Big Thunder Mountain Reopens May 3, Crowd Surge Expected at Magic Kingdom

Analysts expect fast sellouts for Lightning Lane, Disney’s ride-reservation system, with higher waits across many rides.

Overview

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, set to reopen on May 3, is forecast to pack Magic Kingdom with fans aiming to be among the first to ride.
Crowds are expected to cluster at Frontierland by rope drop even without Early Entry there, then spread out and push up waits park-wide.
Big Thunder is likely to be a top Lightning Lane Multi Pass choice, with reservations going early and return queues still moving slowly on peak days.
Trip-planning sites say the surge will outlast opening day, with elevated waits through May and possibly into early summer as new waves of visitors arrive.
Refreshed track and updated scenes are fueling repeat visits, so planners advise arriving early, booking Lightning Lane fast, or choosing another park for a calmer day.