NEWS: Disney Files NEW Permit For Big Thunder Mountain In Magic Kingdom

BIG things are changing around Disney World, and we have never read so many permits in our lives! We’re loving keeping up with the changes, and trust us, there’s plenty to keep up with.

Now, Disney has filed another new permit in connection with a ride that’s been closed for nearly a year! Let’s get into the details together.

We’re getting closer and closer to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopening! In a Notice of Commencement to the State of Florida, Walt Disney Imagineering detailed new information regarding the closure.  

They detailed the general description of improvement as “General Construction” in the filing. They detailed the location as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, so there’s no question where construction is occurring. Construction has been ongoing since January 2025 and is expected to last into early 2026.

The ride’s updates include a new effect that will happen “when the trains rattle their way underground to spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools,” illuminating stalagmites and stalactites, meaning the RAINBOW CAVERNS are coming! These were part of the original concept for Big Thunder before it was constructed, and we’re glad to see they’re getting some love here.

The ride will also see new changes that are meant to tie the story into the upcoming Piston Peak area! Disney has shared that they will be using trees to create a barrier between the Cars expansion and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. By the ride, “soaring geysers” will be added that will stretch into the trails of the off-road rally ride in the new area, blending the two areas together.

According to Imagineers, you will also be able to walk through the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad geyser field for the first time and get a good look at it, and see those pathways and rainbow pools around the attractions. Disney has also replaced the track, which means an updated and smoother ride. They also teased new effects coming to the ride! (Selfishly, we’re hoping for effects similar to Disneyland’s version of the attraction.)

Not only that, Disney also teased a revamped plot for the ride, saying, “The story of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad dates back to Olden Times, or rather, Golden Times, during the early days of America’s first major gold rush. When Barnabas T. Bullion struck gold in the Big Thunder region, he saw a future full of riches and hustled to start the Big Thunder Mountain Company.” However, “Bullion quickly found himself in a battle with the forces of nature”, and “strange and unexplainable things started happening” in the mine, such as failed machines and cave-ins. When the attraction reopens in 2026, “the unsuspectin’ passengers who board the runaway trains will learn just how wild the wilderness can get.”

While Disney didn’t share what “general construction” meant in this permit, we’re hoping this is another sign that the ride is close to reopening! Be sure to keep following AllEars for more Disney news and updates.

Here’s EVERYTHING That Is Closed in Disney World Right Now

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