For many visitors, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is the beating heart of Disneyland Paris. The coaster’s island setting, dramatic desert rockwork, and thundering train cars make it one of the most ambitious Disney rides ever built. Yet the attraction’s future is once again under scrutiny, as ongoing technical issues have left fans questioning whether a second closure is imminent.
The Parisian version opened in 1992 as part of Frontierland and quickly distinguished itself from the coasters in Anaheim, Orlando, and Tokyo. By situating the ride on an island in the Rivers of the Far West, Imagineers created a dramatic visual centerpiece. Guests board from the mainland, dive beneath the water, and emerge into a canyon landscape that many consider the definitive version of the attraction.
Over time, however, the ride’s technical reliability has become a recurring concern. Breakdowns, sudden stoppages, and guest evacuations have been noted over the years, leading Disneyland Paris to shut down the attraction in January for a refurbishment that lasted into June. The expectation was that the repairs would stabilize the coaster’s performance for the busy summer season.
Guest Frustrations Surface Again
Once the attraction reopened, it didn’t take long for reports of new problems to surface. “It surprised me last week that BTM still broke down a couple of times a day,” one recent guest wrote on Reddit. “I saw people getting evacuated multiple times.”
Another guest reported facing delays even before boarding. “We’ve just had an announcement that we are having to wait an extra 30 mins in the line,” they said. “They keep sending empty carts round…..”
Fans have speculated that the refurbishment was only partial. “They closed it down to replace half of the track,” one user suggested. “Rumor has it that they’re doing it again for the other half in the near future, which would mean the refurbishment isn’t actually finished yet.”
Comparing Paris and Florida
If true, that phased approach stands in contrast to the overhaul currently underway at Magic Kingdom in Florida, where Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed for a full-scale track replacement and rejuvenation. Walt Disney Imagineering has also promised “new magic” for the ride, teasing a mysterious cavern sequence inspired by Disneyland’s historic Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. The reimagined Rainbow Caverns will feature glowing pools and radiant rock formations.
In Paris, a different calculus may be at work. With only two theme parks — one under heavy construction and the other lacking major new attractions — Disneyland Paris has fewer ways to distribute crowds. Closing its signature coaster for a year or more could place a significant strain on the resort’s lineup, particularly during the lucrative summer months.
For now, Disney has not commented publicly on the rumors. Still, the debate underscores the high stakes of maintaining one of the most beloved rides in the park. As one of the few attractions considered essential by repeat visitors, the state of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad carries outsized weight in how guests experience Disneyland Paris.
If the breakdowns continue, fans may get their answer soon enough. For a ride long celebrated as the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad may be facing one of its most unpredictable stretches yet.
What’s your favorite version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?
