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After 44 years of thrilling Walt Disney World Resort guests, one of Magic Kingdom’s classic attractions is finally getting a major overhaul. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—the beloved Old West roller coaster that has long been a staple of Frontierland—is currently undergoing a massive transformation.
The End of an Era for Frontierland
Credit: Disney
In recent years, Walt Disney World Resort has made some big moves in Frontierland, such as demolishing the original Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade to make space for a Disney Vacation Club lounge. Splash Mountain has also been replaced with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and the original Country Bear Jamboree has been updated into the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. These changes were only the beginning, and more are on the way.
Big Changes Coming to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
One of the biggest changes at Magic Kingdom Park this year is the complete refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Starting in January 2025, this iconic Frontierland attraction closed for a year-long refurbishment with promises of “new magic” upon reopening in 2026. While Disney has been tight-lipped about the specific changes, rumors surrounding the renovation have been swirling for some time, and evidence suggests that the overhaul will include a complete track replacement.
Credit: Flickr/Joe Penniston
Guests were the first to notice the arrival of steel roller coaster tracks being delivered to Magic Kingdom Park, confirming the rumors. Instagram account @fantasylandnews shared this photo of a flatbed delivering steel tracks to the original Central Florida Disney park:
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On Monday, WDWNT spotted a crane lowering similar track pieces into Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Some of the exterior track replacements appeared complete, but scaffolding still surrounded much of the ride’s exterior. Workers seem to have poured cement into areas where the new track hasn’t been installed.
What’s Next for Frontierland?
Credit: Disney
These changes to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are part of a broader effort to update and refresh parts of Frontierland. In 2024, Walt Disney World Resort announced plans to replace Tom Sawyer Island and portions of the Rivers of America with two new Cars (2006) attractions. Disney is also planning to introduce a Disney Villains land in the area “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” These major updates will alter the entire landscape of Frontierland and make Magic Kingdom Park bigger than ever.
Although we don’t yet know exactly when these changes will roll out, one thing is certain: Magic Kingdom is in the midst of one of the biggest transformations it’s seen in years. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to cover the ongoing transformation of Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland and all the new magic Disney has in store.
What do you think of the recent changes to Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland? Disney Tips would love to hear from you in the comments!
