FeaturedMagic Kingdom

Iconic Magic Kingdom Ride Closes Without Return Date, Fans Respond

On October 14, 2024, Disney dropped some exciting yet somewhat concerning news for theme park fans: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will close for over a year.

Starting on January 6, 2025, this Frontierland favorite will shut down for extensive refurbishments, with its reopening scheduled for 2026. While Disney hasn’t shared the specifics on what changes are coming, fans are already speculating.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Credit: Disney

Theme park reporter Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) broke the news on social media, writing:

“Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park will close for an extended refurbishment on Jan. 6, 2025. The last day to ride before it closes is Jan. 5. The ride is planned to reopen in 2026 with new enhancements. No other details provided.”

The closure sparked immediate reactions from fans, with many wondering what enhancements could require such a lengthy shutdown. Some have pointed to Disneyland’s 2013 refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain as a potential model. Disneyland’s version was closed for over a year and returned with new track, trains, and a dramatic finale featuring projection mapping and explosive special effects. Could Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder be in for a similar upgrade?

Of course, not all fans are happy about the news. Social media quickly became a platform for expressing disappointment and frustration. The American Culturist (@MericaCulture) tweeted, “A whole year for what? [Bob] Iger keeps wasting money fixing things that aren’t broken…”

This jab is part of a broader criticism that CEO Bob Iger has faced since returning to Disney in 2022 following the departure of Bob Chapek. Iger’s strategy of investing heavily in park upgrades has divided some longtime Disney fans, especially when iconic attractions like Big Thunder are involved.

Bob Iger with Disney cast members
Credit: Disney Parks

Other fans, like Dee Bee (@RopeDropLife), are also skeptical. “A whole year for dynamite lighting effects? Geez,” they commented, suggesting that the rumored enhancements might not be worth the extended closure. However, not all reactions were negative. Native Honesty (@Raingoons) took a more optimistic approach: “Maybe they’ll take the chance to plus it up to the level Anaheim’s is at. Particularly the finale scene with the explosions, smoke, and lit fuses.”

Lex (@wheretolex) jokingly suggested the closure might be part of something much bigger, saying, “Radiator Springs Racers in coaster form?? lol what is happening?!”

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Credit: Disney

That comment touches on the larger changes coming to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, which have been gradually unfolding since Splash Mountain closed. At the 2024 D23 Expo in Anaheim, Disney confirmed plans to bring the Cars franchise to Magic Kingdom, specifically within Frontierland. The Cars land addition won’t be a carbon copy of Disneyland’s version, but it will feature two new attractions: a “thrilling rally race” for older guests and a family-friendly ride.

While fans are excited about the new attractions, this expansion comes at a cost. Josh D’Amaro’s Disney Experiences announced after the Expo that the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be removed to make room for the new Cars-themed area.

This has caused considerable controversy among fans, as those attractions have been Magic Kingdom staples for decades. However, Disney’s strategy of replacing older attractions with Intellectual Property-driven lands continues to shape the park’s future.

Concept art for the Cars-themed expansion coming to Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

D’Amaro explained the rationale behind these changes at the D23 Expo, stating, “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city.” His comments reflect Disney’s ongoing mission to blend classic park themes with beloved movie franchises.

The Cars expansion isn’t the only new addition coming to Frontierland. Disney is also planning to bring a Villains-themed land to Magic Kingdom, adding even more excitement—and IP-driven attractions—to the area behind Big Thunder Mountain.

Meanwhile, over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plans are underway for a new Monsters, Inc. land, while Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand, U.S.A. will be reimagined as a new land called Pueblo Esperanza, inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.

Concept art for Cars Land coming to Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

Despite these exciting future developments, some fans are feeling uneasy about Big Thunder Mountain’s long closure. As one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions, Big Thunder is a beloved part of many visitors’ Disney experience. The question remains: Will these upcoming “enhancements” be worth the wait?

Only time will tell what changes Disney has in store for Big Thunder. With over a year to go until its reopening, fans can only speculate about the future of this iconic coaster.

Will it receive the same high-tech treatment as Disneyland’s version? Will the closure pave the way for even more changes in Frontierland? One thing is certain: Disney fans will keep a close eye on these developments, ready to weigh in when Big Thunder emerges from its lengthy refurbishment in 2026.

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

Related Articles

Back to top button