Walt Disney World Resort is moving forward with some significant changes in Magic Kingdom, particularly in the park’s original Frontierland area. This section of the park is in the midst of its most significant transformation ever as Disney addresses outdated parts of the beloved land and embarks on a year-long refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening and what’s still to come.
Frontierland Overhaul
Over the past few years, Walt Disney World Resort has made some noticeable shifts in this part of the Magic Kingdom. The original Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, for instance, was demolished to make way for a Disney Vacation Club lounge, which opened this year.
2024 saw the reimagining of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the premiere of the updated Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This is just the tip of the iceberg for what’s to come in this corner of Magic Kingdom.
What’s Coming Next?
Walt Disney World Resort has revealed plans to replace parts of Tom Sawyer Island and even some of the Rivers of America with two new Cars (2006) attractions. Big changes are also planned “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad,” with a Disney Villains-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom Park. Although the official opening dates have yet to be confirmed, construction permits have already been filed, signaling that the transformation is well underway.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Gets a Major Overhaul
The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster, an iconic Frontierland attraction, is getting a major upgrade. It closed in January for a refurbishment promising “new magic” on the attraction. The refurbishment is expected to take until 2026 to complete.
Rumors had been swirling about a complete track replacement, and those rumors gained traction when guests began spotting steel roller coaster tracks arriving at Magic Kingdom Park. Check out this photo shared by the Instagram account @fantasylandnews:
View this post on Instagram
Since the tracks arrived, Disney Park guests have spotted cranes lowering new track pieces into exterior areas of the Frontierland roller coaster. Construction workers have also been spotted throughout the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad queue, providing further evidence that the ride is undergoing a major overhaul.
On Monday, WDWNT spotted a crane lowering large track pieces into the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad construction site. Crews also poured concrete in areas where new track pieces had yet to be installed, preparing for their arrival.
What’s Next for Frontierland?
As we await further updates on this massive transformation, one thing is clear: Frontierland is undergoing one of the largest changes in Magic Kingdom Park’s history. As always, How to Disney will keep you updated with any further developments, so stay tuned for more news on these exciting changes.
Are there any parts of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad that you hope don’t change? Share your thoughts with How to Disney in the comments!
