Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Returns with New Fun and Surprises
A Wild Ride Comes Back
Get ready to hold on tight—the wildest ride in the wilderness is coming back! On May 3, 2026, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen with exciting updates that bring new life to this classic ride.
A Story About Gold and Mystery
The ride tells a story from the days of the gold rush. A man named Barnabas T. Bullion found gold in the Big Thunder area and quickly started a mining company, but things did not go as planned as machines broke down and parts of the mine collapsed, making it seem like the mountain did not want to be disturbed, and when the ride returns, guests will once again experience this strange and wild story for themselves.
A Fresh Look for a Classic Ride
At Walt Disney World Resort, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is getting a full refresh from the top of the mountain to the deepest caves, with everything being cleaned up and improved to help keep the ride fun and exciting for both new visitors and longtime fans.
Smoother Tracks and More Riders
The ride now has a brand-new track and updated trains, which means a smoother ride while keeping the fast turns and fun drops people love, and after safety checks, the height requirement has been lowered to 38 inches so more kids can join in on the adventure.
New Magic Underground
One of the biggest changes is found deep inside the mountain, where riders will travel through glowing caves filled with bright, colorful pools and shining rock formations, and while these Rainbow Caverns look beautiful, a low rumble suggests the mountain might not be happy with visitors.
Even More to Discover
There are still more surprises waiting to be found, and when Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in May 2026, it will offer a fun mix of old favorites and new magic for everyone to enjoy.
Recent Posts
Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos Is the Perfect Family Upgrade
There is a new gem along Grace Bay Beach, and it is absolutely worth the hype. Treasure Beach Village, the newest addition to Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort, officially opened its doors on March 1, 2026, and it is already turning heads. Think brand-new suites with jaw-dropping views, a steakhouse that is a first for…
Universal Kids Resort Opens July 1 — Seven Lands of Pure Kid Magic Await
Grab the sunscreen and charge the camera! Universal Kids Resort, Universal Destinations & Experiences’ first-ever regional theme park designed specifically for kids, officially opens its gates in Frisco, Texas, on July 1. The wait is almost over, and honestly, the kids are not the only ones who should be excited. A Park Built in a…
Mando and Grogu Are Coming to Disney Parks — Here’s Everything to Know
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu has hit theaters, and Disney Parks are making the whole galaxy feel it. From an all-new ride storyline to Grogu cookies, here is every experience arriving at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. A new mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run has a brand-new…
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Gets a Muppets Makeover at Hollywood Studios
Get ready to rock. The Electric Mayhem has officially taken over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the details are as wild as a drum solo from Animal himself. One night only — and the band has gone missing The Electric Mayhem is headlining the biggest Hollywood concert of their career. Every…
Soarin’ Across America: New Locations Revealed for Disney’s All-New Flight Experience
Soarin’ Across America Is Coming, and the Views Look Incredible To celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary, Disney is launching Soarin’ Across America, an all-new adventure that sweeps guests over the breathtaking landscapes, coastlines, and cityscapes that make this country so unforgettable. The experience takes flight May 26, 2026, at Walt Disney World Resort, followed…
Let's Start the Magic!
Crazy Imagination Travel Advisors are experts at the art of vacationing Disney and beyond. No two families are alike and no two vacations are alike. Each vacation is carefully planned and customized to our guest. From the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to world-wide adventures in Australia, our Travel Advisors are ready to help guests plan their dream vacation. Go ahead. Put our service to the test!
