Behind-the-Scenes Look at “Golden Spike” Ceremony as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Prepares to Reopen

Ahead of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s reopening this Spring, Walt Disney World has shared a behind-the-scenes look at the massive scope of work that multiple teams have undertaken to refresh the Frontierland classic. Recently, teams celebrated the completion of the final piece of new steel track with a “Golden Spike” ceremony. Here’s a look!

Behind-the-Scenes Look at “Golden Spike” Ceremony for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

As we’ve been tracking, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has undergone a complete roller coaster track rebuild. The effort has been a massive undertaking, involving teams across various disciplines, including construction teams, Imagineers, engineers, and technology experts.

These teams recently celebrated the completion of the new steel track installation with a symbolic “golden spike” ceremony – installing golden bolts on the final piece of track as a nod to the attraction’s railroad heritage and time-old tradition of American railroads.

Here’s a look!

Stephen Murphy, Senior Project Manager talked about the legacy of this project, saying, “This project represents what being a Cast Member is all about—protecting a legacy while preparing it for the future. I take pride knowing our work will keep this tradition alive for generations to come”.

Indeed, while Walt Disney World is expanding with a number of projects set to open in the coming years, there is a priority to make sure that classic attractions stay just as fresh and timeless as our Guests remember when they first experienced these stories.

As we’ve previously reported, ride vehicle testing is also underway with all-new vehicles. Emily York, Associate Project Manager, said, “Watching the first vehicle roll onto the new track was surreal. This project has been a true labor of love.”

For Nicholas Roedl, Staff Project Engineer, getting a chance to rebuild a roller coaster was a childhood dream come true. “Growing up, I always wanted to build roller coasters. This was my first chance to do it—and it felt like fulfilling a childhood dream”, Roedl said.

As teams put the finishing touches on the attraction before reopening, the attention turns to guests and the excitement that they’ll feel when the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness opens this Spring. Wesley Kashula, Program Field Representative, talked about that excitement, saying, “It takes an army to achieve something of this scale. My hope is that Guests feel the same excitement and joy they’ve always associated with Big Thunder—only elevated.”

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!