Walt Disney World has announced that all rides in Magic Kingdom, including the iconic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, will undergo temporary closures for refurbishment starting in January 2025. The news has left fans with mixed emotions as they prepare to say goodbye to their favorite attractions, at least for a while. The last day to experience the thrilling ride through the haunted gold mine is set for January 5, 2025, with refurbishment work to begin soon after.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a staple of Disney theme parks, will be closed for an extended period, with Disney planning to unveil a revamped version in 2026. While this temporary closure may disappoint visitors, Disney has promised that the ride will reopen with “a little bit of new magic” when it makes its return.
Iconic Ride to Undergo Major Updates
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, originally introduced at Disneyland in California in 1979 and later opened at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1980, is one of Disney’s most famous attractions. The ride’s theme centers around a haunted gold mining town, with disasters like earthquakes, flash floods, or tsunamis befalling riders, depending on which park they visit. The Magic Kingdom version has become a favorite for its exciting twists and turns in a runaway train car, offering guests a thrilling ride through the American West.
While Disney has not revealed all the details of the refurbishment, most of the updates will be behind the scenes, improving technical aspects of the ride without making drastic visible changes. Fans can expect a fresh experience when the ride reopens, but the core essence of “the wildest ride in the wilderness” is sure to remain intact.
Refurbishment of All Magic Kingdom Rides
In addition to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, all rides at Magic Kingdom will be temporarily closed in January 2025 as part of the overall refurbishment. However, other parts of Walt Disney World will remain open, allowing visitors to enjoy the rest of the park while the upgrades are underway. Guests are encouraged to check the My Disney Experience App for the latest information on ride closures and reopening dates.
This kind of refurbishment is routine at Disney parks, with updates ranging from minor fixes to major overhauls that can take months or even a year. The upcoming work on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to last at least a year, but visitors can take comfort in the fact that Disney is known for continually enhancing its attractions to keep them fresh and exciting.
What to Expect in 2026
When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in 2026, it is expected to include a few new surprises, though Disney has not shared specific details. The ride’s refurbishment is part of a broader effort to enhance guest experiences across Disney parks, ensuring that attractions remain safe, modern, and magical for years to come.
Meanwhile, other beloved attractions like Jungle Cruise, which is located in the Adventureland section of Magic Kingdom, are also undergoing routine refurbishments. Jungle Cruise is scheduled to reopen soon, adding to the anticipation of fans eager to see what updates have been made.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of Magic Kingdom’s five thrill rides and is known for its appeal to both children and adults. Alongside other fan favorites like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opened in 2023, and Space Mountain, the ride is part of a collection of attractions that make Magic Kingdom a must-visit destination for families.
The refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and other rides signals Disney’s commitment to maintaining its status as the world’s leading theme park. Fans eager to experience the updated versions of their favorite rides will need to plan their visits accordingly, as 2026 promises to bring back the beloved attractions with new features and enhanced magic.