Disney announced Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for at least a year, confirming previous rumors.
Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment
Even before Disney officially announced details of their beyond Big Thunder project, construction permits indicated the ride would close for a major refurbishment. The Walt Disney World website now states:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will temporarily close for refurbishment on January 6, 2025. The attraction will reopen with a little bit of new magic in 2026.
January 5 will be the last day to experience Big Thunder Mountain Railroad until 2026.
A Disney Villains land will be constructed beyond Big Thunder, so the refurbishment is likely in part getting the area ready for the new space. The new land will include two major attractions, dining, and shopping.
Frontierland will also get two “Cars” rides as part of a new area replacing Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America. The island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will permanently close.
As seen in the above Google Maps screenshot, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is surrounded on two sides by the Rivers of America, so any significant construction in the area necessitates the ride’s closure for safety (and to keep details of the new land and rides hidden).
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was last closed for a standard refurbishment in January 2024.
Frontierland has already seen big updates this year with the openings of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
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