New Frontierland Town Premieres at the Magic Kingdom After 53 Years

After over five decades, Walt Disney World Resort is charging ahead with one of the most ambitious overhauls in Magic Kingdom Park history. The iconic Frontierland area is getting a long-awaited refresh, including a year-long refurbishment of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster.

The ongoing refurbishment has kept the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” closed since early January 2025. Recently, crews reportedly marked a major milestone by installing the final piece of new steel track—a clear sign that progress is accelerating.

Today at Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain celebrated a refurbishment milestone. 🚂

Judging by the large ceremony, it appears the final piece of the complete re-track of the attraction has been lifted into place!

Today at Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain celebrated a refurbishment milestone. 🚂

Judging by the large ceremony, it appears the final piece of the complete re-track of the attraction has been lifted into place! pic.twitter.com/X99ZhL66Z4

— Mickey Views (@MickeyViews) May 28, 2025

But the refurbishment extends beyond the coaster track. WDWNT recently noticed extensive repainting throughout the fictional town of Tumbleweed, part of the ride’s immersive Old West exterior. Buildings that once wore muted teal and brown hues are now sporting bright new colors, like a light blue Gold Dust Saloon and a vivid yellow structure next door. Scaffolding surrounds the entire town’s facade, and a stagecoach wrapped in blue tape nearby hints at more fresh paint coming soon.

The ride’s queue area is also getting attention. Wooden buildings are covered with protective tarps, while props bear green “protect” tags to ensure they stay safe during construction. And just beyond the ride, near the recently opened Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a “mystery structure” with two completed walls has emerged. However, Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t clarified its purpose or accessibility to guests.

This comprehensive makeover is just the beginning of a much larger Frontierland transformation. At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering unveiled plans for a brand-new Disney Villains land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” which promises to bring a darker, thrilling edge to the area and expand the Magic Kingdom footprint. Meanwhile, Tom Sawyer Island and much of the Rivers of America are set to be replaced by two new Cars (2006) attractions, ushering in a new era for Frontierland.

While early construction is underway, Disney is expected to keep Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat operational until after the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens. This phased approach should help manage guest traffic during the extensive renovations.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is slated to reopen with “new magic” sometime in early 2026, marking a fresh start for one of Magic Kingdom Park’s most iconic thrills.

What “new magic” do you hope Walt Disney World Resort adds to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? Share your ideas with Disney Tips in the comments!