With the festive Christmas season wrapped up and a new year underway, Disneyland Paris is shifting focus to essential maintenance projects across the park. One of the most significant refurbishments of 2025 has already begun, Big Thunder Mountain is closed for six months of extensive renovations.
This major refurbishment will not only address the technical aspects of the ride but also refresh the decorative elements, ensuring the attraction remains as immersive as ever. Given that Big Thunder Mountain is located on an island surrounded by water, the Molly Brown Riverboat in Frontierland will also be out of service during this period. As a result, Phantom Manor will be the only major attraction in Frontierland available for guests for the next six months.
A key focus of the refurbishment is the restoration of all animal figures within the ride, which will be carefully returned to their original state by the experts at the Central Workshops. Additionally, the landscape will be revitalized with fresh plantings, including new cacti to maintain the authentic, desert-like setting inspired by the landscapes of the American Southwest.
The teams at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris have delved into the archives dating back to the attraction’s 1992 debut to ensure every detail of this refurbishment honors the ride’s rich history. These efforts will help maintain the authenticity and storytelling that make Big Thunder Mountain one of the park’s most beloved experiences.
During the closure, teams will work diligently to complete the renovations in time for the start of the summer season. The goal is to not only restore the attraction but also enhance guest comfort and ensure optimal operating conditions for both visitors and Cast Members.
Interestingly, Big Thunder Mountain at Walt Disney World in Florida is also undergoing renovations at the same time, marking a period of simultaneous updates for this fan-favorite attraction on both sides of the Atlantic.
While Frontierland may feel quieter without “The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness,” fans can look forward to an improved and refreshed Big Thunder Mountain when it returns in mid-2025!