Disney Installing Sets on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad During Ongoing Refurbishment

Shannen Ace

Rustic Western-themed building and wooden barrels stand proudly against the backdrop of red rock formations, reminiscent of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. A large windmill rises beside scaffolding under a clear blue sky, completing the spirited scene.

Disney Installing Sets on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad During Ongoing Refurbishment

The extensive refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will include the installation of sets, a new permit indicates.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Permit

Rustic Western-themed building and wooden barrels stand proudly against the backdrop of red rock formations, reminiscent of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. A large windmill rises beside scaffolding under a clear blue sky, completing the spirited scene.

Filed by Walt Disney Imagineering, the permit lists Icarus Exhibits Inc. as the contractor hired to “install set elements” at 4485 Caribbean Way, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad address. Imagineering previously collaborated with Icarus to install 50th anniversary decorations on Cinderella Castle and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure sets.

The permit does not reveal the nature of the set elements or where exactly on the ride they will be. Crews have removed some props, including possums, from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad during construction. Major set pieces visible from outside the ride are still in place.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed in January 2025. It will reopen with “new magic” in 2026. Construction on a Disney Villains Land behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad may begin soon, too.

Watch our 4K multicam full ride POV from before the closure below:

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.