Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Permit Extended as Refurbishment Continues
Walt Disney World’s Facility Asset Management (FAM) team has amended a previous Notice of Commencement for work on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, extending the permit by more than five months. Originally set to expire on March 13, 2026, the updated filing allows DPR Construction to continue work through August 31, 2026.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has been closed for refurbishment for more than a year. Disney initially targeted an early 2026 reopening, then amended it to “spring 2026.” Many fans hoped that meant the Magic Kingdom favorite would return in time for spring break, but this latest update suggests that timeline was optimistic.
That said, the August date shouldn’t be taken too literally. Disney routinely pads the end dates on construction permits to avoid having to repeatedly file extensions if work runs long. The updated timeline likely reflects a cautious buffer rather than the actual reopening target.
Even if the wait stretches a little longer than hoped, the payoff should be worth it. The project includes a full track replacement, new trains, a Rainbow Caverns scene, and refreshed Audio-Animatronics throughout the attraction.
Disney still lists a spring reopening for Big Thunder. But it looks like that will happen later in the season.
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