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The permit, initially brought to light by dedicated Disney forum members on WDWMagic, indicates that Disney has sought authorisation for a "General Construction" permit tied to a significant refurbishment of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Notably, the permit has been assigned to Coastal Steel Inc. It is scheduled to remain valid until August 8, 2025, signalling a more extended timeframe than the standard one-year duration typically associated with such permits.

While the refurbishment project is anticipated to encompass essential updates to the beloved attraction, widespread speculation suggests that the scheduled closure might align with the commencement of the Beyond Big Thunder expansion. Disney's earlier teases about forthcoming announcements related to Frontierland and the initiation of the permit filing process for the expansion back in April have fuelled the anticipation surrounding this development. The recent "General Construction" permit is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first official filing related to the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad concerning the rumoured expansion.

Initial reports hint at a potential closure of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad lasting for an extended period, possibly exceeding a year, with a tentative start date as early as later this summer. As fans eagerly await further details and official confirmation from Disney, the prospect of an expanded Frontierland experience at Magic Kingdom has generated considerable excitement and speculation within the Disney community.