Last Chance to Ride Big Thunder Mountain, Kali River Rapids, and Gran Fiesta Tour Before Refurbishments Begin January 2025

Jan 03, 2025 in "Big Thunder Mountain Railroad"

Posted: Friday January 3, 2025 11:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

If you're planning a visit to Walt Disney World soon, make time for three popular attractions before they close for refurbishment next week. Beginning January 6, 2025, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Kali River Rapids, and Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros will be temporarily unavailable as Disney prepares them for updates and maintenance.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — Magic Kingdom

Last Day to Ride: January 5, 2025
Reopening Timeline: 2026

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is heading into an extended closure for its most extensive refurbishment to date. The popular Frontierland coaster will return in 2026 with what Disney calls "a little bit of new magic," though specific details remain under wraps. Fans of the attraction will want to grab one last ride before the iconic "wildest ride in the wilderness" goes quiet for the long refurbishment.

Crane Deployed at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - December 17, 2024

Kali River Rapids — Disney's Animal Kingdom

Last Day to Ride: January 5, 2025
Expected Reopening: March 2025

This annual closure is typical for Kali River Rapids during the cooler months, as Disney uses the downtime to perform routine maintenance. No specific reopening date has been confirmed, but Disney expects the raft ride to be back in action sometime in March 2025. If you enjoy a thrilling river journey with splashes of adventure, now is your chance before the ride is temporarily off the itinerary.

Kali River Rapids overview

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros — EPCOT

Last Day to Ride: January 5, 2025
Reopening Date: March 15, 2025

Located inside the Mexico pavilion, this charming boat ride featuring José, Panchito, and Donald Duck is also set for a brief closure. Disney plans to reopen Gran Fiesta Tour on March 15, 2025. Fans of the Three Caballeros should take advantage of this last opportunity to enjoy the attraction before it closes for its scheduled refurbishment.

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

View all current and upcoming Walt Disney World refurbishments

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JoeCamel7 hours ago

You don't clock in by 0700 Mickey gonna be big mad.......

flynnibus8 hours ago

Just saying people are trying to authoritatively speak on the utilization of the project time and space… and people really don’t even know the daily cadence of the site. Credibility of knowing how fast disney is going vs potential… not so good…. Like i said, they don’t limit themselves to working only at night when working off stage…. Sometimes even on stage. This site is largely separated from guest access. I imagine one of the biggest issues is there is little area to put stuff down within the attraction’s footprint

TrainsOfDisney10 hours ago

Why not? For that matter why not 3 shifts? I’m not saying that’s what should happen, but yes, 3 shifts would complete the project quicker I’m sure.

JD8010 hours ago

You think major progress can be had in a second shift, in an outdoor construction project in an operating themepark? edit to add: Yes there is work done at different hours, but I don't think doubling the crew would gain you any meaningful ROI.

dmc49311 hours ago

Good lord are we still back and forth on the timing thing? It was probably always planned this long, and we all stare at permit expiration dates too much and read too much into everything.

Disstevefan113 hours ago

Are we going to argue about this until it opens in December of 2026? ;) ;) ;) Please don't get triggered, the winky emoji means I am joking I have no idea when this will open.

flynnibus14 hours ago

"You also have to consider about BTM is space. There isn't much space for more people to do more work. Like literal space where people can stand and do things" Solution: you don't work at the same time... but you're right... "sigh"

JD8014 hours ago

Sigh.

flynnibus17 hours ago

Does anyone even know how many shifts are working on the site? This is a dead-end in the park - with the site hundreds of feet from any of the open guest areas.

flynnibus18 hours ago

And did you consider your own sermon before posting that?

HauntedPirate19 hours ago

Mr. Sullivan19 hours ago

That’s no excuse to talk to people however you please. If you can’t be nice, then don’t engage.

JD8019 hours ago

You also have to consider about BTM is space. There isn't much space for more people to do more work. Like literal space where people can stand and do things. There are segments of the track that can't be done until others. There is artwork that can't be done until the construction is over. etc. etc. There are logistics and parts that needs to be ordered, corrected, changed. There are holidays and off time. You may be able to spend 20% (made up number) more on a project but only get it done 2 months (made up number) sooner. That's usually not a good investment.