Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment Permit Amendment Points to Later Spring 2026 Opening

Gallery / 5 Photos
Latest Look at Big Thunder Mountain Work and Cleared Land for Villains and Cars Lands - Feb 18, 2026

Posted: Wednesday March 4, 2026 10:39am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

An amended Notice of Commencement has been filed for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's refurbishment at Magic Kingdom, extending the construction permit through August 31, 2026.

The original permit was set to expire on March 13, 2026. The amended FAM Notice of Commencement now lists an expiration date of August 31, 2026.

Latest Look at Big Thunder Mountain Work and Cleared Land for Villains and Cars Lands - Feb 18, 2026

What This Means for Reopening

Disney has announced a general spring timeframe for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad's reopening. Spring technically runs through mid-June, 2026.

The permit extension suggests the reopening may happen closer to the end of spring rather than early in the season. Disney typically seeks permit coverage that extends beyond project completion dates, but the five-month extension from the original March deadline is notable.

Latest Look at Big Thunder Mountain Work and Cleared Land for Villains and Cars Lands - Feb 18, 2026

Refurbishment Scope

The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment includes all-new trains, refreshed animatronics throughout the attraction, and restored effects that have been dormant for years.

A new Rainbow Caverns scene will feature phosphorescent pools and iridescent stalactites and stalagmites. Disney describes this as a "mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment" that preserves the ride's core experience while adding new storytelling elements.

New Big Thunder Mountain Concept Art

Wyatt Winter, Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, recently confirmed on Good Morning America that guests will see gold on the mountain for the first time in the attraction's Magic Kingdom history.

New Big Thunder Mountain Concept Art

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

danlb_200013 hours ago

If they did smooth it out will that reduce it's effectivness at curing kidney stones? ;)

Rhinocerous14 hours ago

I did something like this once when I rode EE single rider, just to amuse myself. (Though I looked bored rather than annoyed.) Probably ruined some poor family's photo. Or maybe I gave them a funny story.

Delta-71 day ago

Darth_Darthius1 day ago

Stone Cold. Arms Crossed. This guy Big Thunders.

𝐌𝖆𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝐖𝖊𝖇1 day ago

Did you look at the other photos? :rolleyes: Who spit in your bean curd?

JAB1 day ago

I had to chuckle at this photo where everybody's super casual except for the one guy who's wincing and clinging on to both bars for dear life. 😏

Skibum19701 day ago

Given Florida's direct sunshine, the cars will fade quickly, or so I would surmise.

Movielover1 day ago

Ah yes, the lift hill, often the most wildest part of a roller-coaster... :rolleyes:

Bocabear1 day ago

I think the repainted mine cars look great...remember the attraction next door is going to have modern fiberglass car ride vehicles....a bit more natural is a good thing....Maybe if they left them Orange and yellow they could add googly eyes to match their neighbor...

Mr. Engagement1 day ago

"The MILDEST Ride in the Wilderness!"

Stupido1 day ago

I think that the more realistic paint jobs for the mine trains was a mistake, they seem to blend in too much. The Orange/Yellow was a nice pop that brought the mountain to life a bit more.

𝐌𝖆𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝐖𝖊𝖇1 day ago

They look too chill for it to be the "Wildest Ride in the Wilderness" lol

gerarar1 day ago

Source and more:

Bocabear1 day ago

I thought the original problem with the EuroDisney resort was the overbuilding of the hotels for the crowds that mostly day-trip... that is what I understood at the time... The park was doing fine, maybe not their anticipated crowd levels, but the problem was the multiple fully staffed resort hotels.....