Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Begins Ride Testing at Magic Kingdom
The long refurbishment enters testing with Disney still listing a 2026 return without a set reopening date.
Overview
- Public posts on October 31 show trains cycling on the track, marking a key milestone toward reopening after the year-long overhaul.
- Refurbishment work includes replacing track and relocating a tower, with reports indicating possible changes to the finale scene.
- Disney has refreshed the attraction’s story, centering on Barnabas T. Bullion and introducing the Rainbow Caverns as part of the updated experience.
- Disney previously removed language about “exploding dynamite and falling boulders” from the ride description, leaving the ending’s effects unclear.
- Disney continues to signal a 2026 return, and some fan outlets speculate about potential soft openings, which have not been announced or confirmed.