Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Testing with Cast Members

Now that we have a reopening date for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, we have our fingers crossed for a soft opening. See why Guests may be able to enjoy the "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness" very soon.

Big Thunder Mountain Changes

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed on January 6, 2025 for a HUGE refurbishment. Work includes moving the tower and replacing some or all of the tracks.

Imagineers also shared four exciting new updates for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Check out these updates HERE.

Guests noticed testing for the large geyser special effects. Disney Imagineers promised that effects that have been missing for several years will now be refreshed. The geysers are a great delivery on that promise.

Big Thunder Cast Member Testing

Back in October, Big Thunder Mountain hit a HUGE milestone in its refurbishment with ride testing! You can check out a full video of this testing HERE.

Since then, train testing has become more consistent, eventually adding the water-filled test dummies. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has passed each testing phase with full steam ahead.

Last week, Walt Disney World President, Jeff Vahle, enjoyed a ride aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad along with Disney Imagineers. Today, April 13, 2026, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Cast Members were spotted testing Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Soft Opening

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen on May 3, 2026. This is what many of us have been waiting for. We are wondering if there will be a full Cast Member preview such as with the reopening of Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.

Cast Member testing is now underway at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

It will be interesting to see if Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will offer a soft opening ahead of the official reopening. If you have a trip planned for Magic Kingdom in late April, you may enjoy a special sneak peek of this new attraction.

Do you think Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will offer a soft opening? 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!