Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment Update: Work Continues Across Track and Queue

31 days ago in "Big Thunder Mountain Railroad"

Big Thunder Mountain Refurbishment - June 17, 2025
Posted: Wednesday June 18, 2025 11:35am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Our latest visit to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom shows that refurbishment work remains active throughout the attraction, though visual changes since the last update are minimal. Construction crews continue working across multiple areas, including the track, show scenes, and queue.





The ride envelope testing vehicle remains in position on the track, suggesting that clearance testing is still in progress or being reverified. This step ensures all ride elements are properly spaced from the vehicle’s reach envelope before full-scale testing begins with the new trains.









Refurbishment Timeline

  • Attraction Closure Date: January 6, 2025
  • Expected Reopening: Sometime in 2026
  • Latest Permit Expiration: April 15, 2026 (DPR Construction)

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    Delta-710 days ago

    It did, but they haven't been working for years. Here's hoping they bring them back.

    The Underminer11 days ago

    Simply the best version! Forgot how much it packed a punch until I went back last year.

    Bocabear11 days ago

    our version used to have them....

    Delta-711 days ago

    Just what is that? New lighting for the caverns and waterfall I hope? Like this? Hopefully that means they’re giving more attention to the cavern scene, like the colorful sulfur pools the other versions have.

    MerlinTheGoat12 days ago

    I love the version at DLP, but Orlando still holds its own with the flooded town scene IMO.

    TrainsOfDisney12 days ago

    I still can’t pick a winner. I like them all. Florida may lose out after the rivers are gone. Will have to wait and see.

    ToTBellHop12 days ago

    But then you go to DLP.

    TrainsOfDisney12 days ago

    As long as Disneyland has possums it is the winner! ;-p

    The Underminer12 days ago

    I’ve always felt Orlando’s BTM was one of the few rides better at MK than at Disneyland. Now with these updates, it will absolutely be the case.

    Captain Barbossa12 days ago

    Green, purple, and black? It’s Maleficent! Villains land done! Take that naysayers!

    DCBaker12 days ago

    Here’s a video look:

    EricsBiscuit12 days ago

    Are there new special effects here? It looked to be sparkling. I took these tonight during the last voyage of the LB.

    TrainsOfDisney14 days ago

    Is the tree being prepared for possums? Or being cut back so possums don’t return? These are the important questions!

    EeyoreFan#2414 days ago

    In regards to holes in rock facade, it also looked like someone cut inspection holes into the rock work on TSI on the first island around some underlying framing.