News Project 2026: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Retrack
- Thread starter Python_Survivor
- Start date
The shutdown is expected to be right around a year long and permits are through August 2025, so September might be lucky if it’s still open by then.
Damn. BTM is one of my favorites. Thanks for the info though!
From what I read on WDWMagic, they say “unless something changed very very recently,” it’s not Intamin.
There was rumors that Disney had a falling out with Vekoma after Guardians, and because of that the SpiderMan coaster announced for Shanghai is Intamin.
Did they ever announce any details about this? With Jungle Cruise down through at least October, I’m hoping there’s a chance BTM will be open for my September trip. 
It was never mentioned at D23, but a lot of the stories/rumors I heard was sometime in September, with it not reopening until August 2025. Maybe they are waiting for Tiana's Virtual Queue era (and to work out the bugs) to finish upDid they ever announce any details about this? With Jungle Cruise down through at least October, I’m hoping there’s a chance BTM will be open for my September trip.
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I think its widely known its at the very least getting retraked.
Not to scare anyone, but do we think this refurbishment will involve a retheme or IP rebranding? I've noticed a lot of fans who are under the impression that nothing is "sacred" at the Disney parks. IMO I just want something similar to what Disneyland did to their BTMRR a decade ago, and let this ride retain its identity.
I'm not sure they would remove the cast restrooms, I heard they JUST had the pipes redone... but hey maybe they will move tower there anyway?
First track piece is going in.
blogmickey.com
FIRST LOOK: First New Track Piece Installed for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Track Replacement Project
Walt Disney World has installed the first new piece of roller coaster track during the lengthy Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment
blogmickey.com
Holy SHIT that was FAST. The ride hasn’t even been closed for a month!
TheCoasterNerd
Previously known as @coasters_bgw
Permits have been filed confirming it's Vekoma
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom Enters Set Installation Phase
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Refurbishment at Magic Kingdom Enters Set Installation Phase
www.wdwmagic.com
Something that hasn’t been talked about much on this thread is the potential of upgraded effects and theming. It’s been rumored for a while that MK’s Big Thunder may be getting the dynamite explosion effects on C-lift that CA and Paris have now. I don’t know whether or not this is a given but we’ll have to wait and see. While that would be a welcome addition (and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what’s being signified by the “little bit of new magic”), I really hope this refurbishment also does the following:
Refresh cavern scene with colorful rippling pools and (if possible) bring back the waterfall.
Fix the train sound effects that play whenever trains pass by a guest area. Particularly those on the 540 degree helix after B-lift, those for some reason have not worked properly for years. Also would be good if you hear train chugging noises while on-ride like in CA as of 2014.
However, would I be surprised if it’s just track and train replacement, C-lift effects, and that’s it? I personally hope that’s not the case, but only time will tell.
Hey friends!
On Thursday 3/13/25 I went over to MK to see all of the new updates happening around the park. This is what I've noticed so far.
I'm going to like my latest video below showing off everything I've talked about and more, well with the exception of Astro orbiters! Have a great day and let me know if there's anything you want me to look for next time I'm at the park.
Direct Link to Embedded Media Source
On Thursday 3/13/25 I went over to MK to see all of the new updates happening around the park. This is what I've noticed so far.
- Astro Orbiters
- The ride is completely gone as of right now but it will be back after its refurbishment.
- Pirates Bar
- Work walls have been put up in the Pirates queue line as work continues on adding the bar to the other side. As it currently stands, about half of the covered queue line before you walk into the building is lost due to the work walls and the Lightning Lane does a straight shot right next to the work wall.
- Rivers of America/Tom Swayer Island
- Nothing has changed for either attraction as of right now. Both are fully operational.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Tons of progress has happened over the last 2 months.
- It looks like all of the outdoor track has been completely removed and taken off site. Much of the site has plywood covering up holes and other areas of work. New track seems to be being installed at a very quick rate. The areas I've seen new track was the town scene, a turn going to what i believe is lift 3 (couldn't really tell sorry) and we saw them lifting track for one of the lift hills in place while I was there.
- The queue line and station building seem to be getting a ton of work done as there is scaffolding up everywhere!
I'm going to like my latest video below showing off everything I've talked about and more, well with the exception of Astro orbiters! Have a great day and let me know if there's anything you want me to look for next time I'm at the park.
Direct Link to Embedded Media Source
Every time one of these MK threads has a new post I get a glimmer of hope that they’ve announced that some of the river will be preserved after all.
I know I’m setting myself up for disappointment, but a man can dream…
I know I’m setting myself up for disappointment, but a man can dream…