Facts And History Of Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland



Big Thunder Mountain

Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is a park that is home to several distinct lands. One of these lands is Frontierland, and is located near the back of the park. This area of the park celebrates America’s frontier and the spirit of exploration and the wild west. This land is themed through buildings, attractions, music, and restaurants. Flowing near Frontierland is the Rivers of America which makes this area feel large with places to explore. Frontierland hasn’t seen many changes in the past, but will soon see great change in the near future with a large expansion coming soon to Magic Kingdom. Continue reading to learn more about Frontierland and its history.

History

This area of the park has been operational since the park opened in 1971. The concept of Frontierland originally debuted in Disneyland and not many changes were made to the area when it was replicated in Disney World. Frontierland was home to three attractions on opening day: Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, Walt Disney World Railroad, and The Country Bear Jamboree. The Country Bear Jamboree was a brand new attraction at the time that had never before appeared in any Disney parks. The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes were only open until 1994.

Two years after the park opened, Tom Sawyer Island debuted. In 1980, Disneyland’s popular Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opened in Frontierland. In 1991, Disney World’s first log flume-style attraction opened: Splash Mountain. In 2023, this was closed to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The most recent change to Frontierland happened in 2024, when the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade closed permanently.

Tom Sawyer Island
Tom Sawyer Island. Photo: Emily Murray

Current Attractions

The attractions that are currently operating in Frontierland are Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, and the Country Bear Musical Jamboree.

New Costumes for Country Bear Musical Jamboree
Newly Reimagined Country Bear Jamboree. Photo: Disney

Fun Facts

  • The Country Bear Jamboree was the last attraction to be overseen by Walt Disney
  • The Mile Long Bar, a bar fitted with mirrors giving the illusion of a mile-long bar, was an opening day restaurant later replaced by Pecos Bill
  • Imagineers had plans to build an attraction called Thunder Mesa but for unknown reasons this was cancelled and replaced with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain. Photo: Emily Murray

Future Plans

In 2024 it was announced that a Cars themed land would be coming to Frontierland, and that Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America would be closed to make way for this new area. Many guests were saddened by the news with Tom Sawyer Island having a small but dedicated fanbase. Exact timing wasn’t revealed on when these areas would close and construction would begin so any guests interested in exploring the island for the last time should finalize their plans soon.

McKim's Lounge Concept Art
McKim’s Lounge Concept Art. Photo: Disney

A new Disney Vacation Club lounge is scheduled to open in summer of 2025. McKim’s Mile House will take the place of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade and be themed after a rustic and cozy frontier lounge.

What do you like about Frontierland? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.

Written by

Megan Woodard


Contributing Writer

Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her two toddlers. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.

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