Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will reportedly close in the not too distant future for a significant refurbishment. While Disney hasn’t announced the closure yet, we’re expecting the popular coaster to close as early as this Fall for an extensive update.
The refurbishment should involve significant structural improvements to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which may include a full track replacement. We also believe Disney will use the lengthy closure to enhance the ride, including adding the “exploding” third lift hill effect. But, none of those details have been officially confirmed.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will likely close in the months after Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens. Disney will want to make sure Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is running smoothly and operating at full capacity before closing down one of its other major attractions. With Tiana’s Bayou Adventure set to open this summer, that leaves Fall and the end of 2024 as the earliest possible closing date for the wildest ride in the wilderness.
Looking further ahead, Space Mountain is also on the shortlist for an extensive refurbishment. Space Mountain also needs major work, such as a full track replacement, but it has been put off for the past few years. We thought Disney might jump on a Space Mountain update shortly after TRON Lightcycle Run opened, but that obviously didn’t happen.
These massive maintenance projects are planned as Disney pumps $60 billion into its theme parks and cruise ships division. Disney has said 30% of that $60 billion investment will go towards maintenance and tech, including these types of big refurbishments.
