Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a permit to “install set elements” at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and it could be the latest sign the opossums are coming back. The permit was filed earlier today, five days after we reported a new tarp on the opossum tree in Tumbleweed. Of course, nothing in the paperwork mentions the opossums, but the timing lines up nicely with the tarp we spotted on the tree. Here’s the latest.
New Permit Points to Opossums Returning to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- What the permit says about the planned work and the contractor.
- Why the filing could connect to the opossum branch work at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
- What Disney said about the opossums returning.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened at Magic Kingdom in May after a 16-month refurbishment, but the opossums that used to hang over riders in Tumbleweed were missing on opening day. Disney said when the ride reopened that they’d return soon, but that was a while ago, and there didn’t seem to be much happening. Now, things appear to be changing. Between the tarp and this new filing, the pieces are starting to come together.
Walt Disney Imagineering is the owner of the permitted work, and the address at 4485 Caribbean Way #B resolves to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Imagineering describes the work as “Install set elements.” Icarus Exhibits, Inc. of Orlando is the contractor.
Why This Could Be About the Opossums
A returning opossum branch would fit that “install set elements” description, and the timing is hard to argue with.
Back at reopening, the spot where the branch used to be was just bark. Before the ride opened, the opossums reportedly didn’t pass a clearance test, which would explain why they were missing. Now there’s a tarp on that spot, perhaps signaling that work is taking place. A tarp and a set installation permit within days of each other would make sense if crews are getting ready to reattach the branch. Disney hasn’t shared a return date, but after about five months without them, this is an encouraging sign.
Story So Far
- May 3: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened after a 16-month refurbishment.
- May 4: We noted that a couple of opossums remained missing from Tumbleweed in our top five improvements to the ride.
- May: Disney said the opossums would return soon.
- October 3: A tarp appeared where the opossum branch used to be.
- October 8: Walt Disney Imagineering filed a notice of commencement to install set elements at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
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!