Steel supports for a permanent wall separating Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from the upcoming Piston Peak National Park and Disney Villains Land areas have been installed at Magic Kingdom, though the exact timeline for completion remains unconfirmed.
The tall steel supports were erected outside the scrim-covered fence that currently lines the exit of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. These supports appear to mark the beginning of what will become a permanent barrier between the existing attraction and the new themed areas under development.
Where is the Big Thunder Mountain permanent wall being built?
A similar row of supports is visible on the opposite side of the mountain, positioned closer to the Disney Villains Land construction site. This suggests the separation wall will create a clear boundary around the entire Big Thunder Mountain area.
Construction crews have also poured additional concrete into retaining wall sections, indicating the foundation work for this permanent barrier is progressing alongside the steel framework installation.
When does Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopen?
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is scheduled to reopen in just over a week, though Disney has not confirmed the exact reopening date. The attraction has been closed for refurbishment whilst the surrounding Magic Kingdom Piston Peak National Park construction continues.
The timing suggests that guests will be able to experience the attraction again before the permanent wall construction significantly impacts the area's appearance or accessibility.
What other changes are happening near Big Thunder Mountain?
Construction walls near Big Al's outside Country Bear Musical Jamboree have been extended as work progresses on the broader Frontierland expansion. The merchandise kiosk and Westward Ho food kiosk in this area are both marked for demolition, though no timeline has been confirmed for when this will occur.
The boardwalk near Big Al's will remain after construction is completed, but is expected to undergo refurbishment as part of the area's transformation to accommodate the new themed lands.
The installation of Big Thunder Mountain permanent wall supports represents a significant milestone in separating Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from the future Piston Peak National Park and Disney Villains Land areas. Disney has not announced opening dates for either of the new themed areas currently under construction at Magic Kingdom.
