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.

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