When it reopens on May 3rd, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will have a lower height requirement! This will allow even more lil’ prospectors to hop aboard and enjoy The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness. Here’s the latest on the lowered height requirement and what allowed Disney to make the change.
Lower Height Requirement at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
A key part of the refurbishment was installing a new track and refreshed passenger trains. These updates were carefully planned to preserve the attraction’s classic storytelling and trademark hootin’ an’ hollerin’ energy, while adding new life, movement, and detail to the experience guests know so well.
With all the improvements made to the attraction, along with a comprehensive review from our safety teams, Big Thunder Mountain will reopen with a lowered height requirement of 38”. Climb aboard, lil prospectors!
As noted in the Disney press release, the new minimum height requirement for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad when it reopens at Magic Kingdom will be 38″. This is lowered by a full two inches from the 40″ height requirement of the past.
The key here is that there are refreshed passenger trains. Presumably, adjustments to the trains now allow for guests as small as 38″ tall to ride safely.
Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle shared a look at the new ride vehicles. Joining Vahle in the photo is Magic Kingdom Vice President Sarah Riles, and Wyatt Winter, Executive Producer, Walt Disney World Portfolio at Walt Disney Imagineering.
As we not-so-patiently wait for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to reopen, here’s a look back at the attraction on the day that it closed back in January 2025.
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!