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Credit: Flickr/Joe PennistonDisney World is switching things up for an iconic Magic Kingdom attraction.
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Guests can expect to see a lot of changes at Walt Disney World over the coming years, especially at Magic Kingdom, where a number of projects are currently in development. Work is underway on the park’s new Cars-themed area, Piston Peak, which will take over the location of former attractions like Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat, both of which closed permanently in July.
Magic Kingdom also recently debuted its new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed bar, The Beak and Barrel. Guests can find the new watering hole near the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland.
However, one of the most interesting and increasingly exciting projects currently taking place at the Magic Kingdom is what’s happening inside Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Disney recently shared a few more details about the work being done on the classic roller coaster, revealing significant changes that are in store for key scenes, such as the first lift hill in the caverns.
Disney also changed the attraction’s storyline, which raises some interesting questions for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad going forward.
Disney World Updates Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Story
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Disney has updated the description of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad on its official website. Now, the attraction is described as a race through an “active gold mine.” This is a stark departure from the ride’s original storyline, which was set in a deserted mining town.
It’s unclear what this change actually means for the attraction and its lore, but it’s certainly interesting.
Disney also mentions the refreshed Rainbow Caverns, which was shown earlier this week in the new concept art (pictured above).
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for extensive refurbishment in January, a huge loss for Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World as a whole, as the coaster is one of the faces of the theme park resort.
“The iconic rumblin’, rollin’ Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently undergoing a mountaintop-to-cavern refurbishment,” states Disney on the ride’s website. “In addition to the action and adventure we know and love, Big Thunder Mountain will feature new magic for fans to discover, including a journey through the spectacular natural phenomena of the Rainbow Caverns, which may not be as welcoming as they first appear.”
The family thrill ride will remain closed through this year and reopen in 2026 on a yet-to-be-announced date.
Looking forward, Disney World will close DINOSAUR, a major “E-ticket” attraction, permanently next year. The frightening prehistoric thrill ride has been a part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park since it opened in 1998, but it will be closing to make room for a new expansion: Tropical Americas.
This new South American-inspired hub will feature a set of all-new attractions, including a ride based on Encanto and one inspired by Indiana Jones.
Do you miss Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? What is your favorite roller coaster at Walt Disney World?