Walt Disney World Resort has demolished the exit queue of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom, signaling progress toward its spring 2026 reopening after a major refurbishment that began in January 2025. Guests spotted the changes on March 5, 2026, amid ongoing entrance updates.
The refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—the 'Wildest Ride in the Wilderness' in Frontierland—has included a full steel track replacement, repainted structures, updated Audio-Animatronics, new gold props, and a refreshed Rainbow Caverns scene with phosphorescent pools, stalactites, bats, and a grumbling mountain. Cast members have been testing new trains on the track.
Disney confirmed a spring 2026 reopening without a specific date. On March 5, 2026, visitors noted major changes to the exit queue: cast members removed railings, posts, and most props, though the wooden building remains. Reports from WDWNT detailed the alterations.
At the entrance, construction walls were retracted to reveal fresh concrete, with stanchions protecting wet areas and scaffolding around the front building. With track work mostly done, focus has shifted to queue areas. Disney has not detailed future plans, such as new concrete pours in the exit.
