Magic Kingdom is changing big time!
Cinderella Castle
A new Villains Land is in development, Cars Land is about to begin construction, and a few of our favorite attractions are getting some TLC! Big Thunder Mountain has been closed for months, and we are FINALLY getting a look at the updates coming to the classic attraction. Let’s check out this wild ride!
If you haven’t been keeping up with all things in the Wild West, Big Thunder Mountain has been under reconstruction since January 2025 and is expected to be closed for at least a year for this major refurbishment.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
We’ve been eagerly awaiting some news (and we’ve definitely spotted a few changes already), and the Walt Disney Imagineering Team is hearing our pleas! Over on Instagram, we got to follow Imagineering Nathaniel’s day in the life, where he gave us a behind-the-scenes look at his job. First, he took us through his daily meetings, phone calls, and travel to the park before taking for a glimpse at Big Thunder Mountain!
©Walt Disney Imagineering
We got to spot the train passing by Big Thunder and the fun railroad crossing sign on the left. Next, we got to take a glimpse at them and look at two different wood samples for the attraction. (Riveting stuff!)
©Walt Disney Imagineering
Finally, we got an up-close look at the brand-new track for the ride, which looks shiny and new. We do love the addition of the faux sparkles (shout out to their social team)!
©Walt Disney Imagineering
We still don’t know too many details about the refurbishment; however, we do know the ride will change to incorporate elements of the new Piston Peak area to tie the areas together. They will add geysers and tire marks to the area to make a more seamless transition for when the new land opens. There is also no opening date for the new land at the time of writing.
Piston Peak ©Disney
If you want to see the full video and the day in the life of an Imagineer, you can watch it right here!
We can’t wait for Big Thunder Mountain to reopen sometime in 2026! We’re hoping it’ll be earlier in the year since some testing has already begun over at the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates!
A Major Change Is Hitting Magic Kingdom Next Month
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With guarded anticipation. Fingers crossed the imagineers get this one right.
How exciting!!!! Can’t wait