Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Remains Hidden Behind Construction Walls

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment Reveals Expanding Footprint for Villains and Cars Lands

Over at Magic Kingdom, the wildest ride in the wilderness is still temporarily out of commission as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad undergoes an extensive refurbishment. Scaffolding now hugs sections of the iconic red rock spires and surrounding show buildings, giving the mountain a bit of an industrial accessory moment.

Related: Cinderella Castle Repainting Continues in the Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Remains Hidden Behind Construction Walls

From the guest side of the construction walls, you can spot crews working on rock work detailing and structural elements around the attraction. The wooden facades and mining structures appear to be getting some much-needed attention, likely refreshing both the visual texture and the ride infrastructure before trains roll again.

But the real headline may be what lies beyond Big Thunder.

big thunder arial photo
photo by @bioreconstruct on X

Past the berm and trees, a wide stretch of cleared land is now visible, with dirt mounds, grading work, and open space that marks the future home of Villains Land and Cars Land. The area looks fully prepped for vertical construction, signaling that this expansion is more than just blue sky concept art at this point.

This stretch of land represents one of the most ambitious expansions in Magic Kingdom history. Cars Land will bring high octane energy inspired by Lightning McQueen and friends, while Villains Land promises a darker twist, finally giving Disney’s iconic baddies a kingdom of their own. With Big Thunder sitting right at the edge of it all, the refurbishment could also help the classic coaster blend seamlessly into its new neighbors once everything opens.

Related: Air Force Veteran Helps Refresh the Norway Pavilion in EPCOT

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Remains Hidden Behind Construction Walls Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Remains Hidden Behind Construction Walls

No reopening date has been announced yet for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but progress is clearly moving forward. Between refreshed rock work and acres of newly cleared space, Frontierland is quietly transforming into the launch pad for Magic Kingdom’s next era.

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