Since it was announced a few months ago, we have wondered exactly what will take place in the interactive queue for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom. Well, wonder no more. In this video, Disney Imagineers take us behind the scenes at Big Thunder and show us the props and backstory that make up the new interactive queue:

So, what do you think?

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom on Saturday and has some fantastic pictures of new progress on the Big Thunder Mountain interactive queue, A Pirate’s Life: Treasures of the Seven Seas, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and more, so let’s take a look:

While the Main Street Bakery is closed, guests can head to the Tomorrowland Terrace

Plenty of options at Tomorrowland Terrace, including beignets!

The flowers in the hub have gone to Valentine’s Day colors and the ducks love it…

Valentine’s Day cupcakes available at Big Top Treats

I’ve heard of panning for gold…

More props and interactive elements have been installed in the queue at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The “exploding” crates are no longer under tarps

These huge machines popped up in the second-half of the queue over the weekend

It looks like guests will play some sort of game where they turn a lever

Spinning handles on the back of another machine

The refurbishment of Splash Mountain continues

Lots of painting going on

Golden Oak Outpost is closed again

Work continues on the Adventureland Veranda building

Another area of the building is also walled-off

The Crow’s Nest is out from behind tarps and it looks quite different… we expect it to play a role in “A Pirate’s Adventure”

More props for “A Pirate’s Adventure” have been installed throughout Adventureland

Jack Sparrow’s compass

This was the first prop installed a few months ago

A cannon

Ball and chains

Some props by the Jungle Cruise

Nearby, a pirate skeleton lies under the water near a treasure chest

It appears these skulls near the Pirates of the Caribbean entrance will talk

Another strange set of props

Gun powder

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is open while the exterior is refurbished

Walls up outside of the Haunted Mansion and Yankee Trader

Tarps still up on Columbia Harbour House

The latest progress on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day lanyards are out

As is the new Test Track logo pin

Over at The Villas at the Grand Floridian, we can start to make out windows

As work continues on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad interactive queue at the Magic Kingdom, we can see more and more of what exactly we can expect while we wait in line. Let’s take a look at the latest progress:

These signs were installed recently

The signs are pretty funny

Signs saying “Explosives” have been added to the large cabinets in the queue

Props that guests can blow-up are being installed on the mountain

I somehow managed to get a closer shot while in a moving train…

I don’t know about you, but I’m really excited to blow things up while I wait to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!

It appears some of the elements for the Adventureland interactive game have been installed

This icon should help guests locate the game area

Not sure what this will do

A different icon near this cannon

You can see the cannon aiming at something behind this tarp

Another game area

Looks like there is a skeleton under the water where the Junior Jungle Boats used to be

Another game area being set-up

The Crow’s Nest is still behind walls

We expect this is where the game will begin for guests

Golden Oak Outpost is closed again…

The tower from Tangled visible from Frontierland

Kind of strange…

Work is speeding along on the restrooms on the former Skyway site, rumors still indicate we will see guest charging stations for electronics in this area as well

The tower was installed recently

The Royal Majesty Makers out and about in Fantasyland

Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train construction continues

The construction walls were updated with the Dwarfs now mimicking the areas they are in

This scene is near Enchanted Tales with Belle

The small Lumiere on the signage now swings his arms back and forth

Looks like another device built by Maurice

More new Mine Train walls

Some new concept art shows off the interactive queue

Looks like fun

The finale scene

Everyone has clocked in, meaning they are working hard on the new attraction

Another look at Mine Train

Some more walls came down revealing a small section of the bridge

A look from the other side

100 minutes for Mermaid… yeah, Fantasyland is a total failure

All of the screen-based wait times signs in the park were themed recently, all of them now match the physical signage now

The back side of Mine Train

Triton’s Treasures is being built and is coming along quickly

Wait for Ariel’s Grotto

Some cool walls you can look through were put up as well

Let’s take a look inside

A lot of work still to be done

This wall is near Winnie-The-Pooh

Near the Mad Tea Party

Another look through the walls

Moving to Downtown Disney, the volcano at Rainforest Cafe is coming along nicely

Splitsville opens December 19th

Curl is also moving to some small space next door to Splitsville

Looks like there is space for another store as well

There’s an outside bar as well

Last week, we shared an image of a portrait that’s a part of a new project our Walt Disney Imagineers are currently working on – and today we’re happy to reveal the identity of that man and share details on the role he’ll play in the enhanced storyline of a certain Magic Kingdom Park attraction, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

The fellow’s name is Barnabas T. Bullion, and he’s the gold magnate who rules the Big Thunder Mining Company with a golden fist. Imagineers have already begun working overnight in the park on the attraction’s new interactive queue, where you’ll be able to see this portrait, as well as an additional landscape portrait of the mountain itself.

According to the enhanced backstory: “Barnabas T. Bullion is the founder and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company. The longtime mining magnate comes from a powerful East Coast family and considers gold to be his very birthright by virtue of his oddly appropriate name; in fact, he considers the ultimate gold strike to be his destiny. And that is why he is having so much trouble with Big Thunder Mountain. According to superstitious locals, Big Thunder Mountain is very protective of the gold it holds within, and the unfortunate soul who attempts to mine its riches is destined to fail. And so far that prophecy is coming to pass. The mine has been plagued by mysterious forces and natural disasters ever since. And yet the Big Thunder Mining Co. is still in operation. In fact, Bullion is discovering new veins of gold and digging new shafts every day, offering a closer look at the Big Thunder mining operation than ever before. But a word to the wise for anyone attempting to visit the mountain: watch out for runaway trains.”

Look for these new additions and a number of additional interactive elements in the coming months at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the wildest ride in the wilderness!

It sounds like the new interactive queue that we have been talking about for Big Thunder Mountain will be ready for guests soon with an extra dose of a certain Imagineer. As we all know the Big Thunder Queue is one of the worst queues anywhere on property so I think we are all anxiously awaiting this change. What do you think of the enhanced back story?

The Country Bear Jamboree returned to operation at the Magic Kingdom on October 17th following a 2 month refurbishment. As expected, all of the lighting, audio, and audio-animatronics were upgraded or fixed and all of the technical aspects of the attraction are working and looking better than ever. However, rumors of cuts in the show to make it shorter and increase the theoretical hourly capacity also came to fruition. We have video of the show to share with you so you can see the multiple songs, verses and lines fo dialogies cut from the show:

For those either unfamiliar with the show or in case you forgot what the show formerly was, I have compiled a list of everything that has been removed:

Opening and Pianjo
Buff: “We can’t hang around here all day”
Max: “Takes a little doin’ to set these things up”
Henry: OK, OK boys, take it easy, take it easy, now we’re ready to start. Sorry folks, I’ll be right with you. (Clears throat)”
Henry: “But enough of this chat chat, yak-yak, and flim-flam. Just refrain from hibernatin’ (laugh), and we’ll all enjoy the show because we’ve got a lot to give.”
(Several seconds of Pianjo number cut)

Bear Band Serenade with Five Bear Rugs
Henry: “Plus Gomer” (When introducing Five Bear Rugs number)
(One verse of “One sure thing the bear band’s got is real old country rhythm” cut)

Fractured Folk Song by Henry and Wendell
Song completely removed from show

If Ya’ Can’t Bite, Don’t Growl (Moved up in the show)
No cuts

My Woman Ain’t Pretty by Liverlips McGrowl
No cuts

Mama Don’t Whup Little Buford by Henry and Wendell
No cuts

Tears Will Be The Chaser For Your Wine by Trixie
(Introduction)
Henry: “A little bit of ever-lovin’ cuddlesome fluff”
(Ending)
Henry: “Beautiful, beautiful. That was a mighty big song Trixie.”
Trixie: “Oh thank ya’ Henry (giggles)”
Buff: “That sure ain’t all that’s big”
Max: “Well, you’re no lightweight yourself Buff.”
Henry: “Boys, boys, watch your manners.”
Melvin: “Yeah, if you can’t say somethin’ nice…”
Henry: “Now boys, boys, ok now boys if you just stop carrying on like, we just might dedicate this next song to ya’ll. And we so dedicate.”

Devilish Mary performed by Five Bear Rugs
Song completely removed from show

How Long Will My Baby Be Gone performed by Shaker
No cuts

All The Guys That Turn Me On Turn Me Down by Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah
Repetition of “Nothing ever seems to work for me” at end of number

Heart We Did All That We Could by Teddi Barra
(Introduction)
Henry: “Swing it teddy!”
Max: “Wow, here she comes”
Buff: (Whistling)

Blood On The Saddle by Big Al
No cuts

The Ballad of Davy Crockett performed by Henry and Sammy
No cuts

Ole Slew Foot By All Bears
Opening verse removed

Exit and We Hope That You’ll Be Comin’ Back Again
(Opening)
Henry: “And bear around to see us again”
(Song)
Several lines of “We Hope That You’ll Be Comin’ Back Again” removed including spoke dialogue like “We had such fun but don’t you cry” & “We just can’t bear to say goodbye”

Luckily we have video of the original show that you can still enjoy:

So, what do you think of the changes to the Country Bear Jamboree? Good, bad, or a little bit of both?

On the other side, the boulder scene during the final lift hill was completely shut down. In short, non-moving rocks were placed where moving boulders once stood. Also, a lot of effects are still missing, but we assume this was in a rush to open on time. As for the interactive queue…. it’s on the way. As you watch our video, you’ll notice large brown crates scattered through the queue along with some new walls and railings. The interactive queue is definitely coming soon, it just hasn’t been installed yet. Take a look for yourself:

The base of the old Dumbo is still lingering, guess it isn’t that easy to completely remove…

A lot going on here: The bridge that will serve as the entrance to the Be Our Guest Restaurant is nearing completion, the Mermaid queue entrance is out from behind scaffolding and appears mostly complete with the exception of pavement, and we can now make out a distinguishable footprint for the Seven Dwarves Mine Train

Another angle shows that Gaston’s Tavern is far behind the other buildings in the village

We can now see where the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station is going in Storybook Circus, but what lies beyond it in the tents is mostly a mystery…

Getting away from Fantasyland, the Big Thunder Mountain refurbishment rolls on with most of the queue being rebuilt, all track being replaced, and a visible fresh coat of paint being applied to the entire mountain

Work continues on the DVC wing of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

We are happy to continue our series of videos walking you through all of the adventures you can experience at Walt Disney World’s latest attraction, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. We go on down the bayou to Liberty Square and Frontierland to battle Dr. Facilier and his friends on the other side this time:

Let’s grab a times guide

 The parade route is back to normal

Work continues on the bakery and center street facades

The bakery is open

Plaza Ice Cream still closed

Work continues on the supports in Tomorrowland

This side of the Dumbo queue is finally being painted

Scaffolding coming down on the circus tent queue area

The other Dumbo centrifuge is in place

They are working everyday to get the attraction up and running as soon as possible

Beast’s Castle

The Mermaid rock-work is being extended to hide the show building from view in Storybook Circus

Rooftops and patios are appearing on Prince Eric’s castle

A close-up of the castle

It looks great!

The artwork is back on the great wall of Fantasyland

The Castle Wall is finally showing some progress

The Seven Dwarves Mine shop lives out a stay of execution until the wall moves this direction

Walkways are still tight at the moment

This is the first time we’ve actually seen people working on the wall

We can see some detail at the top of the wall

The Fantasyland Skyway station is gones and now we have a giant pile of dirt

You can clearly see The Hauted Mansion, but this will change

Just a lot of dirt…

Work on the Peter Pan’s Flight queue continues

Walls up where the pathway will go next to the Haunted Mansion

Hard to believe this opened almost a year ago

It has grown in nicely

Some things were changed…

Some things were added as less-than-capable guests walked through…

Other things that were added

The pet cemetary is missing some pieces while the new path is worked on

Time for some Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom

Pongo looks a little angry…

Love the cards

What’s the best part about Sorcerers? Inclusion of often ignored characters

The old Fife & Drum food service location closed for decades is back in use

This is a second location where you can begin your quest

This card has been changed to remove Slinky Dog from the background. Apprently, Disney doesn’t have the rights to use him…

Frontierland Trading Post still behind tarps

The tower that the Barnstormer will now crash through looks finished

The Big Thunder Mountain refurb rolls on

Lift hill replacemtn and roof repairs being done now

Some paint has also been applied to lower level rock-work

Progress is appearing rapidly

The backside of the Be Our Guest Restaurant

A look at Fantasyland Station

Lighting fixtures installed

Hi there

Still there…

Roof is covered

The Barnstormer is just about finished

A fair amount of landscaping left to complete

The backside of the Dumbo building