The wildest ride in the wilderness is open for business again. As of May 4, 2026, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Walt Disney World has officially reopened following a major refurbishment, and there is plenty of new magic waiting on the tracks.
There's Gold in That There Mountain
The legend of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad goes back to the early days of America's gold rush era. When Barnabas T. Bullion struck gold in the Big Thunder region, he wasted no time building the Big Thunder Mountain Company, eyes full of glittering ambition.
But the mountain had other plans. Strange things began happening. Machines failed without explanation. Mine shafts collapsed. No matter how deep the miners dug, the forces of Big Thunder pushed back. The gold was there, alright -- getting to it was another matter entirely.
A Classic Gets Some Shine
The mountain attractions at Disney Parks around the world have earned their legendary status. They deliver thrills, tell stories, and leave lasting memories for guests of every age.
After a thorough, top-to-bottom refurbishment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is in peak condition and ready to deliver that rumblin', rollin' fun for years to come.
The Wildest Ride, Refreshed
At the heart of the refurbishment is a brand-new track and a set of refreshed passenger trains. Every update was made with careful attention to preserving the attraction's classic storytelling and signature energy, while adding new life and detail to an experience guests already love.
The improvements also come with a new perk: the height requirement has been lowered to 38 inches, welcoming even more young prospectors to the adventure.
New Magic Thunderin' In
Beyond the upgrades, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has something genuinely new for fans to discover.
As trains rattle underground, guests are treated to spectacular natural caverns filled with phosphorescent pools that shimmer and illuminate iridescent stalagmites (the ones on the floor) and stalactites (the ones on the ceiling). It is a breathtaking sight -- though the ominous rumble from deep within the mountain is a good reminder that not everything glittering underground is quite so welcoming.
The Rainbow Caverns are beautiful. They are also a little unsettling. That is exactly what makes them worth the ride.
