Frontierland’s legendary rollercoaster, Big Thunder Mountain, will reopen on 21 June 2025 with a refreshed look—thanks in part to an ambitious new approach with drones.
Over the past several months, Big Thunder Mountain—one of the park’s most iconic and beloved attractions—has undergone a comprehensive renovation. But this time, Disney Imagineers took an innovative step: they used drones to clean the mountain, marking a first for the Walt Disney Imagineering Paris teams. And although Disneyland Paris states that the entire mountain was cleaned using drones, it’s clearly visible on-site that this is not yet fully the case. It’s likely that further work is still needed in certain areas.
This high-tech method allowed crews to clean hard-to-reach surfaces on Big Thunder Mountain efficiently and safely, ensuring that the landmark maintained its dramatic visual presence while staying true to its original storytelling. The drone-assisted cleaning was especially critical for preserving the intricate details of the rockwork, all without compromising the structure or the guest experience.
Beyond this pioneering use of technology, the refurbishment extended to nearly every aspect of the ride. Sections of the tunnel and rail system were fully replaced, and many of the attraction’s signature effects—water, lighting, and sound—have been restored or enhanced to elevate the immersive experience.
Back on the ground, artisans and technicians from Disneyland Paris’ Central Workshops gave the attraction’s rustic charm a full refresh. Key scenic elements, like the Mill Camp Tower, were dismantled and restored offsite, while hundreds of props were cleaned, repainted, and patinated to retain the weathered authenticity of a gold-rush-era mining town. The Lavinia steam engine, a prominent feature visible from the queue, received its upgrades on location.
Even the mountain’s animal inhabitants were treated to makeovers. The mules, bats, and playful opossums were all restored in meticulous detail, and the attraction’s iconic goat received a brand-new coat to greet guests with renewed flair.
This major overhaul was a collaborative feat involving teams from Walt Disney Imagineering Paris, Design & Delivery, Maintenance, and the Central Workshops. Their shared goal: to preserve the heart and soul of Big Thunder Mountain and Frontierland while embracing cutting-edge techniques that push the boundaries of theme park maintenance.
