Magic Kingdom fans, it’s time to celebrate because we’ve got some seriously exciting news!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

After what feels like forever, Disney has finally announced when two of the park’s most popular attractions will reopen, and trust us when we say they’re coming back better than ever. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are both set to make their grand return in Spring 2026, and the upgrades they’re getting are absolutely worth the wait. Get ready to experience these classic rides in ways you never have before!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Gets a Glow-Up

If you’ve been missing your runaway mine train adventures, we’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news? Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since early January 2025, and it won’t be back until spring 2026. The good news? This isn’t just your average refurbishment.

Work continues on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Disney is going all out with what they’re calling a “mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment” to keep this beloved attraction running smoothly for years to come. But it’s not just about maintenance. The Imagineers are adding some seriously cool new elements that are going to make this ride even more magical than it already is.

Construction at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The storyline follows Barnabas T. Bullion, who struck gold in the Big Thunder region and quickly started the Big Thunder Mountain Company. But like any good Disney story, things didn’t go exactly as planned. Bullion found himself up against some pretty intense forces of nature, and weird, unexplainable events started happening in the mine. We’re talking machine failures, cave-ins, and all sorts of spooky occurrences.

©Disney

Here’s where it gets really exciting, though. When the ride reopens, guests are going to encounter stunning natural caverns filled with phosphorescent pools that shimmer and glow, lighting up iridescent stalagmites and stalactites. If that sounds familiar, it’s because these new additions are inspired by the Rainbow Caverns from the original concept art. How cool is that?

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Is Getting a MAJOR Upgrade

If you thought Big Thunder’s changes were impressive, wait until you hear what’s happening with Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. This one’s been closed for refurbishment too, and it’s also not coming back until spring 2026, but honestly, the improvements are going to be game-changing.

Closed for Refurbishment

First up, and this is huge, the ride is getting blasters that you can actually pick up and aim with real precision. No more awkwardly trying to rotate those fixed blasters to hit targets. You’ll finally be able to truly feel like a Space Ranger taking down Zurg’s forces!

©Disney

But that’s not all. Disney is adding a brand new show scene, completely redesigning the ride vehicles, and implementing gameplay enhancements that should make the whole experience way more fun and interactive. The new vehicles are getting a fresh look inspired by Buzz Lightyear and Star Command’s signature colors, but it’s not just a simple paint job.

©Disney

These are entirely new vehicles, which means Disney needs to test them extensively to make sure everything works perfectly. That kind of thorough testing doesn’t happen overnight, which is exactly why this refurbishment is taking over a year to complete.

Worth the Wait

Look, we know it’s tough having two major attractions closed for such a long time, especially if you’re planning a trip to Magic Kingdom before spring 2026. But based on everything Disney has shared about these refurbishments, we genuinely think the wait is going to be worth it. These aren’t just quick fixes or minor updates. Both rides are getting substantial improvements that will make them feel fresh and exciting (even for those of us who’ve ridden them dozens of times).

©Disney

We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for official opening dates as we get closer to spring 2026. Until then, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest updates!

DATE ANNOUNCED for the Opening of the Grand Floridian Tea Room at Disney World

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

---

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

GET YOUR GUIDE NOW

Which of these updated rides are you most excited to experience when they reopen? Let us know in the comments below!