At D23 in Anaheim this past August, we found out there was a lot of big things coming to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. A few months after those announcements we found out that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad would be closing for refurbishment beginning January 6, 2025. The last day to ride this beloved attraction is January 5, 2025. The ride is expected to be closed throughout 2025 and may not open again till the Spring of 2026. The permit filed for the refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will expire on March 13th, 2026.
The huge fan favorite Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opened at Walt Disney World on November 15, 1980. The ride is known at the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” and is so much fun. Legend has it that soon after gold was first discovered here in the 1850s, eerie things began to happen. Trains would take off and race through tunnels—by themselves.
After you arrive at the legendary Big Thunder Mining Company, descend into an abandoned mine shaft and board your train. As you enter the cursed cavern, the engine speeds up along the rickety track. Dodge exploding dynamite and falling boulders as you swoop around turns, drop into canyons and dart through the mysterious ghost town of Tumbleweed. Your rip-roaring adventure proves that some legends are true. You’re sure to have a real blast!
The notice filed for the permit lists Coastal Steel Inc. as the contractor, with the work described as “General Construction. There was a prior permit involving Coastal Steel Inc. but that one carried an expiration date of August 8, 2025. The new expiration date extends the timeline and confirms the beliefs the project will be more extensive and what was originally expected. Disney has stated that when the ride opens it will include a “little bit of Magic”.
If you have ever had the chance to ride the Disneyland version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad you will know there are some great special effects and such through the ride. I hope some of those things are included in the Walt Disney World version of the attraction once it reopens.
Walt Disney World Version:
Stay tuned to The Main Street Mouse for updates of the construction with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
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