Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Closes After Fire Extinguisher Incident on Reopening Day at Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom experienced an unexpected closure on its reopening day following a 16-month refurbishment. The incident occurred when a cast member deployed a fire extinguisher in the attraction's load and unload area, leading to the evacuation of guests. The ride had just reopened on May 3, 2026, after being closed since January 2025 for extensive updates, including new tracks, trains, and animatronics. Photos and videos shared on social media showed smoke or discharge in the area, although it remains unclear if there was an actual fire or if the response was precautionary. The ride is currently listed as temporarily closed, and the cause of the incident is under investigation.