After 44 Years, Disney World Erases Original Steam Train Attraction

Last week, Walt Disney World Resort guests got a sneak peek at the new-and-improved trains on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park. The attraction closed for a year-long refurbishment this January, and work has been steadily progressing in the months since.

Walt Disney World Resort first announced an extended closure for the 44-year-old Frontierland roller coaster last fall, promising it would reopen with some “new magic” sometime in 2026. Disney didn’t share much about the refurbishment, but it quickly became apparent that crews were replacing the roller coaster’s steel tracks. New tracks were spotted arriving at Magic Kingdom Park on a flatbed, and a crane arrived in Frontierland to lower them into place.

Over the last few weeks, guests have spotted Walt Disney Imagineering testing the new tracks post-installation. Scaffolding still surrounds much of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad exterior, including the fictional town of Tumbleweed. Crews have painted much of the “town” and portions of the ride queue. Select props around the roller coaster were tagged for protection during the refurbishment.

Now, one of the iconic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad steam trains has returned to the attraction. Compared to the old trains, the engine design appears to be the same (with a new coat of paint), but the wooden cars are a darker finish than before. According to WDWNT, Walt Disney Imagineers haven’t tested the train on the new roller coaster track yet, but seem to be doing clearance testing near one of the ride’s tunnels.

X (formerly known as Twitter) user @disneytiktok shared this video of Walt Disney Imagineers preparing the new steam train for some kind of test run:

Here at the Magic Kingdom over at Big Thunder Mountain, the team are prepping the new ride vehicles for their first pull through 🚂

 

Here at the Magic Kingdom over at Big Thunder Mountain, the team are prepping the new ride vehicles for their first pull through 🚂 pic.twitter.com/S9vxEpQU6e

— DisneyWorldTom (@disneytiktok) June 21, 2025

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to open sometime in early 2026, though an exact date hasn’t been announced. The refurbishment comes ahead of some significant changes in Frontierland, including the permanent closure of the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island next month. Disney is removing these attractions, and part of the Rivers of America, to make way for Piston Peak National Park, a Cars (2006) inspired part of Frontierland with two all-new attractions.

Walt Disney Imagineers are also hard at work on a Disney Villains land in the space “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” This all-new land will increase the footprint of the Magic Kingdom and feature new attractions, dining experiences, entertainment, merchandise locations, and more.

Walt Disney World Resort has not announced a grand opening date for the Disney Villains land or Piston Peak National Park.

Which upcoming change at Magic Kingdom Park are you most excited about? We would love to hear from you in the comments!