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!
The Ridiculously Detailed History of Disney World’s Frontierland
Are you excited to have Big Thunder back? Let us know in the comments below!
Trending Now
ALDI just made your next road trip 10x easier!
These Visa perks could change your whole vacation.
We're obsessed with this new, Target-exclusive, boho Owala collection!
NEW 'Toy Story' Crocs are dropping!
Who's ready to check out new Disney Loungeflys? Meeeeeee!
Yet another Disney Springs location has closed.
The "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness" is almost ready to return!
The big box retailer is offering a major gift card deal!
There's a new Tinker Bell Loungefly online, and we LOVE it!
If you are visiting Universal Orlando this May, pay attention to these FIVE ride closures!
We've compiled a list of every Disney Loungefly on sale in May!
Free snacks and buttons at Disney World? Say less!
You can have the best park strategy in the world, but if your shoes are...
Both the ride and its attached restaurant are closing for refurbishment on May 4th.
Disney World just made a quiet change that could seriously improve how you book your...
We've got an update on ride changes coming to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad when it...
The NEW popcorn bucket is part of the V.I.Passholder event.
If you're making any of these EPCOT mistakes, stop it now!
It's full of major Disney World nostalgia!
A new Passholder magnet just dropped at Disney World!