With less than two weeks until Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Magic Kingdom Park, construction activity near the Frontierland attraction took an unexpected turn this week. Lightning Lane touchpoints that Walt Disney World Resort construction crews installed just days ago have already been taken down.
Lightning Lane Touchpoints Installed, Then Gone
Walt Disney World Resort confirmed earlier this month that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will officially reopen on May 3, 2026, following a 15-month-plus overhaul that has replaced the entire steel track, introduced new ride vehicles, and added an all-new Rainbow Caverns scene with audio-animatronic bats, phosphorescent pools, and glimmering stalagmites.
As the Frontierland coaster enters final testing and crews shift focus to finishing touches on the queue and repaving the entrance, Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Premier Pass tappoints — the scanning hardware guests use to access the express queue — were recently installed at the attraction entrance. However, according to BlogMickey, they vanished just as quickly. A photo shared by the outlet Monday shows crews working in the area where the tappoints had been positioned, with the hardware nowhere to be seen.
Lightning Lane Tappoints Installed & Then Removed at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Lightning Lane Tappoints Installed & Then Removed at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad https://t.co/LEjkMclc2N
— BlogMickey.com (@Blog_Mickey) April 20, 2026
Walt Disney World Resort offered no explanation for the removal, which is consistent with how the resort typically handles mid-construction adjustments. The Lightning Lane entrances are expected to be fully operational when the attraction opens on May 3.
What's New Inside the Mountain
For guests who haven't been following the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad overhaul closely, the May 3 reopening will deliver more than just a freshly tracked coaster. The new Rainbow Caverns sequence introduces a story beat in which the mountain itself begins to fight back against the miners, grumbling as guests pass through a cavern populated by audio-animatronic bats, shimmering stalagmites, and glowing phosphorescent pools. The new trains have already been spotted in testing, freshly painted and running on the replaced track.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Magic Kingdom Park on May 3, 2026.
Should Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort raise or lower prices for Lightning Lane offerings? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
I wish Disney would get rid of lightning lanes. Period. The lines would be drastically shorter and continuously moving without interrupting the flow to allow, at times, obscene amounts of LL riders.
I have gone to Disney parks for the last time. Overcrowded, outrageous pricing for what it is. Walt would be horrified how the greed has taken over his parks.
I would like to see disneyn return to no lighting lane or fast pass the magic of being in the moment is gone replaced by being glued to a phone and rigidly tied to a schedule
I prefer the old Disney. No lightning lanes, no reservations. Mr. Disney never intended for one park guest to have an advantage over another. I think he would be disappointed with the changes that Isner made to Walt Disney through his greed. Having been to Disney World approximately 20 times in 50 years, Disneyland 3 times and on 4 Disney Cruises. I most definitely appreciated the parks from the 70s through the 90s. Much more enjoyable experience in those years before a person was on a time schedule running from one side of the park to another or to a different park just to ride a ride or have dinner. The technology is nice but its ruined the experience. Please end the advantages for the wealthier people and bring the parks back to an affordable and better experience for a family vacation.
I can’t afford to go anymore. It is so sad and makes me mad. I went there for my honeymoon as well. I love the feeling of being a Disney world but now it’s just way too damn expensive. I feel like a fool when I spent that money on my most recent trip. It’s all about greed now. I like to be on a schedule for the day but now it seems it’s like work. Things that used to be included to make my stay feel so special but now are all special prices
Couldn’t agree more with Patrick and others — GET RID OF LIGHTNING LANES – PERIOD! Everyone pays obscene amounts to enter the parks and deserve the same chance to get on rides! The fact that you have more money than someone else shouldn’t determine your place in line at a theme park! It’s vacation for everyone there; everyone paid and planned to be there! IF ANYTHING, go back to fastpasses for all Disney resorts guests – a chance for all to get on at least 2 of their favorite attractions. Iger didn’t make any changes for the better after Chapek! They’re nickel and diming everyone! Disney of the 90s & early 2000s was so much more magical, enjoyable and affordable! No phones necessary!
Totally agree that the Disney experience has been altered from an affordable family vacation destination to a place for only wealthy individuals. I loved going to the parks with my children and enjoyed switching to a eater park midday so they could cool off back in the 1990’s. Now you have to hope to get two rides at one park all day unless you have the money for the lightening lanes. I spoke to a young mother who said she had to spend her entire trip orchestrating online the family’s schedule there at Disney World and she never got to relax and enjoy the trip. Profit is critical, but greed is not and the current cost at Disney is based on greed!
I was thinking of going, it’s been about 15 years since I been. After reading these reviews not a chance. Sounds like a money trap big time. I will just go to the beach instead.
I would also like to see the Lightning Lanes go away. It was so nice during COVID having the lines actually move. The current system makes for an awful guest experience.
I hate that we have to stand for hours on end to try getting on a ride, it’s not fair they let LL in way too much before the normal queue get rid of LL lanes altogether