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Responding to the rumors of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closing for refurbishment, guests reveal its shocking condition and share some humorous (albeit mildly concerning) anecdotes.
The longevity of the Disney Parks is one of the most unique aspects of the theme parks. Since Walt Disney opened Disneyland Park back in 1955, the Disney Resort has become a mainstay for Disney fans all over the world to frequent as a premier Disney vacation spot.
Because both Disney Parks have been around for at least three decades, there are a lot of attractions that have withstood the test of time. But even the most hardcore of fans admit that some rides are in dire need of TLC, given that their age is showing (and painfully).
Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Walt Disney World Resort / Credit: Inside the Magic
Related: Report: Disney World Ripping Out and Replacing Another Classic Attraction
Most recently, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the attraction that opened in 1979 in Disneyland and Disney World, has been at the center of closure rumors.
While it hasn’t been officially confirmed by Disney yet, the Disney ride—which allows guests to “Race through a haunted gold mine aboard a speeding train on this thrilling coaster-style ride”—is rumored to close sometime early this Fall, and after the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (and we now finally know when this is happening).
However, this classic ride shutting down for any amount of time is a downer on any Disney vacation for obvious reasons. With Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the refurbishment is said to be quite significant: it might include Disney ripping out the entire track and replacing it.
This will likely take a fair amount of time, which means that sources estimate the ride will be closed for at least a year, if not more.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad /Credit: Disney
This is huge and, if true, will likely be a significant refurbishment.
Fans also took the time to acknowledge this, and also add what they hoped Disney would bring to the ride: “Love seeing rides getting needed TLC. It sucks when they’re shutdown for so long, but I’m hoping they add some of the effects they added to the Disneyland one when they did their rehab.”
Another Disneyland based fan added, “Yeah I’m local to CA, but went to WDW this year for the first time in many years and the WDW version does not have the same TNT effect the CA ride does. My kid even pointed out we made it through without exploding this trip. Lol.”
At the same time, while acknowledging the need for this refurbishment, a fan pointed out another ride that was also desperately in need of some care from Disney: “Meanwhile, Space Mountain predicted to continue rattling spines and causing minor head trauma through at least 2026.
Space Mountain at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom / Credit: Disney
When responding to a comment about how Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was rumored to have the ability to break down kidney stones, one fan shared a humorous yet shocking anecdote.
One fan asked, “Why is it that Space Mountain is rougher, but Big Thunder is the one rumored to be capable of breaking down Kidney Stones? (Seriously, it’s rumored that both Space Mountain and Rock N’ Roller Coaster failed to achieve this result, but Big Thunder succeeded?)”
To which another responded, “Space mountain broke open a hemorrhoid of mine. We joke it broke my butt.”
Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World / Credit: Greg Park, Unsplash
While humorous, the debate of whether Space Mountain needed to become smoother and updated is one that’s well worth looking into.
Do you believe Space Mountain is in need of TLC? Do you prefer it in its “rougher” state? Let Disney Dining in the comments.
