PHOTOS: Smokestack Effect Working Again at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as Refurbishment Enters Final Stretch

With Big Thunder Mountain Railroad set to start rumbling through Magic Kingdom again in just a few weeks, anticipation for the attraction’s return continues to build.

As a quick recap, the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness has been closed for 16 months while Disney meticulously refurbished the attraction.

Photo: Jeff Vahle on Instagram

When it reopens, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will feature a new track, refreshed trains, updated effects, and a new Rainbow Caverns scene.

“After you arrive at the legendary Big Thunder Mining Company, descend into an active mine shaft and board your runaway train. As you enter the cavern, the engine accelerates along the rickety track. Dodge exploding dynamite and falling boulders as you race around tight turns, plunge into canyons, and dash through the town of Tumbleweed,” the updated attraction synopsis reads

Photo: Disney

“Your rip-roaring adventure proves that some legends are true. You’re sure to have a real blast!”

Earlier this morning, we shared the exciting news that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had been restored to the Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane lineup.

Now, we are back with another update!

The Attraction’s Smokestack Effect Is Working Again

While visiting Magic Kingdom today, we were thrilled to see that the refurbishment has reached another milestone.

Looking at the attraction from outside the construction walls, we could see that the smokestacks atop the entrance are now working again.

Here is another look.

While the smoke effect has returned, work is still underway on the attraction’s entrance and façade.

All in all, the entrance to the attraction looks amazing!

Themed Pavement

Elsewhere, themed pavement continues to take shape outside the attraction.

Here is another look.

The pavement perfectly matches the aesthetic of the attraction.

Piston Peak Update

Beyond Big Thunder Mountain, work continues on Piston Peak.

As you can see, the project has made progress, but there is plenty of construction to go.

As you can see, a large crane remains on site to assist with ongoing construction.

Here is one last look.

We will keep an eye on the project.

A New Fence?

Finally, beyond the construction walls, new fencing has been installed.

Here is a look at the current state of the project.

At this time, it is unclear what some of the visible wiring is for.

As always, be sure to check back with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update you on all the latest news coming out of Walt Disney World.

Photo: MickeyBlog