Walt Disney Imagineering has unveiled an exciting new enhancement for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom. With over 2,000 bats added to the attraction’s opening scene, this upgrade promises to bring a fresh layer of immersion to the “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness.” Here’s a closer look at what’s new.
Behind the Scenes of the Bat Upgrade
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The latest updates to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad focus on the lift hill scene, where bats have always been a part of the experience. However, Imagineers have taken things to the next level by significantly increasing their presence. The previous version of the ride featured what Imagineers referred to as “airline bats,” but the new design introduces a variety of bat types, including:
- Rockwork Bats: Integrated into the mountain’s structure.
- Rockwork Bat Clusters: Groups of bats for added realism.
- Showset Bats: Animatronic bats that enhance the scene’s dynamic elements.
To achieve this, Imagineers began by digitally scanning the entire mountain, allowing them to experiment with bat placement and quantity in a virtual environment. The result is a scene that feels more alive and immersive than ever before.
Additional Enhancements to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The bat upgrade is just one part of a larger refurbishment project for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom. When the attraction reopens on May 3, guests can look forward to:
- All-new trains for a smoother ride experience.
- A completely replaced roller coaster track.
- Refreshed Audio-Animatronics throughout the attraction.
- The return of effects that haven’t been seen in years.
- The addition of Rainbow Caverns, a nod to Disney history.
- Real gold incorporated into the mountain’s design for the first time.
Conclusion
The addition of over 2,000 bats and other enhancements to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad showcases Walt Disney Imagineering’s commitment to storytelling and innovation. These updates ensure that the attraction remains a must-visit for both longtime fans and first-time riders. Be sure to check it out when it reopens in May.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
