Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom is closing for an extensive refurbishment that will keep the ride closed for at least a year. Disney has announced the coaster will close on January 6, 2025 and won’t reopen until some point in 2026.
Via Disney:
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.
This refurbishment, which will be the longest in the history of Disney World’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, should address almost every aspect of the ride. As we discussed back in May, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is due for a full track replacement. The ride system as a whole will likely be replaced.
Disney is also teasing that the closure will add some new details to the ride. The rumored update to the third lift hill, which would add the explosion effects seen at Disneyland’s version of the ride, should be added. We’d also expect updates to the ride’s scenery and landscaping.
Guests visiting in 2025 and throughout the closure should be aware that this will put more pressure on the other rides at Magic Kingdom. Wait times and Lightning Lane availability will be worse around the park once Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed. It’ll be a sad time while the wildest ride in the wilderness is down, but we hope it comes back better than ever.
