Disney has announced Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen at Magic Kingdom on May 3, 2026 with new track, refreshed trains, and a lowered height requirement.
The height requirement will drop to 38 inches when the attraction reopens, down from the previous 40-inch minimum. Disney says the change follows "a comprehensive review from our safety teams" along with all the improvements made during the refurbishment. This now puts Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the same height requirement as Walt Disney World's other hugely popular family coaster, Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios.
New Track and Trains
A new track and refreshed passenger trains are part of the refurbishment. Disney says these updates were carefully planned to preserve the attraction's classic storytelling while adding new life, movement, and detail to the experience.
Wyatt Winter, Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, confirmed on Good Morning America that guests will see gold on the mountain for the first time in the attraction's Magic Kingdom history.
"When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens this spring, all new trains, animatronics refreshed throughout effects, stuff that hasn't been going for years is returning," Winter said.
Rainbow Caverns Scene
A new scene will send trains underground to natural caverns full of phosphorescent pools. The caverns feature iridescent stalagmites and stalactites that shimmer and glow.
Disney warns the Rainbow Caverns "ain't as friendly as they first appear" and hints that "that menacing rumble from deep within the mountain may be a sign that we ain't welcome."
The scene draws inspiration from Disneyland's early Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland attraction.
The Barnabas T. Bullion Story
The attraction continues its story of Barnabas T. Bullion, who struck gold in the Big Thunder region during America's first major gold rush. He started the Big Thunder Mountain Company with dreams of riches, but quickly found himself in a battle with nature.
Strange things started happening. Machines failed. Cave-ins shut mines down. No matter how deep the miners dug, the forces of Big Thunder fought back.
Disney says guests who board the runaway trains will learn "just how wild the wilderness can get."
Mountain-Top to Cavern-Deep Refurbishment
Disney describes this as a "mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment" meant to keep the classic attraction ready to delight guests for years to come.
Effects that have been dormant for years are being restored. The main entrance sign has been replaced with a restored version, and scaffolding has been removed from the attraction.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Magic Kingdom on May 3, 2026.
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