Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the flagship attraction of Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, has been down for nearly a year. Having closed at the tail end of last year’s holiday season on January 6, 2025 this extended Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment was scheduled to last for about a year, but it’s now looking like it could go quite a bit longer before reopening.
New Permit Filed Amidst Coaster Testing
It appears that most, if not all of the old track has been removed and replaced with new track, and recently a few trains have been spotted as imagineers have begun testing.
The rainbow cavern concept art for Big Thunder Mountain at Walt Disney World – Disney Parks Blog
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While that signaled a potential return of the ride sooner rather than later, a recently filed document points to a later than expected reopening.
On November 17, 2025 Walt Disney Imagineering filed a “Notice of Commencement” with Orange County for contractor Coastal Steel Group. Disney has been working with Coastal Steel on the rebuilding of the track for Big Thunder. Notably, this current permit doesn’t expire until November of 2026, giving Disney a much longer window than was previously expected for the Big Thunder Mountain reopening.
Signs Of Ongoing Refurbishment
We recently visited the Magic Kingdom to get a closer look at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the ongoing refurbishment process.
Long before approaching the ride, scaffolding can be seen atop the mountain structure from a distance. Construction walls extend from the right side of the ride and continue around the former Rivers of America, stretching all the way around to the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with scaffolding in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
That area is also undergoing major renovation to become “Piston Peak,” with rides based on the Pixar Studios Cars movie franchise. This effectively cuts off the majority of Frontierland, which will be completely different in a few years.
A sign on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which stands behind construction walls in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
Closer up, we noticed a few imagineers on sight looking over the construction. While scaffolding covers portions of the ride queue and track area, signs in front read “NOTICE: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad CLOSED! Until Further Notice By Order Of Barnabus T. Bullion, Founder and President of Big Thunder Mining Co. | Questions or Concerns May Be Addressed To Interim Foreman: U. B. Patient”.
What Work Is Being Done At Big Thunder?
When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad does finally have its grand reopening, guests will hopefully be thrilled by expected new enhancements. The comprehensive refurbishment includes a full track replacement, a new opening scene with enhanced storytelling, and upgrades to the Rainbow Caverns with improved lighting.
Big Thunder Mountain Concept Art at Walt Disney World – Disney Parks Blog
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The project also addresses general structural and cosmetic work, repainting portions of the mountain, and renovating the queue area. When Big Thunder reopens, thrill seekers can expect a smoother and more immersive experience. Hopefully, Disney will deliver on these promises to this fan favorite attraction, especially with the down time involved.
When is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopening?
With the current state of construction and the recently filed permit that extends the timeline of refurbishment all the way to November of 2026, the actual time frame we expect Disney to reopen this attraction remains vague.
While it will likely reopen next year, the question is when? Will it be in time for Spring Break? Possibly by March? If not then, does it reopen for the summer season to help celebrate America’s 250th Birthday?
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad behind construction walls in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
Fans of Big Thunder want to be able to ride again as soon as possible, but unfortunately Disney Imagineering’s recent track record for construction and refurbishment on projects such as Tron: Lightcycle Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure don’t inspire hope for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to have its grand reopening any time soon.
When it finally does reopen, hopefully Disney delivers a “wildest ride in the wilderness” that will have been worth the wait.
When do you think Big Thunder Mountain is reopening? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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