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This Disney World Park Is Undergoing a Massive Makeover—but Guests Will Have To Wait
There’s something quietly dramatic unfolding in the heart of Magic Kingdom as this Disney World park continues to be overhauled. The familiar clatter and rush of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—the iconic runaway mine train that’s thrilled millions—is gone.
In its place: scaffolding, cranes, and a sense of anticipation hanging heavy in the air. While the mountain’s silhouette still looms large, the ride itself is nowhere to be found, deep in a lengthy refurbishment.
But what’s really happening behind those walls, and how will it change the way guests experience this classic attraction?
Frontierland Faces Changes at This Disney World Park: Station Closure and Railroad Shuffle
The Walt Disney World Railroad, long a favorite for guests wanting a scenic trip around the park, is about to undergo a noticeable shift.
The Frontierland Station, which sits next to Big Thunder Mountain, is set to close starting next month—and that closure is expected to last several years. This means that instead of the usual full circuit, the railroad will operate only between Fantasyland and Main Street, running in what Disney calls a “shuttle mode.”
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Construction Update 2/10/2025 New scaffolding has gone up in the town of Tumbleweed. Construction workers continue on-site. Additionally, flying dumpsters continue to be seen.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Construction Update 2/10/2025 🚂
New scaffolding has gone up in the town of Tumbleweed. Construction workers continue on-site. 🚧
Additionally, flying dumpsters continue to be seen. 🗑️ pic.twitter.com/CCseXSRXdy
— RideRover (@riderover_) February 10, 2025
For visitors used to hopping on the train at Frontierland, this will change how they navigate the park—and alter one of the most charming transport experiences Magic Kingdom offers.
Construction Progress: Track Installation and Facade Work in Full Swing
From vantage points like the Walt Disney World Railroad and Liberty Square Riverboat, the ongoing work on Big Thunder Mountain is hard to miss. Newly installed roller coaster track is visible inside the structure, with concrete footers being carefully placed to support the ride’s return path. This is critical groundwork for reconnecting the track across the railroad tracks to the barn area on the other side.
We Have an UPDATE on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Construction at Disney World
We Have an UPDATE on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Construction at Disney World https://t.co/xv1uEy2BIc
— Brad Gentry (@Gentryland) May 31, 2025
Yet, despite this progress, the mountain is far from complete. Many of the ride’s signature props are missing, likely undergoing restoration either at Disney’s Central Shops or by outside specialists. Gaps in the facade remain where workers have opened sections to access the interior, signaling the extensive nature of the repairs. And dominating the skyline, a giant crane remains in place—ready to lift and maneuver heavy pieces back into position as the project advances.
Safety and Design: The Envelope Test Raises Questions
A fascinating detail emerges in the form of the “envelope test device.” This tool is used to simulate the space a rider occupies to ensure there’s enough clearance between guests and the ride structure. At the moment, the device is stuck in a spot where clearance is too tight—actually touching parts of the mountain facade.
A great pic of a failed clearance test. Not sure how they managed to do it with a retrack but maybe the amount of required space has grown over the decades – @AParkMind on X
A great pic of a failed clearance test. Not sure how they managed to do it with a retrack but maybe the amount of required space has grown over the decades pic.twitter.com/UAYOeSTiFW
— Park Mind (@AParkMind) June 10, 2025
This is a known challenge with classic Disney coasters, where guests with broad wingspans can sometimes brush against the ride’s edges. The question now is whether Disney will modify the mountain’s exterior in this spot to meet safety standards or find another solution. Balancing the mountain’s iconic look with modern safety rules will be one of the trickier tasks for the refurbishment team.
What This Means for Magic Kingdom and Fans
While this project is primarily about fixing and updating an aging attraction, its impact goes beyond Big Thunder Mountain itself. Frontierland is a key land in Magic Kingdom’s immersive story, and the closure of the Frontierland Station reshapes how guests explore the park. For many, the temporary loss of this hub alters not just transportation but the feel and flow of their visit.
More importantly, this refurbishment highlights the ongoing challenge Disney faces: preserving the magic and nostalgia of beloved rides while upgrading them for today’s guests and safety standards. How much will the mountain change in appearance? Will it still feel as wild and untamed once it reopens? These are questions Disney fans are eager—and a bit anxious—to see answered.
Looking Forward: A New Era for the Runaway Mine Train at This Disney World Park
The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is expected to remain closed through 2026, meaning fans have a long wait before they can once again hear the rumble of the runaway train. But with the progress visible so far—the new track, the props under restoration, and safety tests underway—it’s clear the mountain’s return will be more than a simple tune-up. It’s shaping up to be a thoughtful reimagining designed to preserve the ride’s spirit while ensuring it meets today’s standards.
As work continues and the crane keeps swinging high, Disney fans can watch this transformation unfold with excitement—and maybe a little patience—as one of Magic Kingdom’s most beloved rides prepares for its next thrilling chapter.
