So a LOT is happening in Disney World right now, especially in Magic Kingdom.
©Disney
Magic Kingdom is set to get a new land PLUS a huge expansion. However, some rides are also getting major upgrades. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed earlier this year to get a bit of a makeover, including some “new magic” Disney has mentioned, although we didn’t have any details as to what that meant. Well, guess what? Disney has finally revealed what it has in store for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Disney Imagineers have been busy working on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad since it closed, including replacing the old track with a new, smoother track. New lighting and effects are also being added, plus the exterior of the ride will be changed to help it fit into the new Piston Peak Cars expansion that’s also coming to Frontierland. However, Disney previously mentioned that some “new magic” was coming to the ride.
Work continues on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
The new magic will fit into Disney’s store for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The ride is set during America’s first major gold rush when Barnabas T. Bullion struck gold in the area and used his funds to build Big Thunder Mountain Company. But the land and its forces of nature had other ideas — unexplainable things began to happen: machines failed, and cave-ins prevented more mining. Big Thunder Mountain is fighting back.
©Disney
When the train makes its way underground, riders will see “spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling).” Welcome to the Rainbow Caverns, which is a throwback to the long-gone Rainbow Caverns Mine Train that opened in Disneyland in 1956 and closed in 1977 to make way for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad there. Disney is bringing it back full circle, y’all!
©Disney
Yes, the Rainbow Caverns are pretty, but Disney warns us that “they ain’t as friendly as they first appear” and “that menacing rumble from deep within the mountain may be a sign we ain’t welcome.” OOH!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is set to reopen with its new updates in 2026, and we can’t wait to take a ride on the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness once again.
You know it as the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness, but do you know the story behind it? 🚂 pic.twitter.com/K2yakymfNW
— Walt Disney World (@WaltDisneyWorld) August 21, 2025
Stay tuned to DFB for more.
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Disney Revealed Big Thunder Mountain Will CHANGE with the NEW ‘Cars’ Land — But How?
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A few new tunnel sequences will be a disappointment if that is all they re doing. How about a second or third leg of track that your train can switch to mak(no your experience different on every visit. They could do it, the technology is a ails le to really take that ride to the next level.
I love the updates! PLEASE make it happen in time for Spring Break!
Big Thunder has been one of my favorites. In fact I’ve been known to ride get off and get back in line to ride again. (I don’t recommend single rider because they put you in the last car and that can cause whiplash.) I’m going to be there next February and really hope it’s back open. I know if you have heard of it’s reopening date you would let us know as I’m anxious to hear. But has there been a wink, nod or hint of a possible date? 🙂 Love your reviews of the ride.
Is it happenstance that the BTM’s new billionaire in the storyline resembles Tony Baxter?
And when do I get your book ? Still waiting patiently. Thanks
Looks like they are making it more like the one in CA! Yay!
Noticed that Barnabus T. Bullion reminds me a lot of Donald Sutherland(RIP).