Disney World Confirms ANOTHER Ride Change for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad When It Reopens

We’re gearing up for the reopening of a popular ride in Magic Kingdom!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January 2025 to undergo a long refurbishment, but it‘s reopening FINALLY on May 3rd, 2026. During its closure, it has received new track, some new special effects, and an updated backstory, but now we’ve got another peek at a change we’ll see in a few days.

We already knew many of the details of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s updates, including the fact that Disney added in the Rainbow Caverns scene to the ride. (We’re particularly excited about that one!) But, now more details have come out about an additional scene change…just days before the ride reopens.

Fox 35 reports that there will be changes to the ride’s finale to tie in with the new Barnabas T. Bullion backstory (he’s the founder of Big Thunder Mountain Mining Company). The gold mining operation is facing issues as the forces of nature wreak havoc, and as you approach the final hill, you’ll encounter the gold that the miners have been seeking.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride testing

“Guests will finally be able to crest one of our last hills and see that gold mother lode,” said Dan Flynn, executive show management with Walt Disney Imagineering. At the end of the ride, the train will be pushed out of the mountain as a warning against mining the gold that lies there. Sounds thrilling!

The aforementioned gold is referenced in the ride queue, but now, that storyline will carry throughout the ride. It’s nice to see more backstory evident, as Disney prides itself on developing story within attractions.

Of course, we’ll be there on reopening day to check out the ride changes and report back with all the information. Stay tuned to AllEars by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media!