It’s official: Disney World’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens on May 3rd with some exciting new changes!
Walt Disney Imagineers gave us a sneak peek at all of the new changes coming to the ride!
Disney Imagineers have been hard at work for the last five years to reimagine Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. In a behind-the-scenes video released by Disney, we got up close and personal with all the new changes!
The first major change is that the roller coaster will have new ride vehicles! These are a lighter tan color compared to the more orange leather of the original carts. There are also rustic wooden details instead of the metal from before!
There’s also an all-new track that’s smoother and more comfortable. According to the Imagineers, it’s the same Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, just more enjoyable! Hopefully, the improved track won’t hurt as much…
Plus, the height requirement has changed! Instead of riders needing to be at least 40 inches tall to ride, the minimum has been lowered to 38 inches! Now, even more small riders can join in on the fun.
We loved this behind-the-scenes look at the newly reimagined Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Here’s the full video to see it for yourself!
All aboard for the lowdown on some of the updates coming to Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom 🚂 pic.twitter.com/XZPpz9pKWN
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) April 8, 2026
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has also gotten a minor facelift to match the upcoming Piston Peak National Park. This new land will be right next to the ride, and from the footage shared by Disney, it looks like the mountain has changed to a more muted brown color, not the old dark orange!
This ride will also feature new lighting and effects, including the addition of the Rainbow Caverns! These will be “spectacular natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools, shimmering and illuminating iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling).”
We’re so excited to ride the wildest ride in the wilderness once it opens on May 3rd. Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney World news!
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How do you feel about the Big Thunder Mountain changes? Comment below!
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