In a recent update to the Walt Disney World website, Disney is offering some more insight into a new backstory for the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. As you may know, the attraction is currently closed for refurbishment and scheduled to reopen sometime in 2026. Along with a fully replaced roller coaster track, Disney has previously said that the attraction will reopen with “new magic”. Recently, Disney released new concept art showing one reimagined scene, but they aren’t stopping there.
Big Thunder Backstory: New Narrative Nuggets
Beyond the updated Rainbow Caverns opening scene seen above, Walt Disney World has teased that more “new magic” is also on the way. Of course, the leading candidate for other “new magic” is an updated finale lift hill. While Walt Disney World has not confirmed details of any other new show scenes, they have updated the description for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and there is a critical update.
First, here’s a look back at the old description from the Walt Disney World website:
Legend has it that soon after gold was first discovered here in the 1850s, eerie things began to happen. Trains would take off and race through tunnels—by themselves.
After you arrive at the legendary Big Thunder Mining Company, descend into an abandoned mine shaft and board your train. As you enter the cursed cavern, the engine speeds up along the rickety track. Dodge exploding dynamite and falling boulders as you swoop around turns, drop into canyons and dart through the mysterious ghost town of Tumbleweed.
Your rip-roaring adventure proves that some legends are true. You’re sure to have a real blast!
And here’s a look at the new description:
The story of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad begins when Barnabas T. Bullion struck gold in the Big Thunder region. One day, strange and unexplainable things started happening. No matter how deep the miners dug into the heart of the mountain, the forces of Big Thunder fought back.
After you arrive at the legendary Big Thunder Mining Company, descend into an active mine shaft and board your runaway train. As you enter the cavern, the engine speeds up along the rickety track. Dodge exploding dynamite and falling boulders as you swoop around turns, drop into canyons and dart through the town of Tumbleweed.
Your rip-roaring adventure proves that some legends are true. You’re sure to have a real blast!
While an atmosphere of mystery still surrounds Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Walt Disney World is updating the backstory to change abandoned mines to active mines. In addition, the town of Tumbleweed (pictured below) is no longer referred to as a ghost town.
It’ll be interesting to see if there is more “new magic” to support this storyline of an active mining site, or if it’s purely a new narrative nugget.
It’ll also be interesting to see if there are any plans to work this new “alive and well” storyline into either the existing parts of Frontierland or the new Piston Peak National Park, which is also going to be part of Frontierland moving forward.
For our coverage of the extensive Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment project, check out our dedicated page below!
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
