Disney has announced the reopening date for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom. The coaster has been closed for over a year.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopening Date
Disney shared a tongue-in-cheek video about Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, highlighting all the comments demanding an opening date for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Ultimately, the video announces Big Thunder will reopen on May 3.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed in January 2025. Disney did not initially share a reopening timeframe but eventually announced it would reopen in early May.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Backstory
The story of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad dates back to Olden Times, or rather, Golden Times, during the early days of America’s first major gold rush. When Barnabas T. Bullion struck gold in the Big Thunder region, he saw a future full of riches and hustled to start the Big Thunder Mountain Company.
However, them shiny dreams rarely come without a cost, and Bullion quickly found himself in a battle with the forces of nature and in a whole heap of trouble. One day, strange and unexplainable things started happening. Machines failed. Cave-ins shut mines down.
No matter how deep the miners dug into the heart of the mountain, the forces of Big Thunder fought back. And when the attraction reopens next year, the unsuspectin’ passengers who board the runaway trains will learn just how wild the wilderness can get.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Updates
The ride will have an updated opening scene with a transformation of the Rainbow Caverns. When guests enter the Rainbow Caverns they will see a majestic, beautiful scene of bats, phosphorescent pools, and shimmering stalagmites and stalactites. Then thunder rumbles and the scene shifts to a menacing atmosphere.
The ride will also have refreshed Audio-Animatronics and new gold props. The ride’s entire track was replaced and it has new trains. Inoperable effects have been restored. We recently saw Disney testing a steam effect at the front of the attraction. A new sign was installed last month.
With the improvements and after a comprehensive review by safety teams, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will lower its height requirement to 38″. It was previously 40″.
Watch our full ride POV of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from before its closure below.
Are you excited for the return of the wildest ride in the wilderness? Let us know on social media.
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