Closures and maintenance are inevitable at Disney parks, ensuring that attractions remain safe and enjoyable for guests. This reality was highlighted recently when one version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad experienced multiple interruptions last week, culminating in an evacuation just days before its scheduled multi-month closure.
Evacuation Ushers In End of Operations
Originally debuting at Disneyland in 1979, when it replaced Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was designed to immerse guests in the thrilling experience of a runaway mine train in the Wild West. Its innovative design, detailed theming, and captivating backstory quickly made it a fan favorite, with versions subsequently opening in four out of six Disney resorts (Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland are sans-Thunder Mountain) across the globe.
On January 6, the version found at Disneyland Paris closed for a planned refurbishment just two days after a total evacuation.
A TikTok video posted by @hattyhaunts captured the dramatic moment on January 4, 2025, when guests were guided from the ride by Disneyland Paris cast members.
Big Thunder Mountain was evacuated today 4th Jan 2025 at Disneyland Paris. It was down for most of the day and is due to close on the 6th Jan for several months for repairs. Guests can be seen being helped over the tracks in order to get out safely. Props to the cast members who seemed to pull it off seamlessly!
@hattyhaunts Big Thunder Mountain was evacuated today 4th Jan 2025 at Disneyland Paris. It was down for most of the day and is due to close on the 6th Jan for several months for repairs. Guests can be seen being helped over the tracks in order to get out safely. Props to the cast members who seemed to pull it off seamlessly! #disney #disneylandparis #bigthundermountain #fyp #disneyland
Footage shows cast members assisting visitors over the tracks, ensuring everyone exited safely. Despite the unexpected incident, onlookers praised the efficiency and professionalism of the Disney team.
The roller coaster reportedly faced significant downtime in the wake of this evacuation, with ride closures persisting into January 5. Two days later, on January 6, Disneyland Paris officially shuttered the attraction for maintenance. This closure is currently projected to last until early summer 2025.
A Unique Experience at Disneyland Paris
The newest version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is located at Disneyland Paris, where the ride has often been heralded (by us, at least) as Disney’s best iteration. Unlike its counterparts in the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland, the Paris version goes underground (under the river, no less) and boasts a unique backstory.
According to the Disneyland Paris website, the ride’s lore centers around mysterious hauntings that plagued an 1850s mining town. Ghostly sounds, inexplicable cave-ins, and malfunctioning equipment turned the once-thriving Thunder Mesa into a ghost town.
Across the Atlantic, Magic Kingdom’s version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has also gone dark in the past few days. As it undergoes an extensive refurbishment scheduled to last through 2026, this iteration is rumored to receive a complete retrack, marking the most significant upgrade since its debut. This leaves only the Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Park versions operational for the foreseeable future.
Which version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ranks as your favorite?
