Big Thunder Mountain Just Reopened at Disneyland—Three Weeks Early

If you’ve been waiting to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland, we’ve got great news: the wildest ride in the wilderness is back, and it returned way ahead of schedule.

According to WDW News Today, the fan-favorite coaster reopened on November 2, 2025—three weeks before its expected November 23 return date. The attraction had been closed since September 2 for a two-month refurbishment, but Disney surprised guests by quietly reopening without any advance notice or updates to the refurbishment calendar.

What Changed During the Closure

The most notable change involves the iconic water feature at the top of the first cave climb. Misters have replaced the waterfall that previously cascaded before the first big drop. While it’s a subtle shift, regulars will definitely notice the difference in how that section of the ride looks and feels.

Cast members got the first rides on Saturday, November 1, during testing runs before the attraction opened to the general public the next day.

Why This Matters for Your Trip

An early reopening is always good news for Disneyland visitors, especially heading into the busy holiday season. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of the most popular attractions at the park, and having it back in operation three weeks ahead of schedule means shorter waits at other rides and more options for guests visiting between now and Thanksgiving.

This was standard maintenance work at Disneyland—nothing like the extensive year-long refurbishment currently happening at the Magic Kingdom version in Disney World. If you’re planning a Disneyland trip anytime soon, you can now add Big Thunder back to your must-ride list without worrying about closure dates.