Disney Begins Refurbishment Preparations at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Large Scrim Installed

Oct 29, 2024 in "Big Thunder Mountain Railroad"

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad October 2024
Posted: Tuesday October 29, 2024 9:22am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

A large scrim has been set up behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom, concealing early construction activity as Disney prepares for the attraction's upcoming refurbishment.



Initial Preparations for Extensive Refurbishment

The appearance of the scrim suggests that preliminary work is already underway ahead of Big Thunder's scheduled closure on January 6, 2025. This early phase may involve site preparation for the installation of a large crane, which is likely needed to manage significant upgrades to the coaster's ride system and track. Disney's previously filed permits indicate the project will require extensive structural updates, with the ride expected to reopen sometime in 2026. Given the scale of the refurbishment, cranes and other heavy equipment will almost certainly be essential.


Anticipated Timeline

Disney has not yet provided specifics on what updates are planned, but recent permits indicate that the project timeline extends through March 2026. While this offers a general timeframe for completion, exact dates may shift as the work progresses.

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The Mom1 day ago

Please stay on topic. Thank you.

cranbiz1 day ago

For a week or so.

EagleScout6101 day ago

Guys, wrong Mountain. We're discussing the one 5 feet to the right.

HauntedPirate1 day ago

Anyway, back to Big Thunder. I hope those who get to enjoy the ride post-refurb are able to enjoy some long overdue 3rd lift effects. 🤞 There is simply no reason to not have those added at this point. Unless TDO prefers to continue having the weakest version of the ride, I guess. 🤷‍♂️

JoeCamel1 day ago

You think the lights would work?

HauntedPirate1 day ago

I was supposed to be creating burner accounts here every January 1? I'm so fired...

MisterPenguin2 days ago

Oh, it's coming.

James Alucobond2 days ago

Roll out the blue LED-trimmed industrial 3-D printer to re-print Space Mountain. 👍

Professortango12 days ago

Tomorrowland Speedway PhilharMagic The Seas with Nemo and Friends Sitch Space Kali River Rapids Gran Fiesta Tour COP Space Mountain SSE (Please no) Living with the Land (please no)

Tha Realest2 days ago

They’re almost as predictable as your takes.

JohnD2 days ago

Methinks there will be more in the tunnel along with the noise, comparable to DL.

Blobbles2 days ago

I honestly have half given up on that ride. I nothing has ever gotten off the ground. I am STARVING for any sign of hope for the purple guy.

ToTBellHop2 days ago

Now we understand the SSE refurb delay. Redoing those first several scenes will be a real challenge.

EagleScout6102 days ago