Big Thunder Mountain closed on January 6th for a major refurbishment and is expected to be closed for the remainder of 2025. This is an update on construction progress.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad History
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom opened on November 15th, 1980, and was the second Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the world (behind Disneyland). The ride reaches a speed of up to 35 miles per hour, and the track was manufactured by Arrow Development.
Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was updated in 2012 to smooth out the track and to add a dynamite scene on the last lift hill of the attraction. This refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain was initially scheduled to happen at Walt Disney World in 2020. That was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has begun this year in 2025.
Almost All Arrow Development Track Removed
Disney wasted no time tearing down the old from the attraction. In the first few days after closure, track could be seen being lifted with the large crane located beyond the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Plywood For Construction Safety With “Hole“ Writen On It
Throughout the attraction, many large holes can be seen where the track itself was teared out, and construction crews have covered the areas where it could be a safety hazard with plywood with the word “hole” on it.
Scaffolding All Over Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Scaffolding can be seen practically everywhere, and every week it continues to get taller. This week, the town of Tumbleweed has received more scaffolding.
The town of Tumbleweed is a western town located closest to the railroad before the first lift hill.
Likely, Disney is about to do a touch-up of painting in the town as construction continues. New plaster has been added as well throughout the Town of Tumbleweed.
When Will Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Re-open?
Disney has stated that the attraction will be closed through the entirety of 2025. It is expected to reopen in early 2026 with “a little bit of extra magic”.
