Big changes are on the way for Frontierland at Walt Disney World. Two familiar kiosks, Big Als and Westward Ho, will soon close for good. This article covers the closing dates, some history of both locations, and what to expect next in Frontierland.
Why Are These Kiosks Closing?
These closures will make room for the new Piston Peak National Park expansion. This area is expected to bring a fresh look and new experiences to Magic Kingdom.
Scheduled Closing Dates for the Frontierland Kiosks
Last Days for Big Als
Big Als will reportedly close after May 10. After this date, there will be no more operating hours listed for the store, so its last day is expected to be May 10.
Last Days for Westward Ho
Westward Ho will seemingly remain open a little longer. The final day that has hours posted on the Walt Disney World website is scheduled for June 21. If you want to visit, plan to go before these dates.
Park officials have already removed both kiosks from the digital park map. Westward Ho currently serves a menu of quick refreshments, including frozen lemonade, cold brew coffee, and snacks like mini corn dogs. Big Als operates as a merchandise location right outside the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, selling items like coonskin caps, cowboy hats, and bubble wands.
The Historical Context of Big Als
Big Als has been a part of Magic Kingdom since the park opened in 1971. At first, it served as a ride ticket booth. In those early days, guests needed separate tickets for each attraction. When Disney stopped using ticket books, the building became a spot for wood carving.
A Store With Character
In 1989, the building became the retail shop guests recognize today. The fictional backstory for the kiosk claims that the space is an old cabin belonging to Big Al, which he converted into a merchandise shop to profit from the success of the nearby Country Bears.
The impending demolition of Big Als represents the loss of a rare piece of opening day architecture. Once the structure is removed, Magic Kingdom will only have two former ride ticket booths remaining. Guests can find these surviving structures serving as the Disney Vacation Club kiosk in Tomorrowland and functioning as part of the Memento Mori facade in Liberty Square.
Future Plans for Piston Peak National Park
What’s Next for This Area
The closure of Big Als and Westward Ho will open up space for a big change in Frontierland.
Introducing Piston Peak National Park
Walt Disney World has announced plans for Piston Peak National Park, a new expansion inspired by the Cars films.
Making Room for Construction
Once these kiosks are closed, Disney can clear part of the walkway to start major building work for the new area.
When the kiosks close, Disney will relocate the nearby ice cream, churro, and popcorn carts to other spots within Frontierland. The cast members working at these locations will also transfer to other roles across the land.
Guests visiting the park during the construction phase will notice significant changes to the traffic flow. Construction walls will move forward into the existing riverwalk area. To accommodate crowds, crews will install a temporary pedestrian pathway along the promenade. This path will allow visitors to move through Frontierland and view parades while the multi-year construction project takes place behind the walls.
Looking Ahead
After these kiosks are gone, keep an eye out for updates and construction in the area. The new Cars-themed expansion is set to bring something different for guests in the years to come.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
