This Massive Change Hits Magic Kingdom TOMORROW

Tomorrow is the day we’ve been waiting for, and we can’t believe it’s finally here!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom closed in January 2025 for a massive refurbishment, and tomorrow it FINALLY reopens to the public! A year and a half is a long time to be closed, we know, but from what Disney has said, it sounds like the wait should be worth it.

While this ride has been known to be The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness, it was getting a little rough, so we’re looking forward to experiencing the all-new track that was put down. We’re also excited to see the new additions, such as the updated Rainbow Caverns, as well as the 2,000 bats added to the ride to really enhance that spooky factor.

©Disney

Imagineers have also reworked the coaster’s plot to tie into the storyline of Barnabas T. Bullion, the founder of the Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company, because the company experiences some pretty intense battles with nature as they attempt to hunt for gold. The hunt for gold is first referenced in the queue and was added to the ride itself during a previous refurbishment, so it will be familiar to those of us who have ridden before. However, now that storyline will carry on through the end of the ride! As riders make their way up the final hill, the gold that the miners have been seeking will be revealed to them, with Dan Flynn, executive show manager with Walt Disney Imagineering, saying, “Guests will finally be able to crest one of our last hills and see that gold mother lode.” At the very end of the ride, the train will be pushed out of the mountain, a clear warning from nature to not come back and try it again.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad testing

The ride is also bringing back existing elements that haven’t been used in a LONG time, such as the two smokestacks on the side of the mountain, which helps with the illusion that this is a working mine. We’re thrilled it was able to be fixed and will work again to enhance the ride experience.

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We can’t wait to get in line to board this new and improved attraction in less than 24 hours, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for all the latest!

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Are you looking forward to riding the new version of this ride? Tell us in the comments!