Disney has officially announced that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closing for a major refurbishment starting January 6, 2025.
The ride, which has been a staple of Magic Kingdom since its debut, will be down for the entire year, reopening sometime in 2026. Disney hasn’t released specific details about what the refurbishment will entail, but the phrase “new enhancements” has been used, leaving fans to speculate on what changes could be in store.
Given the length of the closure, it’s expected that this will be a more extensive refurbishment than Big Thunder Mountain has undergone in the past. Some speculate that it could involve more than just technical upgrades and may include new effects or theming. If Disney opts to follow a similar path as they did with the ride’s Disneyland counterpart in 2013, we could see updates to the track, ride vehicles, and perhaps even a new finale featuring projection mapping and enhanced special effects.
This closure coincides with the construction of Cars Land, which is slated to replace Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Cars Land is set to introduce two new attractions to Magic Kingdom, with a high-speed rally race targeted at thrill-seekers and a family-friendly ride for all ages.
Alongside the development of Disney Villains Land, also planned for the area behind Big Thunder Mountain, these changes signal a substantial transformation of Frontierland. The park’s future is clearly shifting toward new intellectual properties and immersive lands, which will modernize the guest experience while also redefining the park’s layout.
While Big Thunder Mountain’s closure has left many wondering what other changes could be on the horizon, attention has also turned to the Haunted Mansion. Although there’s no official word from Disney, rumors suggest that the iconic dark ride could be next on the refurbishment list. Some speculate that 2026, following the reopening of Big Thunder Mountain, could be the year that the Haunted Mansion undergoes its own transformation.
Unlike the sweeping changes expected for Big Thunder Mountain, any updates to the Haunted Mansion would likely be more subtle. The ride is a fan favorite, and Disney is well aware of its importance to parkgoers. A refurbishment could focus on enhancing the guest experience through updated special effects or improved animatronics while retaining the ride’s core identity. These kinds of updates would align with Disney’s recent strategy of modernizing classic attractions without sacrificing their nostalgic appeal.
As Disney continues to push forward with new projects and upgrades, it’s becoming clear that no part of Magic Kingdom is off-limits for refurbishment. While some fans may be apprehensive about changes to beloved attractions, the potential upgrades to Big Thunder Mountain and the rumored changes to Haunted Mansion highlight Disney’s commitment to balancing tradition with innovation. As we move into 2025 and beyond, the landscape of Magic Kingdom will continue to evolve, offering guests new experiences while maintaining the timeless magic that Disney is known for.
With all these changes on the horizon, Disney fans will have plenty to discuss and speculate about in the coming years.
