The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” is just about ready to roar again!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — the legendary Magic Kingdom E-Ticket attraction that has been closed for a massive refurbishment since January of 2025 — is set to reopen on May 3rd, and if we may channel John Mellencamp, most of the construction walls are crumblin’ down!
During our visit to the Magic Kingdom on May 1st, we saw that the construction walls around the ride had come down, revealing the mountain and its station in all its glory.
While the portable planters are still in place, those will be rolled out of the way in just a few days as the refurbished Big Thunder Mountain will begin welcoming guests on Sunday!
The new and hopefully improved Big Thunder will feature updated tracks and trains that “preserve the attraction’s classic storytelling and trademark hootin’ an’ hollerin’ energy” while improving the ride experience with new show scenes, including a take on the classic Rainbow Caverns sequence from The Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland, as well as a reworked finale. These changes – and a “comprehensive review from their safety teams” have even allowed Disney to lower the ride’s height requirement from 40 inches to 38 inches.
If you’re planning on riding the renovated Big Thunder Mountain this summer, be aware that it is NOT currently offered as part of Early Entry at the Magic Kingdom, as that hotel guest perk will remain available only in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland for now.
While the coaster won’t be part of Early Entry, it WILL be offered as part of the Magic Kingdom’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass Tier 1 offerings (along with Space Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Jungle Cruise).
After over a year shuttered, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is set to reopen on May 3rd! Stay tuned to AllEars for further coverage of the ride’s reopening — you know we’ll be there bright and early!
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Are you excited to have Big Thunder back? Let us know in the comments below!
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