While visiting Magic Kingdom earlier today, we noticed that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was undergoing ride testing. While we’ve seen vehicles on the tracks since last Fall, it hasn’t been very consistent. Of course, I’m not at Magic Kingdom all day, every day, but I would say that ride testing is rather sporadic at the moment. Here’s a look at what we saw today, and how it’s different from previous visits.
Ride Testing Continues for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
While we’ve seen sporadic ride testing since November, that was the last time that we published an article about the testing. While watching today’s testing, we noticed that the water-filled containers to simulate the weight of guests had been removed, and that there was a new vehicle on the track. Unfortunately, it looked like Disney was only running a single-train operation. We have yet to see more than one train running at a time on the attraction.
While I’m not privy to the reopening timeframe outside of the previously announced “Spring” season, I would imagine that we’ve still got some checkpoints to pass, such as multi-vehicle operations, and getting actual humans on board to ride. We’ll be sure to keep our eyes peeled in case either of those milestones are around the corner!
As a reminder, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has undergone a full track replacement and rebuild. While the layout of the ride is expected to remain the same, that doesn’t mean that the replacement has been without issues. Earlier this summer, we noticed an envelope test fail, indicating that guests could, in theory, touch the rockwork. It is very likely that Walt Disney World has remedied that issue by now.
When it reopens, Walt Disney World has promised that guests will be able to enjoy some “new magic” on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Updates are expected to include:
- All-new trains
- Refreshed Audio-Animatronics throughout the attraction
- Returning effects that haven’t been present for years
- Rainbow caverns that come to life at the mountain pushes back against our presence
- Actual gold out on the mountain for the first time ever
One effect that Disney fans assumed would be part of the refresh is the exploding finale scene present in other versions of the attraction in other theme parks. While Walt Disney World hasn’t confirmed or denied that the exploding finale will come to Magic Kingdom, there are hints that it is not part of the plans.
When it reopens sometime this Spring, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will also have a reimagined storyline. In this new version of the ride, the track and thrills will remain the same, but the mines will no longer be abandoned. Instead, Disney has updated the attraction’s backstory to say that the mines are very much active, and Disney has removed references to a “ghost town” in the attraction.
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, then 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!
In addition to the action and adventure we know and love, Big Thunder Mountain will feature new magic for fans to discover including a journey through the spectacular natural phenomena of the Rainbow Caverns, which may not be as welcoming as they first appear.
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!
Hold on to your…
Loved this ride for 27 years. One of the best😃