Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closes for Upgrades!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, one of the most iconic attractions in Magic Kingdom, is preparing for a major upgrade that will close the attraction for over a year. This exciting roller coaster, which has delighted visitors since its opening in 1980, will close its doors on January 6, 2025, and is expected to reopen in 2026 with a new version and new magical elements.

The attraction, designed by Imagineer Tony Baxter, takes guests on a wild ride through an abandoned gold mining town in the American Southwest. Inspired by the red rock formations of Bryce Canyon, Utah, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is known for its dramatic landscapes and thrilling turns. The story behind the attraction tells of a small town that experienced a gold rush but was abandoned after a series of mysterious events, including earthquakes and floods. The train, now running without a driver, gives guests the feeling of being on a wild ride through the abandoned mines. Guests start their journey in Frontierland, where they are greeted by an authentic mining town atmosphere. The train then takes them on a three-minute ride through narrow tunnels, steep drops, and sharp turns, all while experiencing the sights and sounds of an abandoned mine.

For many visitors, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is an indispensable part of the Magic Kingdom experience. Although the closure will surely be disappointing for many, it is an exciting opportunity to see what Disney Imagineers have planned for the future. With the promise of new magical elements and improvements, the reopening in 2026 will undoubtedly bring a lot of exciting new features to this classic attraction.

In addition to the upgrade of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Magic Kingdom is undergoing a significant expansion with the introduction of two new themed lands: Cars Land and Villains Land. Cars Land, inspired by the Pixar film “Cars,” will bring Lightning McQueen and his friends to a new part of Frontierland. This area will include two new attractions, one of which will be an exciting rally ride through the mountains, and another aimed at younger guests. Villains Land, which will be located next to Cars Land, will be dedicated to Disney’s most notorious villains and will offer new attractions, dining, and shops.

These expansions, which are part of the larger “Beyond Big Thunder” project, may be related to the upgrade of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. By closing and upgrading this iconic attraction now, Disney can ensure that the entire area around Frontierland becomes a cohesive and updated experience for guests when the new themed lands open.