New Track Delivery and Installation: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is closed for refurbishment until sometime in 2026. Disney has not released any information other than to say: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will temporarily close for refurbishment on January 6, 2025. The attraction will reopen with a little bit of new magic in 2026. Well, now we know that some of that new magic is a brand-new steel coaster track.
We have already seen the large crane join the Magic Kingdom skyline helping to remove the old coaster tracks and the track shed. Now, construction walls are blocking off the whole area with a sign that reads “NOTICE! BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD CLOSED! UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE BY ORDER OF BARNABUS Т. BULLION FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT BIG Thunder Mining со. Questions Concerns may be Addressed to Interim Forman. U.B.PATIENT’
Yesterday, we caught the new Big Thunder Mountain Railroad steel coaster tracks in the wild being delivered to the Magic Kingdom. Word is that Vekoma, the company that designs, builds, and installs roller coasters and other attractions for theme parks, is the manufacturer of the new tracks being installed. The new tracks look like they have a bigger center beam to hold the outer steel tubing together. This will be covered with wooden slates for theming.
Someone else said this so full credit to the originator: “BTMRR – The Smoothest Ride in the Wilderness.” We do not know if the new track will make the ride any faster or smoother, it is filling in the same footprint and should be a replica of what was already in place. We also do not know if Disney Imagineering is changing any of the track layouts.
Below on the left, you can see the new tracks on a flatbed truck in the wild. On the right is the closest image we have of the old tracks being removed. the images pop out, so click them for a closer view. The new track is wider and the center spine is a good 3 or 4 inches larger than what was previously installed.
Originally opened in 1980, the ride and attraction are now 45 years old and in need of some upgrades and 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.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will temporarily close for refurbishment on January 6, 2025. The attraction will reopen with a little bit of new magic in 2026.
Other rides and attractions that are closed for refurbishment in Disney’s Magic Kingdom:
New Track Delivery and Installation: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom
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.
