Disneyland - Big Thunder Mountain: Disneyland Paris' icon gets a makeover for summer 2025

By Mulder, 24 december 2024

It's news that will leave a lasting impression on fans of thrills and Wild West stories: Big Thunder Mountain, one of Disneyland Paris' most iconic attractions, will temporarily close its doors from January 6, 2025 for a major renovation. This renovation, carried out by the park's creative and technical teams, will continue until early summer 2025. The aim of this major project is to preserve the authenticity and magic of this timeless mine, while enhancing the visitor experience for years to come. Here's a look back at a project that's already causing a stir.

For over a year, teams from Walt Disney Imagineering Paris have been working hand in hand with those from Design & Delivery, as well as experts from Maintenance and Central Workshops. Together, they have drawn up a renovation plan designed down to the smallest detail, to respect the attraction's original artistic vision while meeting the maintenance needs of a structure that has been in daily use for over three decades. This renovation is not simply a technical update: it is part of a global approach aimed at preserving the unique soul of Big Thunder Mountain, while giving it a breath of modernity essential to its longevity.

Immersion in the world of the Wild West, so dear to visitors, will be at the heart of this renovation. Particular care will be taken to refurbish the wooden scenery surrounding the attraction, especially in and around the train station. These structures, so characteristic of Frontierland, will be replaced by custom-made elements designed to combine aesthetic authenticity and durability. Craftsmen from Ateliers Centraux will be tasked with recreating this aged look, reminiscent of a mine from the days of the gold rush. Among the emblematic areas that will receive special attention is the famous Mill Camp tower, but also several spaces in the queue, guaranteeing an immersive experience from the moment you enter the attraction.

The renovation will also extend to the animal figures that populate the mountain. Visitors fondly remember the billy goat and the mules, which form an integral part of the attraction's visual and narrative history. These emblematic figures will be fully restored in the Ateliers Centraux, with the aim of restoring them to their original glory. To achieve this, the teams will draw on archives dating back to the attraction's opening in 1992, enabling them to remain faithful to the original design. At the same time, the surrounding desert landscape will also be restored to its former glory, with the re-implantation of cacti and other plant elements, reinforcing the arid, authentic ambience of the North American deserts.

This renovation is about more than just appearance. The technical and creative teams are redoubling their efforts to ensure that every detail, visible or not, is optimized to deliver an experience that lives up to visitors' expectations. Adjustments will be made to improve the comfort and fluidity of the attraction, both for visitors and for Cast Members, the passionate employees who contribute to the magic of Disneyland Paris. For the duration of the work, dozens of specialists will be busy ensuring that the attraction is ready to reopen at the start of the summer season, offering a memorable adventure to all visitors.

This temporary closure, though necessary, is an important step in preserving the integrity of this attraction so dear to the hearts of fans. Dubbed “the craziest ride in the West”, Big Thunder Mountain promises to return more spectacular than ever, while remaining true to the spirit that has won over millions of visitors since its opening. Whether you're a Frontierland regular or a visitor curious to discover this legendary mine, get ready to rediscover a sublimated experience from summer 2025.

So, while the wait may seem long, there's no doubt that this renovation will breathe new life into Big Thunder Mountain, without ever betraying what has made it one of the jewels of Disneyland Paris. Frontierland has not finished making adventure lovers dream!

Photos: Boris Colletier / Mulderville

(Source: press release)