Walt Disney Imagineering used a weekend appearance on Good Morning America to share new details on two major attraction refurbishments coming to Walt Disney World in 2026. The segment offered direct commentary from the Imagineers leading two of Magic Kingdom‘s projects: Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Reopening Spring 2026
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is set to return in spring 2026 following what Disney describes as a “top-to-bottom” refurbishment that reaches from the mountain peak to deep underground.
Wyatt Winter, Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, confirmed that guests can expect extensive updates when the attraction reopens.
“When Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens this spring, all new trains, animatronics refreshed throughout effects, stuff that hasn’t been going for years is returning.”
The updated experience continues to center on the story of Barnabas T. Bullion, founder of the Big Thunder Mining Company, whose gold rush ambitions spiraled out of control as the mountain itself began to resist. According to Disney, failed machinery, collapsing mines, and unexplained forces all play into the idea that the mountain was never meant to be conquered.
One of the most significant additions is a new underground cavern scene inspired by the Rainbow Caverns from Disneyland’s Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. Trains will pass through glowing pools, iridescent stalactites, and shimmering rockwork before the environment turns more ominous.
“We see these beautiful rainbow caverns,” Winter explained. “Then all of a sudden 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.”
Disney teased a “menacing rumble” within the cavern, reinforcing the idea that guests are not entirely welcome below ground. The goal, according to Imagineering, is to preserve the attraction’s legacy while layering in refreshed effects, clearer storytelling, and details that have never been part of the ride before.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Reopening Spring 2026
The GMA segment also highlighted progress on the reimagined Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, which closed in August 2025 and is scheduled to reopen in spring 2026.
Winter revealed that the attraction’s opening sequence has been completely reworked to better set up the mission.
“What is new here today is actually the scene that’s right here behind me, and you see our alien friends opening that airlock so we can head out into space and start our battle with Emperor Zurg,” Winter said. “Thankfully, we won’t have to face Zurg alone. We’re going to see Buzz Lightyear for the first time, join you in that battle.”
Guests will now be introduced to Buddy, a new support robot created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar, who performs system checks and prepares Space Rangers before launch.
Visual Effects Designer Shay explained that the hyperspace tunnel is receiving entirely new projection media.
“We are installing brand new media for this refreshed version of Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin,” Shay said. “We’re introducing Buzz for the first time. Zurg is out there in hyperspace, releasing all of these space mines, which we get to score more points by firing on.”
Pixar animator Tasha discussed the unique challenge of animating for a tunnel environment, noting that the team had to design a flattened grid that would look correct once projected inside the curved space.
The refurbishment also includes redesigned Star Command ride vehicles, onboard scoring screens, handheld blasters with vibration and sound effects, and interactive targets that light up when hit for clearer gameplay feedback.
Disney has not announced an exact reopening date for either attraction, but both Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are expected to return in spring 2026.
