Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Isn't On Early Entry – Here's the Best Time To Ride

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is reopening at Magic Kingdom soon, but when will be the best time for you to ride it?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

This coaster has been closed for a lengthy refurbishment, and it will reopen on May 3rd. Disney has announced that when the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” reopens, it will not be available during Early Theme Park Entry for Disney resort guests. That leaves many guests wondering, when will be the best time to ride?

The Updates

According to Disney, the updates to the tracks and the trains were carefully “planned to preserve the attraction’s classic storytelling and trademark hootin’ an’ hollerin’ energy” while improving the ride experience.

The new ride vehicles!

In fact, these changes — and a “comprehensive review from their safety teams” — have even allowed Disney to lower the ride’s height requirement from 40 inches to 38 inches, allowing younger riders to experience the attraction even earlier!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

However, beyond these infrastructure changes, Big Thunder is also receiving a new show scene featuring phosphorescent pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites and stalactites in a spectacularly colorful recreation of natural caverns.

©Disney

Best Shot: Lightning Lane

Big Thunder Mountain will be added to the Magic Kingdom’s Tier 1 Lightning Lane options on opening day. If you want a shorter wait time, purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass is likely your best option.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Queue Entrance

Other Times to Ride

If you are unable to grab a Big Thunder Mountain Lightning Lane or do not want to purchase Lightning Lane, don’t worry! We have tips for you based on ride wait time trends we see. If you’re a morning person, we recommend rope dropping the attraction. While it is not a part of Early Theme Park Entry, you can head straight for it as soon as the park opens for the day. Will it be a walk-on? Doubtful, as other guests will have the same idea, but the wait during this time will likely be shorter than later on in the day.

Big Thunder Mountain

You can also head here to ride during the Festival of Fantasy Parade or during Happily Ever After for shorter wait times. Many guests start finding their spot for these things beforehand, and that can draw a lot of guests away from popular attractions. Bonus: riding Big Thunder Mountain during the fireworks is a blast! You do get a partial view of them, and it truly feels magical.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Finally, as a reminder, as long as you are in line for an attraction before park close, you are able to ride. This means if Magic Kingdom closes at 9 PM, and you enter the queue at 8:59 PM, you will be allowed to ride, barring any weather or mechanical issues.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

We can’t wait to see what the changes are like at Big Thunder Mountain when it reopens. Stay tuned to DFB for Disney news, reviews, and more.

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