Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Walt Disney World: Scheduled Major Refurbishment in 2016
The roller coaster Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, located at Walt Disney World, is a popular yet durable E-ticket attraction. However, it does undergo major refurbishments from time to time, as evidenced by the scheduled maintenance in 2016.
Previous Incidents and Maintenance Issues
Several years ago, a tragic event occurred at a similar attraction, Thunder Mountain, at Disney's California Adventure. An accident involving the locomotive's floating axle unfolded, leading to a fatal incident. The accident was attributed to improper maintenance. Specifically, the fasteners on the locomotive's floating axle were not tightened, causing the train to enter a tunnel with an axle that had come loose. As a result, the axle jammed against a brake section, causing the locomotive to become airborne and hit the ceiling of the tunnel. The locomotive then fell on top of the first passenger car, crushing a victim.
Current Refurbishment Schedule
Though such tragic incidents are rare, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently scheduled for a major refurbishment. Unlike other E-ticket rides, Big Thunder Mountain is expected to undergo a thorough overhaul that goes beyond regular maintenance. The refurbishment, starting on April 4th and lasting until July 15th, is a significant period of several months. Interestingly, this schedule coincides with Spring Break and the beginning of summer, periods that are typically more crowded.
Typically, major refurbishments for rides like Big Thunder Mountain are completed over a period of one to two years. The current refurbishment, however, is expected to be completed in just three and a half months. This compressed timeframe suggests that, while some extensive upgrades will be made, the full-scale overhaul seen at Disneyland may not be replicated. This limitation may be due to factors such as budget constraints, operational needs, or space limitations at Walt Disney World.
Details of the Refurbishment
The refurbishment is expected to include routine tasks such as major painting and mechanical checks and fixes. Additionally, there are speculations that some upgrades to the ride itself may be included, aiming to make Big Thunder Mountain more in line with its version at Disneyland. Two to three years ago, Big Thunder Mountain Disneyland underwent an extensive renovation, which included enhancing the ride's experience. While the Walt Disney World version may not receive all of these upgrades, the refurbishment will still significantly improve the ride for visitors.
Frequency of Major Refurbishments
Based on the information available, it seems that major refurbishments are typically carried out every three to five years for attractions like Big Thunder Mountain at Walt Disney World. Given that the last major refurbishment was around 3-4 years ago, this schedule aligns with the pattern observed in the industry. The maintenance and refurbishment cycle for rides like this are crucial to ensuring safety and providing an enjoyable experience for guests.
Visitors can look forward to a more robust and enjoyable experience when the refurbishment is complete, while the unexpected period of closure during the renovation will likely coincide with some of the more crowded times of the year. This means that planning ahead and understanding the refurbishment schedule can help visitors enjoy the ride without feeling too inconvenienced.
In conclusion, the major refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Walt Disney World in 2016 is a significant event in the Theme Park industry. While there are some speculations around what changes will be made, the refurbishment is expected to significantly enhance the ride's experience. For visitors, this scheduled maintenance serves as both a significant period of downtime for the ride and an exciting opportunity to experience an improved version of an already beloved attraction.