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Disney Details Five Major Changes for Big Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom

The company frames the project as a top-to-bottom reimagining rather than routine maintenance.

Overview

  • Disney confirms a comprehensive refurbishment of the 1980-era coaster that spans track, show scenes, and exterior theming.
  • New track work aims to smooth the historically jarring ride while maintaining the runaway-train character.
  • Modernized lighting and special effects are planned, with reported possibilities including projection mapping in cave scenes.
  • Exterior rockwork and facades will be refreshed to better align with Frontierland plans such as the Piston Peak concept.
  • The narrative will deepen the Barnabas T. Bullion storyline and introduce a Rainbow Caverns sequence, with reopening expected in 2026.