Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment: More Than Just Ride Maintenance?

Hey there, Disney Vacationers! If you’ve been keeping an ear to the ground, you’ve probably heard the buzz about the potential Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment at Magic Kingdom. Yep, you heard it right – our beloved runaway mine train could be gearing up for a major work. Let’s dive into all the juicy details, rumors, and what this means for your future trips to the park.

What’s Happening and When?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is set to close later this year for a significant refurbishment. According to Jim Hill from the Disney Dish podcast, the closure is expected to kick off in September, shortly after the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. So, if you’re planning a trip, you might want to time it right to catch one last ride on Big Thunder before it goes offline.

This refurbishment isn’t just your average touch-up; it’s reportedly the longest in the history of the ride, potentially lasting over a year. So, why such an extensive closure? Let’s dig into the details.

Why Such a Long Refurbishment?

The major reason behind this extended downtime is point towards full track replacement. Over the years, Big Thunder Mountain has seen its fair share of smaller refurbishments, usually scheduled at the beginning of the year. However, a complete track overhaul has been long overdue, and it looks like Disney is finally taking the plunge.

But that’s not all. Rumor has it that Disney might be incorporating some much-needed upgrades to the lift scenes – the ones that fans of other versions of the ride around the world have been enjoying for years. This could mean new special effects. For years it has been rumored that the Magic Kingdom version of Big Thunder Mountain could see similar effects as the Disneyland version.

What’s Happening Around Big Thunder Mountain?

Interestingly, the refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain isn’t happening in isolation. There’s been a lot of activity in the area surrounding the ride, hinting at a broader expansion project known as Beyond Thunder Mountain. Just last month, Disney filed a permit for land grading and water management, which is often the first step in significant construction projects.

Beyond Thunder Mountain Expansion

So, what’s this Beyond Thunder Mountain expansion all about? While Disney has provided hints to what lands will be developed, including a Disney Villains land, nothing has been confirmed. However there’s speculation that it could include an extended walking path connecting the backside of Big Thunder to a new area. This path could be similar to the one Disneyland installed to connect Critter Country with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, offering a scenic walk that could take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Jim Hill has hinted that the prep work for this new path is one of the main reasons for the extended downtime of Big Thunder Mountain. The expansion project might be massive, potentially transforming the landscape of this part of Magic Kingdom.

When Will We Know More?

The big reveal might be just around the corner. More details about the Beyond Thunder Mountain expansion are expected to be announced at D23 this August. It’s possible that Disney is timing the refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain to coincide with this announcement, giving them the perfect platform to unveil their grand plans.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re a Big Thunder Mountain fan, you’ll want to get your final rides in before September. After that, you may to have to wait for over a year to experience the newly refurbished attraction. But don’t worry – the wait promises to be worth it with a brand-new track, and upgraded scenes.

In the meantime, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be opening its doors, providing a fresh attraction to enjoy while Big Thunder undergoes its transformation. And who knows? By the time Big Thunder reopens, you might have a whole new area beyond the tracks to start to get excited about.

Final Thoughts

The refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is shaping up to be one of the most exciting refurbishments at Magic Kingdom in recent years. With a full track replacement, potential scene upgrades, and the Beyond Thunder Mountain expansion, there’s a lot to look forward to. Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready for a thrilling new chapter in the adventure of Big Thunder Mountain!

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!