Howdy pardners! Along with the exciting news that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is officially reopening May 3 at Magic Kingdom, we also now know even smaller cowpokes can join you on the wildest ride in the wilderness.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Lowers Height Requirement

Before its closure in January 2025 for an extensive refurbishment, including new track and ride vehicles, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad required guests to be at least 40″ tall to ride.

The official announcement from Disney Parks Blog includes the new height requirement:

With all the improvements made to the attraction, along with a comprehensive review from our safety teams, Big Thunder Mountain will reopen with a lowered height requirement of 38”.

The official height requirement for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom is now 38″.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment

Upon reopening, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 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. Inoperable effects have also been restored. We recently saw Disney testing a steam effect at the front of the attraction, and a new sign was installed last month.

Are you excited to finally ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad again next month? Let us know on social media.

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