Anyone who has been to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort recently has more than likely noticed that there is a lot of work being done on Big Thunder Mountain. Today, some of the magical enhancements that are being added to Big Thunder Mountain were revealed. Guests will be able to experience these enhancements when the attraction reopens in 2026. Below are details and backstory for the attraction that were shared today.
Backstory
As the story goes, Big Thunder Mountain dates back to Olden Times/Golden Times. This is during the days of America’s first major gold rush. Barbara’s T. Bullion was a lucky prospector who struck gold in the Big Thunder region. With this, he saw a future full of prosperity and possibility and started the Big Thunder Mountain Company.
However, things never go quite as planned it seems. Bullion discovered that there is a cost to his dreams and soon found himself in a battle with the forces of nature… and also in a lot of trouble. Then one day, strange and unexplainable things began to happen. Machines stopped working. Cave-ins shut his mines down.
No matter what the miners did or how deep they dug into the mountain, the forces of Big Thunder continued to fight back. When the attraction reopens next year, passengers who board the runaway trains will learn just how wild the wilderness can be as they go on the “wildest ride in the wilderness!”
Refurbishing and Enhancing
Big Thunder Mountain is getting a top to bottom refurbishment, along with some new enhancements. This will keep the attraction in top shape for many years while also adding to the experiences.
One of the new enhancements come as the trains rattle their way underground to the spectacular natural caverns that are full of phosphorescent pools. These pool shimmer and illuminate iridescent stalagmites (floor) and stalactites (ceiling).
The Rainbow Caverns look beautiful but also there are more there than what what seems. It turns out there is a menacing rumble from deep within the mountain that may be a sign that people aren’t welcome.
More details will be released about Big Thunder Mountain ahead of its reopening in 2026. What do you think of the new concept art and new magic? Are you excited to ride on this attraction next year? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
