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Credit: Anna Fox (HarshLight), FlickrMonday, September 1, 2025, is the final day to experience Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park as we know it. That includes the fictional town of Rainbow Ridge, part of the Frontierland roller coaster inspired by its predecessor, Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland.
Last month, Disneyland Resort announced that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad would close for a lengthy refurbishment beginning September 2–exactly 46 years after the roller coaster debuted in Frontierland in 1979. Unlike many Disney Park maintenance projects, this refurbishment has no end date. Disneyland Resort’s operational calendar currently goes through October 13, 2025, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is still listed as “no times available” (closed) on that date.
In response to a Reddit post from u/NaiRad1000 about the upcoming refurbishment, many Disney Parks fans expressed disappointment that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closed for so long.
Today is the Last day to ride Thunder Mountain before it refurbishment
“We’re going late October and I’m so sad it will likely still be closed then..it was closed during our December visit last year too and it’s one of our favourite rides,” u/panicbiscuits commented.
“We’re sad because we weren’t expecting this to be done and are going the 2nd week of October,” said u/kris1230. “It seems like a weird time of year to close it for refurbishment.”
Still, others said Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has overstayed its welcome at Disneyland Park.
“This ride is always down and still as painful since the 90s,” u/Old_Warthog_3515 wrote. “Get rid of it.”
Disneyland Park isn’t the only Disney Park refurbishing its version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. In January, Walt Disney World Resort closed its Frontierland mine train coaster for a year-long refresh, which will see “new magic” added to the experience. Magic Kingdom Park guests have watched as crews repainted set elements and replaced almost the entire steel roller coaster track.
It’s unclear whether Disneyland Resort will make any similar changes to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or repaint its fictional Frontierland town, Rainbow Ridge.
What should Disneyland Resort update on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad during its refurbishment? Share your ideas with Inside the Magic in the comments!