Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has officially reopened after a year-long reimagining. And along with exciting new updates to the track, ride vehicles, and effects, the ride has now become more accessible than ever before with a new height requirement.
It’s finally here! After closing for refurbishment in January 2025, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort. The ride has come back as iconic as ever, just now with a few updates and improvements for the attraction. But while refreshed effects and an updated track are exciting features, one of the most notable changes is this: there’s a new height requirement.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Height Requirement
Previously, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had a 40″ height requirement, making it a pretty large step above starter coasters in Magic Kingdom, such as The Barnstormer, which has a 35″ height requirement.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
With improvements made to the track and ride vehicles, Big Thunder Mountain has reopened with a lower height requirement of 38″, meaning younger riders can now enjoy the special experience! The new height requirement now puts it on par with Slinky Dog Dash, another 38″ height requirement in Disney World.
More Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Updates
The new height requirement wasn’t the only update made to the attraction. A key part of the refurbishment was installing a new track and refreshed passenger trains. Plus, new effects have been added, such as phosphorescent pools and iridescent stalagmites and stalactites in the Rainbow Caverns.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
The backstory of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad dates back to Olden Times, during America’s first major gold rush. Barnabas T. Bullion struck gold in the Big Thunder region, starting the Big Thunder Mountain Company. However, one day, strange things started happening with failing machines and cave-ins shutting mines down. No matter how deep the mineres dug, the “forces of Big Thunder fought back,” according to Disney. And that’s exactly what riders will discover on the wildest ride in the wilderness, open now at Magic Kingdom.
Thank you to Disney for hosting us on the re-opening day of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
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