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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    larryz4 hours ago

    Around here, that IS philosophy.

    larryz4 hours ago

    FTFY

    Sir_Cliff5 hours ago

    Sounds like someone was very excited to be watching the progress on Big Thunder.

    Drew the Disney Dude5 hours ago

    There it is!

    wdwmagic9 hours ago

    New track installed today

    Drew the Disney Dude10 hours ago

    Just drove past Magic Kingdom and Craney is in action! Potential new track going in today.

    gerarar4 days ago

    Goofyernmost7 days ago

    Cool! It will happen just in time for my 93 birthday. Something to look forward too.

    Disstevefan18 days ago

    Just great! Construction walls around RoA from 2025 to 2043 😉

    Raineman8 days ago

    I believe so, just like we'll be arguing about Cars Land/ROA in that thread until Cars Land opens in June of 2043.

    JoeCamel10 days ago

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

    flynnibus10 days 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 days 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 days 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.

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