The walls surrounding Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom have come down ahead of the attraction’s reopening. They have been replaced with rolling planters.

Big Thunder Mountain Walls

The walls came down around the attraction today, May 1. The coaster has been closed for over a year and will reopen on May 3. In its place, several rolling planters block the entrance to the attraction. Cast members are stationed in front of the planters as well.

The walls previously extended from the area across the front of the main attraction space and end by the entrance of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Signage on the walls read “Notice Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closed! Until Further Notice by Order of Barnabus T. Bullion.” Bullion was a member of the Society of Adventurers and Explorers and the owner and president of Big Thunder Mining Company.

Here’s the 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.

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.

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