Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle took a test ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad today along with Magic Kingdom Vice President Sarah Riles and Imagineer Wyatt Winter.
The test ride comes ahead of the attraction's May 3, 2026 reopening at Magic Kingdom.
Vahle shared his excitement about the refurbished attraction following the test ride.
"Exciting news! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens on May 3 with a lower height requirement - Guests 38 inches and taller will be able to ride, so even more families will enjoy this classic adventure together," Vahle said. "That's in addition to new show elements and ride vehicles. Congrats to the project team for bringing new magic to the wildest ride in the wilderness, and making it available to even more of our Guests!"
The height requirement drops from 40 inches to 38 inches when the attraction reopens. Disney says the change follows a comprehensive review from safety teams along with improvements made during the refurbishment.
The refurbishment includes new track, 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 calls this a "mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment" that preserves the ride's core experience while adding new storytelling layers.
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. His dreams of riches met resistance as machines failed and cave-ins shut mines down.
Guests who board the runaway trains will learn "just how wild the wilderness can get," according to Disney.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens at Magic Kingdom on May 3, 2026.
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