Greetings, Maggie, and welcome to planDisney. First things first, happy early birthday! The Disneyland Resort is a fantastic place to celebrate. I have some ideas for how to make it special, but first, I have a Bibbidi Bobbidi Bummer to share.
Maggie, according to the
Hours & Events Calendar,
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is set to close for a refurbishment starting September 2, 2025. A reopening date has not been announced yet. The calendar extends as far out as six weeks. At the time of writing this, I can see details through October 8, 2025, and it still shows as closed for refurbishment. Of course, this is subject to change, so you should check the calendar again as your visit gets closer. However, according to the current details, you might plan for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to be unavailable during your visit.
I really want your birthday trip to be special, so I thought of a few attractions that you might want to add to your list:
- Matterhorn Bobsleds and Space Mountain are both fast-paced and offer a similar level of thrill as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. For a complete immersion in the spirit of adventure, you can't go wrong with Indiana Jones.
- Check out some of the other train-themed attractions. Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is a zany attraction where you'll feel like you're inside a cartoon, and there's nothing more classic than the Disneyland Railroad.
- Explore all of the other attractions in and near Frontierland, including the Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia, and Tom Sawyer Island. The Golden Horseshoe is a great spot for lunch in the area.
- Make sure to experience Haunted Mansion Holiday. The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay is really festive and unique.
Aside from attractions, make the most of
Halloween Time. There is seasonal merchandise as well as food and drink options. Plan to get a few tasty treats as you celebrate your big day – you can browse the
Foodie Guide on the Disney Parks Blog for inspiration.
Lastly, don't forget to grab a complimentary "Happy Birthday" button as you enter the park. They are typically available at many retail locations or at City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh has a birthday scene at the end, and you can go for a spin at the Mad Tea Party. I've seen the Mad Hatter there a few times celebrating his "unbirthday."
Maggie, I'm sorry that it looks like you will be unable to experience Big Thunder Mountain Railroad during your upcoming visit. I hope these other ideas have sprinkled a little bit of pixie dust onto your plans, regardless. If you have any other questions, please reach out. We're always happy to help here at planDisney.
Wishing you magic,
Kriss