Ghost Train Station... until 2026
January 6 marked the last day of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom... at least for now. The train will remain at the station for the rest of the year, with plans to return in full force in 2026. That’s a long refurbishment period, so could this extended closure indicate something more for this classic ride?
Long closures often signal a major change for a ride. For example, Test Track at Epcot closed in June 2024 and is set to reopen this February as Test Track 3.0, featuring a new theme and possibly new mechanics for one of Disney World's top attractions. In comparison, Big Thunder will be closed for much longer - over a year - so we can definitely expect some big changes.
The Train is ready to evolve
There’s a good chance that Big Thunder will undergo a major overhaul as Disney works to expand Magic Kingdom. As many of you know, a new Cars Land and a Villains-themed area are coming to the park in the next few years. Both lands will be located near Frontierland, with the Villains area expanding beyond it.
Wait a minute… did you know that Big Thunder is THE main ride in Frontierland? There’s a strong possibility it could be rethemed to fit the Cars franchise. Sure, a train isn’t exactly a car, but both do go fast, right?
I don’t think the ride will change drastically, at least not in terms of its core essence. Big Thunder will always be about the train and serving as a family-friendly coaster. However, I do see some changes to the mountain itself, including the story, props, and animatronics inside the ride. This roller coaster is a major classic and remains incredibly popular, so it’s unlikely Disney World will make significant changes. I don’t think it will meet the same fate as something like Splash Mountain.
Disney is keeping quiet about what’s next for Big Thunder. With the attraction closing and work starting in the next few weeks, we’ll likely get some hints about what’s in store for this ride soon. Disney is expected to unveil the future of this classic attraction sometime in 2025.
