Barnabas T. Bullion is welcoming cast members back to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom. The character is the head of Big Thunder Mining Co., introduced during a 2013 refurbishment. With the ride’s recent updates, Disney is expanding the story of Big Thunder Mountain even more with letters from the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) in the ride’s queue.

Barnabas T. Bullion Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopening Letter

Walls came down around the attraction today, May 1. The letterhead features Bullion’s portrait (modeled after Imagineer Tony Baxter). Here’s the full text, shared by WDWMagic.

It is with the utmost pride and a reinvigorated spirit that I, Barnabas T. Bullion, President and Proprietor of Big Thunder Mining Co., do hereby commemorate the triumphant reopening of our beloved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. As I’m sure you’ve all received word by now, we expect to resume operations on the 3rd of May.

After a season of fortifying our infrastructure and seeing our railway bolstered with the latest in locomotive ingenuity, our mighty engines stand ready once more to brave the twists and turns of these lucrative caverns. The clamor of picks and shovels, long absent from our valley, shall again resound amongst these storied hills.

Therefore, all employees—engineers, miners and laborers alike—are hereby summoned forthwith to resume their duties and rededicate themselves to the prosperity of our precious peak.

Your fortitude and fidelity to Big Thunder Mining Co. have not gone unnoticed, and it is upon such steadfast shoulders that fortunes are made and futures secured.

Together, we shall reclaim the golden promise of Big Thunder Mountain and rekindle the spirit of enterprise that is undoubtedly the hallmark of this great company.

Let not rumor or superstition delay your return; these unfounded tales are nothing more than senseless malarkey and shall not deter the resolute nor the ambitious. Gold and good fortune await those with the courage to seize them.

We look forward to welcoming you back on board. Report to your foreman at first light.

Humbly yours in profit and prosperity, Barnabas T. Bullion President, Big Thunder Mining Co.

Refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens after an over year-long refurbishment on May 3, 2026. The track was replaced, it has new trains, and inoperable effects were restored. The opening scene and climax were both significantly updated.

With the improvements and after a comprehensive review by safety teams, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will lower its height requirement.

Are you excited to return to Big Thunder Mountain? Let us know on social media.

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