Even as a busy summer season approaches Walt Disney World, one of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions is going to miss the whole period… and more.
Cinderella Castle
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – – the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” – – has been one of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions since the East Coast version of Tony Baxter’s E-Ticket magnum opus opened over 40 years ago. However, the coaster has been down for the majority of the 2025.
Big Thunder first closed on January 6th, part of a spate of routine refurbishments following the conclusion of the busy Holiday season. However, unlike the others which were scheduled for a month or two, Big Thunder was scheduled to be down a WHOLE lot longer.
According to Disney, the “attraction will reopen with a little bit of new magic in 2026.”
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Yup, you read that right: 2026. Meaning that Big Thunder will be down for the entirety of the summer, fall, and Holiday seasons of 2026… at least. After all, Disney has yet to give an official rough estimate of WHEN in 2026 Big Thunder might reopen, meaning the attraction could miss a big chunk of that year as well. The “new magic” (we expect some upgraded and repaired special effects, as well as mechanical enhancements to the track and ride vehicles) better be worth it.
Of course, the major elephant — or should we say tractor-trailer — in the room when it comes to Big Thunder’s renovation is the fact that the ride sits directly on the shores of the Rivers of America, which are scheduled to close soon to make room for construction of the Frontierland Cars expansion. Plus, the land “beyond” Big Thunder is set to be home to Villains Land. All of this means that when Big Thunder reopens in 2026, the ride will still be surrounded by construction for years to come.
Track work
Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain will be closed for the next 8 months, AT LEAST, as the ride continues to undergo a massive refurbishment. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World’s calendar.
What I Wish I Knew Before I Visited Magic Kingdom in 2025
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Are you missing Big Thunder at the Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Yesssss missing it !!! My favourite M k ride !!!
I recently when to Disneyland and big thunder there was so much better. Smoother track and faster too. I was impressed. I’m hoping the new big thunder will compare to what’s out west.