Refurbished Trains Return to Tracks at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World. While riding the Walt Disney World Railroad into Frontierland Station, we saw the U.R. Courageous Big Thunder Mountain Railroad passenger train being pulled out of storage and placed on the newly laid tracks.
If you take a look at the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad trains, you will see that their names are U.B. Bold, U.R. Courageous, I.M. Loco, I.B. Hearty, and U.R. Daring. Spotting the returning trains means they are keeping elements of the original attraction. We do not yet know exactly what upgrades have been made to the trains. We would think new wheels for a better ride on the new tracks.
Originally opened in 1980, the ride and attraction are now 45 years old and in need of some upgrades. The ride was running fine, and Disney has always made sure their rides were up to the day’s standards, but that track was feeling a bit rough (like another mountain in the Magic Kingdom that also needs love, some would say it takes up a lot of Space). Designed by Disney Legend Tony Baxter, BTMRR is one of the most beloved attractions at Walt Disney World.
Disney recently shared more info on Piston Peak National Park and how it will look with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall, and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom closed for refurbishment on January 6, 2025, and will remain closed until sometime in 2026. We have reported on the newly installed coaster tracks and the new signage. We have also seen a lot of the older elements in the queue with fresh new paint. According to Disney, the coaster will “reopen with a little bit of new magic in 2026.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Race through a haunted gold mine aboard a speeding train on this thrilling coaster-style ride.
The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness – Legend has it that soon after gold was first discovered here in the 1850s, eerie things began to happen. Trains would take off and race through tunnels—by themselves.
After you arrive at the legendary Big Thunder Mining Company, descend into an abandoned mine shaft and board your train. As you enter the cursed cavern, the engine speeds up along the rickety track. Dodge exploding dynamite and falling boulders as you swoop around turns, drop into canyons and dart through the mysterious ghost town of Tumbleweed. Your rip-roaring adventure proves that some legends are true. You’re sure to have a real blast!
How Scary Is it? – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fast roller coaster-type attraction designed for kids and adults. However, some parts of this attraction are bumpy and, in some instances, take place in the dark.
Refurbished Trains Return to Tracks at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World
