Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is about to take a long break.
The Magic Kingdom classic will close for refurbishment in January 2025, and recent permits filed by Walt Disney World reveal that this is no ordinary maintenance job. With an expected reopening in March 2026, this extensive overhaul has fans buzzing with excitement — but also raising questions about what this means for the future of Frontierland itself.
Big Thunder Mountain is a staple of the Magic Kingdom experience, known for its fast-paced, winding track through a cursed mining town. However, the recently filed permit, which focuses on infrastructure work, hints at a large-scale refurbishment, likely similar to the re-tracking that Disneyland’s version of the ride underwent a decade ago.
While the ride is expected to retain its wild-west theme, the length of this closure has prompted some to wonder if Frontierland as a whole is set for a more significant transformation.
The closing of Big Thunder Mountain follows another major change in Frontierland: Splash Mountain was replaced with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
The reimagined attraction, based on The Princess and the Frog, represents a thematic shift from the old Frontierland. Instead of cowboys and pioneers, guests are now transported into the vibrant world of New Orleans, jazz, and southern charm. This shift has led many to speculate whether Disney is gradually phasing out the traditional wild-west aesthetic in favor of new, more contemporary themes.
Rumors of more changes to Frontierland are already swirling. Disney recently confirmed plans to build a Cars-themed land within Frontierland, bringing even more Pixar magic into the park. This move, along with the closure of Big Thunder Mountain, has led some fans to believe that Disney could be phasing out the wild-west theme altogether. Could Frontierland’s days as a tribute to the American frontier be numbered?
There’s no denying that Disney is moving forward with bold new ideas, and Frontierland may soon become a mix of classic rides and modern experiences. As Disney continues to reimagine its park areas, many fans are left wondering if the changes signal the end of the Frontierland they once knew and loved. Will the wild-west adventure still be alive when Big Thunder Mountain reopens in 2026, or will the land around it have changed so much that it feels like a completely new experience?
Only time will tell what’s in store for this part of Magic Kingdom. For now, guests can look forward to the return of Big Thunder Mountain — but they may also want to prepare for a Frontierland that’s a little different than what they remember.
