In the midst of announcements surrounding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad today, Disney World ambassadors shared a quick look at ride updates on social media.

Early Look at Changes Coming to Big Thunder Mountain

In an official Instagram post, Disney Parks and Walt Disney World ambassadors shared an early look at ride updates coming to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ahead of its reopening.

In the video, current Walt Disney World ambassadors Kylee Withers and Phelicia Blake speak with two staff members from Walt Disney Imagineering who worked on the extensive updates for Big Thunder Mountain.

Over the course of the clip, we get a variety of new perspectives from within the attraction for the first time since its closure. Much of the new trackwork can be seen at various points throughout the coaster’s path.

Notably, we also get a quick look at the refreshed seats in the updated ride vehicles. The seats are aesthetically similar to their previous design, but the original cushioning has been replaced with beige upholstery across the vehicle seat. The new cushioning also appears slightly more plush than the original.

We got another clear image of the refreshed seats and ride vehicles earlier today from Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle.

Nick, a mechanical engineer for Imagineering, shares a quick summary of changes coming to the Frontierland coaster:

On the ride engineering side, we replaced the track, the vehicles, and the ride control system. And with all the improvements that we’ve made to the ride, we’ve actually been able to lower the height requirement from 40 inches to 38 inches … Because of all that work we’ve put in, it’s just as comfortable if not more than it ever has been in the past.

Stephen, who works with Facility Asset Management, affirms the new changes have not strayed from the core of the Big Thunder experience:

It’s the same old Big Thunder, it’s just more enjoyable

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad officially reopens in just a few weeks on May 3.

The Walt Disney World Ambassador Program is a long-running Disney cast-member leadership initiative in which selected employees serve as representatives of the resort, acting as spokespeople for cast members, supporting community outreach, promoting company initiatives, and appearing at major events across Walt Disney World and central Florida.

As of April 2026, the current Walt Disney World ambassadors are Kylee Withers and Phelicia Blake, the 2026–2027 team, who succeeded Serena Arvizu and Shannon Smith-Conrad after being announced in late 2025 and beginning their term in 2026.

You can check out their full Big Thunder Mountain update on Instagram below:

Are you planning a trip to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad after it reopens in May? Share the excitement with us on social media!

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