Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Thunder Mountain Railroad Will Never Be the Same

Disney’s classic western adventure is getting a makeover.

A roller coaster train with riders descends into a glowing, colorful cave filled with dramatic, jagged formations and pools of orange-yellow light, creating an adventurous, otherworldly atmosphere.
Credit: Disney

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently undergoing an exciting transformation that promises to enhance the ride experience for guests at Disney World. The refurbishment will include a complete overhaul of significant scenes throughout the ride, particularly focusing on the much-loved first lift hill within the caverns.

The refurbishment process began in January and will extend over a lengthy period to ensure detailed enhancements. Throughout this time, guests will not be able to take a ride on this iconic roller coaster, which adds to the emotional investment and excitement surrounding its eventual reopening.

New Storyline for Big Thunder Mountain

A group of people ride a train through a vibrant, colorful cave filled with glowing stalactites and stalagmites, illuminating the dark cavern with shades of pink, purple, yellow, and green.
Credit: Disney

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A key element of the refurbishment is a refreshing new storyline for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The narrative will transition from an exploration of an abandoned mining town to an exhilarating race through an active gold mine.

The revelation of a revamped storyline raises intriguing questions about how these changes will be integrated into the overall experience. With the inclusion of the Rainbow Caverns as a part of this narrative, guests can anticipate a journey enriched with both adventure and imagination.

In addition to the new storyline, numerous enhancements to the attraction’s features will be realized during the refurbishment. Fans can look forward to upgraded special effects and visually stunning environments designed to immerse guests further into the ride’s narrative. These enhancements aim to amplify the thrill of the roller coaster while retaining the magical essence that visitors expect from Disney attractions.

Broader Changes in Magic Kingdom

Concept art for Cars Land coming to Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Disney

The exciting updates to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are not taking place in isolation. Disney World is bustling with various projects enhancing the overall experience at Magic Kingdom. One of the most notable is the development of a new Cars-themed area, Piston Peak, which is set to take over the spots of attractions like Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat, both of which closed permanently.

Furthermore, a recent addition to the park is the Pirates of the Caribbean-themed bar, The Beak and Barrel, located near the entrance of the classic Pirates of the Caribbean ride. These enhancements reflect Disney’s commitment to continually refresh and innovate within their parks, creating space for new attractions while reimagining existing ones.

As Disney progresses with these vital developments, the fate of other beloved attractions also remains a topic of conversation. The upcoming closure of DINOSAUR to pave the way for the Tropical Americas expansion signifies a larger strategy by Disney to modernize and diversify guest experiences. This new area will feature fresh attractions, including those themed around popular franchises such as Encanto and Indiana Jones, broadening the park’s overall appeal.

Luke Dammann

When at Disney world, Luke will probably be found eating with his favorite animatronic, Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When not at Disney World, Luke will probably be found defending Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe to people who claim "there are better restaurants"

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