After more than 16 months of closure, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen on 3rd May 2026. The attraction first opened at Magic Kingdom in 1980 – and the refurbishment has added some fun new elements to the experience.
What’s New
The refurbishment brings a new track and refreshed trains, alongside refreshed Audio-Animatronics, new gold props, and geysers and lighting effects that help tie the area into the upcoming Piston Peak National Park expansion.
The standout addition is the Rainbow Caverns: a newly imagined underground sequence filled with phosphorescent pools and iridescent stalagmites and stalactites.
A Lower Height Requirement
Disney has also lowered the height requirement by two inches, from 40″ to 38″, opening the ride up to younger guests who were previously just shy of the threshold.
The ride is currently testing weighted vehicles, with a cast member preview period expected in the weeks leading up to the 3rd May opening.
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