We spotted an extension of the construction walls at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as the lengthy refurbishment continues at the Magic Kingdom. They are also testing trains today, January 9.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Construction Update
When walking to the entrance of the closed attraction, our reporter spotted trains on the track. We have been spotting trains running for several months.
Pictured above is what our reporter saw back in December 2025.
And, pictured above is what it looks like today, January 9. The popcorn kiosk right next to the entrance of the attraction is no longer accessible to guests. There is another kiosk along the main walkway in Frontierland to purchase the snack.
The walls have expanded extensively, now running all the way along to nearly the Frontierland Station for the Walt Disney World Railroad. Those trains have been running in a shuttle mode since July of last year.
A notable amount of scaffolding was removed late last year, so the construction crew may soon move on to the guest-accessible sections of the mountain.
Beyond the construction walls, progress is visible on the future Piston Peak. For a better view, check out our post from the other day in which we noticed a temporary wood structure was removed, and crews were pouring concrete in the area where it was previously located.
Our next look at the site comes from riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The dirt path with tracks might be a site for the pouring of future concrete.
We also get a better look at the former spot of the popcorn cart, which appears to have been removed.
Our last look is at the exit of the attraction. Large dirt piles and construction workers can be seen, as they might be preparing for additional concrete pouring. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad received all-new track early during this refurbishment project, and construction outside might hint towards the attraction itself being close to finished, although work at the entrance and guest-facing side remains to be done.
The opening timeframe was announced late last year for this refurbishment, which promised new bells and whistles. Disney announced Big Thunder would get an updated opening scene with a transformation of the Rainbow Caverns. There are expected to be more new scenes and surprises, but they have not been announced just yet.
Watch our full ride POV of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from before its closure below.
Are you excited for this ride to reopen? Let us know in the comments and on social media.
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