Two major Walt Disney World attractions have been closed for lengthy refurbishments, with one attraction being closed for over a year as work was completed.
Now Disney has revealed the details of the changes coming to these major Disney World rides at Magic Kingdom, including what has been changed and improved. At Mickey Visit, we report on recent Disney news, like the major menu changes across Disney World and summer discounts and events for 2026. Disneyland just added a new ride closure.
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Changes Revealed
Walt Disney Imagineering provided new updates about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s changes at Magic Kingdom in a segment during Good Morning America. The ride has been closed since January 6, 2025, for what Disney has described as a “mountain-top to cavern-deep refurbishment” that will add “touches of new magic.” The attraction is expected to reopen in spring 2026, but no official opening date has been shared yet. The refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad also takes place in the context of major construction work at Magic Kingdom to prepare for a new Villains Land, and a Disney Cars-inspired area called Piston Peak National Park.
Wyatt Winter, Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, shared new details during an appearance on Good Morning America, confirming several major upgrades coming to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
“When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens this spring, all new trains, refreshed animatronics throughout, and effects that haven’t been working for years will be returning,” Winter said.
He also highlighted changes coming to the Rainbow Caverns scene, explaining, “We see these beautiful rainbow caverns. Then all of a sudden, it comes to life as the mountain pushes back against you, and maybe finally seeing some gold out on the mountain for the first time ever.” Concept art for the updated Rainbow Caverns can be seen below.
The new ride scene draws inspiration from the Rainbow Caverns featured in Disneyland’s early Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland attraction, which will add an increased sense of tension to the moment in the ride. Guests will experience the mountain actively pushing back against them, a moment Disney previously teased as a “menacing rumble,” signaling that the caverns are not pleased with their presence.
Walt Disney Imagineering has not indicated that an explosive finale will be added, a change that would make this version more similar to other iterations of the attraction. The dynamite finale at Disneyland remains a fan favorite, and many Walt Disney World guests hope to see it incorporated. But as of now, there’s no confirmation that it will be added to this version of the attraction.
New Look at Improved Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Good Morning America also shared a new behind-the-scenes look at the updated Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom, highlighting the attraction’s redesigned opening sequence and new technology upgrades.
During the segment, Wyatt Winter focused mainly on the opening scene, which has been reworked to more clearly establish the mission before riders head into space. Wyatt Winter explained that the new opening scene introduces friendly aliens opening the airlock to launch the mission against Emperor Zurg. He also confirmed that Buzz Lightyear will now physically appear in the attraction for the first time. “Thankfully, we won’t have to face Zurg alone,” Winter said. “We’re going to see Buzz Lightyear for the first time join you in that battle.”
Although based on the footage from the segment, the addition of Buzz Lightyear plays out on a screen, but is still a cool addition.
The segment also highlighted the introduction of Buddy, the new support robot created by Walt Disney Imagineering in partnership with Pixar. Buddy will appear in the opening sequence to assist Space Rangers.
Other updates that were shown in the segment include redesigned Star Command-themed ride vehicles equipped with onboard screens that display real-time scoring. Riders will use new handheld blasters that replace the previous fixed versions, offering improved aim along with vibration, sound effects, and an always-on laser. Targets throughout the attraction now light up and react when hit, providing clearer feedback during gameplay, which is a much-needed improvement.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed in August 2025 and is scheduled to reopen in spring 2026 along with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Specific opening dates have not been shared quite yet.
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