Final Step for Big Thunder Mountain Reopening at Disney World

After a LONG refurbishment, this is the news that we have been waiting for!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closure

A year-long refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad began on January 6, 2025. Work includes moving the tower and replacing some or all of the tracks. The final scene may also be upgraded.

Back in June, we shared an updated look for a train engine for this attraction. Be sure to check this out HERE.

Earlier, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened at Disneyland. Guests at Walt Disney World have not so patiently waited to once again enjoy "The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness".

Big Thunder Mountain Changes

Disney shared the backstory for Big Thunder Mountain. The quick version is that Barnabas T. Bullion found gold in the Big Thunder Mountain region, but the forces of nature fought back. For the full backstory, read HERE.

"And when the attraction reopens next year, the unsuspectin' passengers who board the runaway trains will learn just how wild the wilderness can get." You also don't want to miss our first glimpse of the beautiful "Rainbow Caverns".

Big Thunder Mountain just hit a HUGE milestone in its refurbishment. Ride testing has begun! You can check out a full video of this testing HERE.

Big Thunder Mountain Final Work

Today, a new permit filed by Walt Disney Imagineering was spotted for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for "General Construction."

New permit filed for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom.

Work will be completed by Coastal Steel Inc. with this new permit. Throughout this lengthy refurbishment, this is the third permit filed for work with Coastal Steel Inc. Our hope is that with vehicle testing now in place, this permit may be the final push towards the reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Do you think Big Thunder Mountain will reopen at the beginning of 2026? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna loved Disney from an early age. As a child, her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land." As an adult, she enjoys planning and creating magical vacations for her family. She always brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust!