The iconic ride which is one of the most cherished attractions within the Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom will say goodbye, at least for a minimum year, to fans in the park. It has been confirmed recently by some of the Disney officials that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the staple that Frontierland has cherished since 1980, is to be closed for major refurbishment. It is expected that the closure will last at least a year and could start as early as 2025.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a runaway mine train type ride very much in love with the visitors as they are ushered into the wild landscapes of the American Old West. Characterized by twists, turns, and steep drops, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was welcomed as one of the best roller coasters engineered by Disney. However, any aging attraction must be undertaken with maintenance and technological improvement from time to time, all for safety reasons and the guest experience.
Disney hasn’t announced what it has in store for all the refurbishments, but insiders say it would be more of an enhancement as far as track systems and scenery refurbishment and potentially new storytelling elements inside. Some believe that Disney might enhance the visual effects and theming of the ride, much as it did with some of the changes recently installed on attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion.
Disney has still been putting active efforts into innovating and owning advanced technologies within its theme parks’ attractions. It is also not ruled out that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad would be equipped with state-of-the-art animatronics or special effects in the ride experience. Since its focus is increasing on high tech for that “magic” which pushes the rides in the park to world-renowned status, Disney should be no different in what it applies to Big Thunder Mountain.
While news of the closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad would be somber to at least some visitors, Disney has been insistent that there is more than enough to keep guests entertained with other rides located within Frontierland and throughout Magic Kingdom. Other rides within the region, including the rethemed Splash Mountain ride- scheduled to return as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure-and Country Bear Jamboree-will continue business as usual.
Visiting Walt Disney World in 2025? No worries, this closure might just play a trick upon the availability of rides. Disney however says that this will all be worth the wait. In fact, based on past experiences, such closures have always been used by the company to make some massive overhauls. Because of this, there are so many fans waiting for what newness this ride may bring when it finally reopens.
One of the most recognizable Disney theme park legacies, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will temporarily close its doors in order to be redone without compromising the original’s spirit. With this refresh, guests will be able to look forward to an upgraded experience while still paying homage to the ride as part of its tradition through a nod toward theme park entertainment into the future.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will remain operational in regular mode until it closes down. This is to allow the guests to experience one last ride “the wildest ride in the wilderness” before it closes down for a year-long renovation. The visitant is urged to take advantage of the availability of this ride during the coming months and promises plenty of exciting updates from Disney.
