Overview
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad showed up in the My Disney Experience app on Sunday as a Tier 1 Lightning Lane pick, with Premier Pass access listed starting May 3.
- Disney set a May 3 reopening and cut the height rule from 40 inches to 38 inches after safety reviews, letting many younger children ride with their families for the first time.
- The 17‑month project replaced the entire track, added new trains, refreshed Audio‑Animatronics, restored long‑quiet effects, and reimagined Rainbow Caverns with glowing pools and a thundered mood shift.
- By returning to Tier 1 in Lightning Lane, where guests can preselect only one top attraction, the coaster gives planners another high-priority option that outlets say should ease pressure on Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, Jungle Cruise, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
- Some sites note Disney could run unannounced soft openings before the official date, which is unconfirmed, as Frontierland operations adjust around ongoing area construction.