The sands of time are shifting in Magic Kingdom, and with them, the nostalgic atmosphere of Frontierland is slowly being erased. Walt Disney World Resort’s Frontierland, a cornerstone of the park’s history for over half a century, is now undergoing a significant overhaul, with changes that signify the end of an era. Today, let’s take a look at the latest update on the ongoing refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Gets a Makeover
One of the most beloved attractions in Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, is currently closed for what’s shaping up to be the longest refurbishment in its history. The roller coaster shut its doors in January and is expected to remain closed until early 2026, with the promise of “new magic” when it finally reopens.
Although Disney has not shared the full scope of the refurbishment, rumors began circulating when large cranes arrived in Frontierland. Speculation was rife that the iconic track was being replaced, and those whispers were confirmed when guests began spotting new steel tracks being unloaded at the park.
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On Tuesday, WDWNT spotted crews working on multiple parts of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Workers had placed tarps and cones in the ride’s queue, although it’s unclear what they’re doing in the area. The new track was visible on the roller coaster’s second lift hill, but some remaining scaffolding and red tape suggested that construction wasn’t finished.
Other Monumental Changes to Frontierland
While Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently at the forefront of this transformation, it’s far from the only major shift in Frontierland. The original Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade is gone, replaced by a Disney Vacation Club lounge. Last year, Splash Mountain was rethemed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Disney debuted its refreshed Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
In the coming years, Disney will fill in parts of the Rivers of America and demolish Tom Sawyer Island to make way for two new Cars (2006) attractions. Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced an opening date for these rides, which will forever change Frontierland’s landscape.
The Future: A Villains Land and More
As if all of that weren’t enough, the future of the Magic Kingdom holds even more dramatic changes. Walt Disney Imagineers have filed permits for the construction of a Disney Villains Land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain.” Although the Disney Villains land won’t be part of Frontierland, it’s expected to bring a wave of visitors to the area and vastly increase Magic Kingdom Park’s footprint.
With such a large portion of Frontierland being gutted or rethemed, it’s clear that Disney is preparing for a new era of park experiences. But the remnants of Frontierland’s rich history are still visible—if you know where to look. For now, guests can catch glimpses of the ongoing work as they ride the Walt Disney World Railroad or take in the view from the Liberty Square Riverboat.
What do you think of the changes to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
I don’t like it at all and I think they should fire by a bigger because he’s done got so woke and having to give in and he’s not even upholding his belief of his Jewish faith to me.
it is such a shame that the foundation of Disneyland is being erased. While i agree there needs to be changes and updates, But to take a land away from the original blueprint is way too much. And now we are erasing Americas Rivers and America’s Western Frontier? There go our memories when visiting.
Time to non renew the passes in August…..
In all the recent bad and stupid decisions made by Disney the destruction of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island has to rate as the worst one yet. On a hot Orlando day it’s so nice to pop over to Tom’s Island and wander around in the cool shade. Also traveling in the Liberty Bell whether day or night is a great thing to do. Just look at rhetorical photos of the island and river and you can’t help but enjoy the tranquil beauty. I’m starting to fall out of love with Disney!!
The DUMBING DOWN of Disney’s theme parks continues…
R.I.P.
The Great Movie Ride (Hollywood Studios), Maelstrom (EPCOT), 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (WDW Magic Kingdom), The Living Seas (EPCOT), Horizons (EPCOT), El Rio Del Tiempo (EPCOT), Dinosaur (ANIMAL KINGDOM), Country Bear Jamboree (WDW Magic Kingdom), Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride (WDW Magic Kingdom), The Submarine Voyage (Disneyland), The Peoplemover (Disneyland), Adventure Thru Inner Space (Disneyland), Snow White’s Scary Adventures (WDW Magic Kingdom), River Country (WDW Fort Wilderness), Country Bear Vacation Ho Down (Disneyland), The Universe of Energy (EPCOT), The World of Motion (EPCOT), ETC ETC ETC. Eminent destruction: The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, Frontierland, Liberty Square (WDW Magic Kingdom).
I’m sorry that there’s old folk feeling that they don’t want to go to Disney anymore,but that’s fine ,but things can’t stand still because a particular group of visitors won’t go anymore if things change,there are younger visitors that will appreciate all the new rides ,until they get old and need replacing ,it’s just how life goes .