Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Close for Year-Long Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom
Confirming earlier rumors, Disney has announced that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will close for a major refurbishment lasting at least a year. The popular runaway mine train attraction will embark on its extended hiatus starting January 6, 2025, with a planned reopening sometime in 2026.
The Walt Disney World website states: “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will temporarily close for refurbishment on January 6, 2025. The attraction will reopen with a little bit of new magic in 2026.”
Last Chance to Ride
Guests have until January 5th, 2025 to experience Big Thunder Mountain Railroad before it closes. The extended closure has been anticipated for some time, with construction permits hinting at a major refurbishment.
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Possible Reasons for the Closure
While Disney has not explicitly stated the reasons for the year-long closure, several factors may be contributing to the extensive refurbishment:
- Beyond Big Thunder: Disney is developing a new land themed to Disney villains beyond Big Thunder Mountain. The refurbishment may involve preparing the area for this expansion.
- “Cars” Expansion: Frontierland is also set to receive two new “Cars”-themed attractions, replacing Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America. The refurbishment could be related to this project as well.
- General Maintenance and Updates: As one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad undergoes periodic maintenance and updates to ensure its continued operation. This extended closure may allow for more extensive work to be completed.
“New Magic” Awaits
Disney’s announcement promises that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will return with “a little bit of new magic” in 2026. While the specifics of this “new magic” remain under wraps, it’s sure to delight fans of the classic attraction.
Guests eager to experience the wildest ride in the wilderness should plan their visits accordingly before the attraction closes in January.
