SURPRISE: Classic Disney Roller Coaster Reopens Early After Months-Long Closure

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A classic Disney roller coaster has finally returned.Credit: DisneyRelated: 26 Years Later, Universal Surprises Guests With Revival of Original Park FeatureThere are many great rides and attractions to enjoy during a trip to the Disney theme parks, though Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remains one of the most iconic. However, guests haven’t been able to board this wild roller coaster in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for several months.Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed in January for an extensive refurbishment. Over the last several months, guests have been able to watch the ride’s entire coaster track and other parts of the ride change.The same can be said for Disneyland Paris’ version of the ride, which also closed back in January for a multi-month refurbishment. While the two projects differ in terms of what actually needs upgrading, it’s all the same for guests who have been missing this roller coaster for months.However, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has officially returned one day early at Disneyland Paris.According to Disneyphile on X, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has reopened for a short “break-in” period ahead of the ride’s official return on June 21, 2025.The Big Thunder Mountain attraction opened today for a short break-in period.  Official reopening tomorrow morning. “And hold on to your hat and sunglasses, because this hike promises to be the craziest in the West!” L’attraction Big Thunder Mountain a ouvert aujourd’hui durant une courte période de rodage. Réouverture officielle demain matin.« Et accrochez-vous à votre chapeau et à vos lunettes, car cette randonnée promet d’être la plus dingue de l’Ouest ! » pic.twitter.com/ioMxJvJMLo— Disneyphile (@DisneyphileLIVE) June 20, 2025Related: Breaking: Disney Announces Parade Route and Times for Magic Kingdom’s Starlight ParadeSince January, the coaster has undergone a number of changes. Disneyland Paris described these in a recent blog post. Not only have the effects been upgraded, but so have the interior and exterior of the roller coaster.Over the last few months, a wide range of specialists with a variety of skills have been taking great care of Big Thunder Mountain, one of the most popular attractions at Disneyland® Paris. Their objective: to ensure the attraction is meticulously maintained, preserving the quality of the experience while honouring the original creative vision and safeguarding its story, which remains deeply intertwined with that of Frontierland®The highly detailed scenery of Big Thunder Mountain was not left out – certain wooden elements like Mill Camp Tower were dismantled for restoration before being reinstalled on the mountain. Hundreds of accessories, visible both throughout the attraction and its queue line, have been carefully cleaned, repainted, and given a patina in the Disneyland® Paris Central Workshops to preserve the authentic, timeworn look of this gold-rush-era mine. For larger pieces, such as the Lavinia steam engine visible from the queue area, the work was carried out directly on site.Credit: DisneyRelated: Disney Cracks Down on Selfish Guest Behavior, Enforces Controversial New RuleWhile Disney has a number of roller coasters under its belt, few can compare or compete with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Advertised as “The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness,” it’s hard to disagree with this statement, as Big Thunder Mountain offers sharp twists and turns and some big drops.Part of what makes Big Thunder Mountain so great is its highly detailed surroundings. Guests may actually think for a second that they’ve been transported to an old-timey western town full of character and charm.Paris’ version of the coaster has been operating for 33 years, first opening in 1992. Like its American counterparts, Big Thunder Mountain has remained a staple of Disneyland Paris and is one of the most consistently popular attractions at the European resort.Some even consider the Paris version to be the superior attraction, as it features a few differences, mainly a large splashdown feature.Do you enjoy riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? What’s your favorite Disney coaster?The post SURPRISE: Classic Disney Roller Coaster Reopens Early After Months-Long Closure appeared first on Inside the Magic.