Most Walt Disney World attraction refurbishments involve routine maintenance or thematic upgrades — changes that are often subtle enough that guests may not notice a significant difference once the work is complete.
That’s not the case with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
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Howdy, folks. It’s Haley.
Big Thunder Mountain’s refurbishment brought a new track, refreshed trains, a lowered height requirement, an expanded storyline, transformed caverns, restored smokestacks, and an enhanced queue.
Knowing what to look out for during the ride, I was even more eager for the new feel, and now, it’s not-so-wild.
The rickety sound effects still deliver the charm, but the sharp turns that once yanked riders from side to side now feel smoother and more fluid. I’m questioning whether that years-old claim that riding Big Thunder can help pass a kidney stone is even accurate anymore.
I have a lot of love for Big Thunder; it’s easily my favorite outdoor attraction to ride at night because of the Magic Kingdom fireworks views.
Speaking of views, the reopening has provided bonus views now of Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land construction.
Mega May ✨
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s reopening was just scratching the surface of all the new things to look forward to at Walt Disney World starting this month.
The biggest day is May 26. I put together a resort-wide breakdown.
Ferryboat fleet gets a fourth 🚢
Disney World’s newest ferryboat honors a trailblazer — and it’s been 50 years in the making.
Meg Gilbert Crofton was Walt Disney World’s fourth president. Click here to see when it will set sail.
Big score at Disney Springs 🪓
Disney Springs is about to get a whole lot more fun — Level99, the wildly popular adult gaming venue, is bringing 63 life-sized mini-games, craft cocktails, and award-winning Detroit-style pizza to a massive 45,000-square-foot space opening this summer.
In search of a new job? They’re looking for 150 people to join the team.
A Disney legacy, built with love 👩👧👦
Connie Latulippe has called Walt Disney World home for more than three decades — and now, so do her kids.
This Mother’s Day, her story is a reminder that a mother’s dedication can become the greatest gift she ever gives.
Universal Orlando
So long, Lost Continent 🔱
With two major attractions already shuttered and construction walls up since early 2026, the signs of change at the Lost Continent were hard to miss.
Now, Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed the Islands of Adventure area will close in phases, with the iconic Mythos Restaurant set to permanently close in 2027, as the resort makes way for a new themed land. The prime real estate is ripe for an intellectual property-driven replacement, though Universal has yet to reveal what’s coming next.
SeaWorld Orlando
It’s electric! 🐟
SeaWorld Orlando is making a big splash this summer with Electric Ocean.
The packed lineup of nighttime entertainment includes three new animal presentations featuring orcas, sea lions and dolphins, a cirque spectacular, a family-friendly DJ dance party, and a stunning drone show, capping the night with the park’s signature fireworks finale.
Legoland Florida
Mud puddles & passports 💼
Pack your bags and grab your passports — Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida is taking families on the “Pig Family Travel Adventure” this summer.
The globe-trotting event runs on select dates starting later this month.
So far May is serving up a lot of theme park news.
As always, keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on X or Instagram.
- Haley