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Magic Kingdom guests are seeing even more of Frontierland restricted as Walt Disney World Resort continues work on one of its most iconic roller coasters. Construction around Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has grown once again, leaving the surrounding pathways tighter and the land’s familiar layout increasingly difficult to navigate during the busy holiday season.
Construction Walls Expand Around Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Credit: Disney
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed since January 6, 2025, and its refurbishment has transformed the entire area around the attraction. What started as a mysterious refurbishment quickly evolved into a year-long project involving the complete replacement of the track and the introduction of an all-new Rainbow Caverns opening scene. As Walt Disney World Resort prepares for the ride’s spring 2026 reopening, the footprint of the construction site has stretched even farther into Frontierland.
NEW: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will reopen in spring 2026 after a year-long refurbishment that included full track replacement, updates to The Rainbow Caverns, and what Disney calls “new magic.” No exact date has been announced.
NEW: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will reopen in spring 2026 after a year-long refurbishment that included full track replacement, updates to The Rainbow Caverns, and what Disney calls “new magic.” No exact date has been announced. pic.twitter.com/xYaEMa0RYV
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) December 3, 2025
Recently, crews shifted the construction walls outward, taking over additional space near the attraction entrance. These updated barriers now extend to the Frontierland train station, which remains closed while Disney works on nearby projects, including the development of Piston Peak National Park and a Disney Villains-themed land.
Recent Testing Shows Progress Behind the Walls
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Even with the expanded construction zone, Walt Disney Imagineers continue making visible progress on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. In October and November, observers spotted empty ride vehicles on the newly installed tracks. On December 3, WDWNT captured footage of a train slowly ascending one of the coaster’s hills. Although the coaster is not yet running at full speed, these tests mark an important milestone. Ride dummies have not been used so far, but the slow runs indicate the testing phase is moving forward.
Navigating the Tightened Frontierland Area
Credit: Disney
Between the expanding construction walls and the barricades blocking views of the former Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, the area around Big Thunder Mountain Railroad feels significantly more compact. To help offset the reduced space, Walt Disney World Resort added picnic tables and benches, allowing guests to rest while navigating the narrowed walkways.
Although the shrinking layout may be temporary, it marks one of the most significant spatial changes Frontierland has seen in years. With major projects unfolding on multiple sides, the land’s familiar footprint continues to shift as Walt Disney World Resort prepares for the future of Magic Kingdom.
What do you hope Walt Disney World Resort improves about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad during the refurbishment? Share your ideas with Disney Tips in the comments!
