structures shielded by tarps and props tagged to ensure their preservation during work. A curious white windmill-like feature has appeared near one refurbished building. Additionally, a mysterious structure between Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has taken shape with two completed walls. However, Disney has yet to reveal its purpose or whether guests will be able to access it.
This update is just one piece of a larger Frontierland expansion. At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering announced plans for a Disney Villains-themed land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” along with the replacement of Tom Sawyer Island and much of the Rivers of America with two new Cars (2006)-themed attractions. These additions will dramatically reshape the guest experience and expand Magic Kingdom Park’s footprint.
Disney likely plans to keep Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat running until Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens to minimize disruption during the ongoing construction.
The refreshed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to debut with some “new magic” in early 2026.
Does another Walt Disney World Resort attraction need a year-long refurbishment? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!
