Why You WON’T Want To Be at Magic Kingdom on January 5th

Hey, Disney fam! You’re gearing up for your trip to Disney World, right?

Magic Kingdom

Are you planning on hitting up Magic Kingdom in early January 2025?! Well, if you’re thinking of coming on January 5th, 2025, while that sounds like a day that should be a super chill post-holiday time to visit Magic Kingdom, I’m here to tell you that it could actually be a recipe for chaos. Let’s talk about why you might want to rethink being in the park on this particular date.

Like we were saying, if you’re planning a trip to Disney World in January 2025, and thinking of hitting up Magic Kingdom on the 5th, there’s one BIG ‘ole reason why you might want to rethink those plans. Spoiler alert: It’s all about Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness Is Closing

Okay, so here’s the deal: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, one of the most iconic attractions at Magic Kingdom, is shutting down for a major, year-long refurbishment starting January 6th, 2025. We’re talking about a full makeover here, not just a quick tune-up, which means you won’t be able to ride it again until 2026.

Cue the Disney diehards descending on Magic Kingdom on January 5th for one last ride before it goes dark.

Big Thunder

Now Disney hasn’t given an exact date as to when the refurbishment will be completed. The only thing the site adds is that it will reopen “with a little bit of new magic in 2026.” 

©Disney

As you can imagine, this closure will probably have a serious impact on crowds and wait times the day before, on January 5th. 

Expect Crowds. LOTS of Crowds.

Picture this: every Big Thunder fan (and there are MANY) making a pilgrimage to Frontierland on January 5th, and they’ll all be vying for one last shot at “the wildest ride in the wilderness.”

Line for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

That means standby lines could get wild. We’re talking looooong waits for Big Thunder, plus spillover crowds everywhere else in Magic Kingdom as people kill time between Lightning Lane return windows. That means it’s not just the Big Thunder queue you have to worry about. It could also spell hefty crowds in Frontierland and beyond.

Crowds at Big Thunder Mountain

Here’s our “pro tip”: If you’re not desperate to ride Big Thunder one last time, it might be worth skipping Magic Kingdom entirely on January 5th. There’s nothing magical about spending your day dodging crowds and navigating long wait times, especially when you can visit the park any other day of the week without all that added chaos.

The FOMO Is Real, But There Are Alternatives

Listen, we get it. Missing out on Big Thunder for an entire year is rough. It’s one of those quintessential Disney experiences. Also, if it’s your favorite ride, skipping that last chance to ride it before it goes down for refurbishment is no small ask. But here’s the thing you’ve got to remember: Disney World is full of other incredible experiences! For example you could:

• Try Seven Dwarfs Mine Train for some similar coaster vibes with a magical, Snow White twist.
• Try TRON Lightcycle / Run over in Tomorrowland if you’re looking for something just as exhilarating.
• Try Jungle Cruise if you want an iconic experience without the Big Thunder crowds.

That being said, if Big Thunder is a must-do for you, just be prepared for the crowds that come with all the “last ride before refurbishment” energy.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Until then, make sure to follow along with Disney Food Blog, as we are always on the lookout for the latest Disney news!

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Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Are you planning on riding the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World before it closes in 2025? Let us know in the comments down below!

The post Why You WON'T Want To Be at Magic Kingdom on January 5th first appeared on the disney food blog.

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