Big Thunder Mountain Reopening Pushed Back? New Permits Extend Refurbishment Window Despite Vehicle Testing

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Okay, so if you’re planning a trip to Disney World and hoping to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you might be disappointed. It’s been closed for almost a year now – it actually shut down right after the holidays back in January of 2025. Originally, Disney said the refurbishment would take about a year, but it’s starting to look like it’s going to be quite a bit longer before we can all experience that wild ride again. As a fan, I’m definitely keeping my fingers crossed for a speedy reopening, but it seems like we’ll be waiting a while longer.

New Permit Filed Amidst Coaster Testing

The old train tracks have been completely or almost completely replaced with new ones, and testing has begun with a few trains running on the updated system.

Okay, so I was getting really excited because it looked like the ride might be coming back soon, but a new filing just dropped and now it seems like we’re going to have to wait longer than I thought. It’s a bit of a letdown, honestly!

On November 17, 2025, Walt Disney Imagineering authorized Coastal Steel Group to begin work, as filed with Orange County. This work involves rebuilding the track for the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The permit is valid until November 2026, which means Disney has more time than originally anticipated to reopen the popular attraction.

Signs Of Ongoing Refurbishment

We recently went to the Magic Kingdom to check out Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and see how its renovations are coming along.

Even from far away, you can see the framework on top of the ride’s mountain. Construction barriers are up on the right side of the ride and wrap around the old Rivers of America area, continuing all the way to the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square.

That area is being completely transformed into “Piston Peak,” a new land themed after the Pixar movie Cars, and will feature related rides. This construction significantly limits access to most of Frontierland, and the area will look very different in the future.

As we got closer, we spotted some Disney Imagineers inspecting the construction work. Though scaffolding currently covers parts of the ride’s queue and track, signs posted in front announce that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed indefinitely, as ordered by Barnabus T. Bullion, the founder and president of Big Thunder Mining Co. For any questions or concerns, people are directed to U. B. Patient, the interim foreman.

What Work Is Being Done At Big Thunder?

When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens, guests can look forward to some exciting improvements. The ride is getting a complete overhaul, including a brand new beginning with a more detailed story, and brighter, updated effects in the Rainbow Caverns. The entire track is also being replaced.

The project includes general repairs and improvements, like repainting parts of the ride and updating the waiting area. When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens, guests should enjoy a ride that’s both smoother and more engaging. Hopefully, Disney will successfully update this popular attraction, considering how long it’s been closed for refurbishment.

When is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopening?

Because construction is still ongoing and a new permit has pushed the completion date to November 2026, it’s unclear when Disney plans to reopen this attraction.

The attraction is expected to reopen next year, but the exact timing is still unknown. Will it be ready for Spring Break, perhaps by March? If not, will it be open in time for the summer season and the celebration of America’s 250th birthday?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad fans are eager for the ride to reopen, but Disney’s recent history with projects like Tron: Lightcycle Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure suggests the refurbishment might take a while.

When the park reopens, let’s hope Disney provides an amazing experience that makes the long closure worthwhile.

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2025-11-24 18:57