CONFIRMED: This Magic Kingdom Ride Is Reopening With a NEW Rule

Who’s ready to embark on the wildest ride in the wilderness once again at Magic Kingdom?!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

After being closed for refurbishment for over a year, Disney World recently announced the official opening date for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. As we get ready for the grand reopening of this popular attraction, you’ll want to be aware of this change!

It was just announced that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen on May 3rd! So we’re less than a month away from experiencing all the new updates and theming to one of our favorite Magic Kingdom rides.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Construction

The ride closed on January 6th, 2025, as Disney Imagineers began the refurbishment to bring the attraction a whole new look in 2026. This would include new elements, theming, and feel to one of the park’s most beloved attractions. However, fans weren’t expecting a new rule change to be included in the plans!

Ride testing!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has always had the height requirement of 40″, but apparently that is about to change when the newly refurbished ride reopens on May 3rd. Disney revealed that it is lowering the height requirement to 38″! This was announced after ride testing as a part of the opening announcement.

Not only are we excited to feel the smoothness of a ride that has been worked on for over a year, but we’re also excited for new scenes such as the Rainbow Caverns. A “shimmering and illuminating iridescent” way to bring the mountain to life.

@Disney

This is just the beginning of a long construction process taking place in Frontierland. First, Big Thunder Mountain will reopen. Then, we wait for the brand-new Cars-themed land, Piston Peak.

©Disney

Piston Peak will take over where Tom Sawyer Island used to be. We know the new land will feature two new rides, but we don’t have any word on when they are expected to open. We’ll have to keep practicing the patience we’ve been developing with all these projects!

Piston Peak construction

We’re always on top of all the latest news and updates when it comes to Disney. You’re going to want to make sure you’re following us at AllEars so that you don’t miss a thing!

Why Disney Experts Are Suddenly Rope Dropping This Magic Kingdom Ride

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