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Another Favorite Magic Kingdom Attraction Is Closing in January

Is there such thing as an “off-season” at Walt Disney World anymore? In years past, certain months out of the year have been among the best times to visit Disney Parks as crowds would be lighter and pricing could sometimes be more affordable.

While off-seasons may not be as prevalent in terms of fewer crowds, there remains one time of the year when we tend to see more refurbishments scheduled at Walt Disney World.

Cinderella Castle

Credit: Disney

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Several refurbishments are already on the calendar for January 2023, along with shortened theme park hours on select dates and cooler weather (at least by Central Florida standards.)

The Magic Kingdom will have several construction projects taking place in the New Year as work is completed on TRON Lightcycle / Run in Tomorrowland (and the Walt Disney World Railroad), along with the closure of Splash Mountain in Frontierland to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

big thunder mountain railroad

Credit: Disney

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Splash Mountain is not the only Frontierland attraction set to close in January, though, as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will also be closing for a brief refurbishment. According to Disney’s official website, the popular Magic Kingdom coaster will be closed from January 9-13, 2023, leaving Space Mountain as the only “Mountain” in the Park operating during the entire month.

With such a short refurbishment, work on Thunder Mountain is likely routine maintenance with no major changes noticeable to Guests, but it is still worth noting if you are in the midst of planning a Disney trip in January (especially if you are trying to plan around Splash Mountain’s closure, too, which ceases operation on January 23.)

Big-Thunder-Mountain-Railroad

Credit: Disney

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Disney’s official description of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reads:

The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness
Legend has it that soon after gold was first discovered here in the 1850s, eerie things began to happen. Trains would take off and race through tunnels—by themselves.

After you arrive at the legendary Big Thunder Mining Company, descend into an abandoned mine shaft and board your train. As you enter the cursed cavern, the engine speeds up along the rickety track. Dodge exploding dynamite and falling boulders as you swoop around turns, drop into canyons and dart through the mysterious ghost town of Tumbleweed.

Your rip-roaring adventure proves that some legends are true. You’re sure to have a real blast!

Remember you can always find current operating hours, as well as upcoming refurbishments, for your next vacation on DisneyWorld.com and the My Disney Experience app. Happy planning!

About Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."