Touring Frontierland at Magic Kingdom (Rides, Dining, and Shopping)
Howdy Partners! It’s time to burn the breeze and make our way to Frontierland as we continue our tour of the lands at Magic Kingdom. Frontierland is a land themed to resemble the early 19th-century western frontier. It is home to popular attractions, including a roller coaster, a log ride, and a private island. It’s also a stop on the Walt Disney World Railroad.
We’ve updated this article to include the addition of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the closure of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaced the former Splash Mountain attraction. So saddle up your favorite horse, and let’s mosey into Frontierland. Along the way, we’ll check out everything you want to do during your next Walt Disney World vacation!
Update: It was announced at the 2024 D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event that a new expansion was coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. Days later, the Disney Parks Blog announced that Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America would be part of this expansion. Here’s a quote from the Disney Parks Blog.
It’s time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers.
Frontierland at Magic Kingdom
Here’s a preview of what all the land has to offer:
Attractions
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Country Bear Musical Jamboree
- Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (Permanently Closed in 2024)
- Tom Sawyer Island (Will Close for New Cars attractions in the future.)
- Frontierland Station
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Character Meets in Frontierland
- Country Bears
- Chip and Dale
- Frontierland Hoedown
Dining
- Golden Oak Outpost
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
- Westward Ho
Retail
- Big Al’s
- Frontier Trading Post
- Prairie Outpost and Supply
Entertainment
- Festival of Fantasy Parade Starting Point
Frontierland Rides
Frontierland has a few attractions that are good for everyone. However, two rides in the land have a height restriction: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Both attractions have a 40′ height requirement.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Many people are familiar with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This classic attraction makes you feel like you’re in one of those Walt Disney World commercials you see on television. Big Thunder Mountain is the kind of ride that makes you laugh. Its runaway trains will have you agreeing–It’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!
This fun roller coaster has a 40″ height requirement. While riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you can expect to encounter sharp turns, sudden stops, and drops. However, the drops are mild compared to a larger roller coaster like Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom.
Related: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom
Country Bear Musical Jamboree
Country Bear Musical Jamboree is a reimagined version of the original Country Bear Jamboree. The attraction opened in July of 2024.
Our next Frontierland attraction is the Country Bear Jamboree, an audio-animatronic show performed in Grizzly Hall, a dim theater. It’s one of those attractions you might want to keep in mind in the event of inclement weather or if you need a break. The performance lasts approximately 16 minutes. Therefore, the longest wait should be for the next show to begin.
During the show, you will see eighteen backwoods bears performing a number of tunes. Walt Disney inspired this unique performance, initially conceived to be implemented in a ski resort that never came to fruition.
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (Permanently Closed in 2024)
This attraction closed on June 23, 2024. It is slated to become a Disney Vacation Club member lounge.
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade is the first attraction you’ll encounter when entering Frontierland from Liberty Square. This fun experience is a rifle range. Guests can shoot a real rifle at interactive targets. However, it’s important to mention that the rifles fire an invisible beam of safe infrared light. No pellets or other projectiles are used.
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade’s backdrop is the famous Boot Hill cemetery in Tombstone, Arizona. Formerly, a small fee was charged, but now the experience is free.
Tom Sawyer Island (Will Permanently Close at a Future Date)
Tom Sawyer Island is an attraction that can be visited almost anytime in Frontierland, except in the evening. It closes at dusk. Guests board a river raft and cross the Rivers of America to visit Tom Sawyer Island. There, guests can participate in several activities, including trails, a suspension bridge, a barrel bridge, a hidden fort (Fort Langhorn), and more.
While this attraction is for everyone, there are a few things you need to know before heading over:
- You must board a log raft and sail over to access the island.
- The raft does offer wheelchair access, but you must be ambulatory to get around various parts of the island.
Ultimately, Tom Sawyer Island is worth exploring if you’ve never visited and love the outdoors. However, it takes some time to explore everything. So it might not be the best time investment when you only have one day to spend at Magic Kingdom.
Frontierland Station at Disney World
Frontierland Station is one of three stops on the Walt Disney World Railroad. The train travels in a large loop around the outskirts of Magic Kingdom. Stops include Main Street Station, Frontierland Station, and Fantasyland Station in Storybook Circus. If you need a break, the train is an excellent place to relax. Grab a bottled soda or water and stay on board until you’re ready to hit the park again.
Related: Frontierland Station
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom in 2024. This attraction took the place of the former Splash Mountain, which featured Brer Rabbit, Br’er Bear, Br’er Fox, and more. Guests would travel through the story of The Song of the South and eventually make their way down a five-story drop into the briar patch. Thankfully, they ended up in the laughing place. Due to dehumanizing issues (namely, enslaved people being portrayed joyfully), Disney has eradicated almost all ties to the film, including Splash Mountain.
The new attraction takes guests through Tiana’s Foods, an employee-owned cooperative founded by Tiana herself. To celebrate its opening, Tiana has decided to throw a big party during Mardi Gras. She has a lot to do to prepare for the party and needs our help finding critters to perform in the band. As you make twists and turns through the bayou, you’ll encounter familiar faces from the movie, along with new faces in the form of cute country critters. They are all eager to perform in the band!
Related: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Ride Guide
Frontierland Character Meet-and-Greets
Frontierland has recently added on traditional character meet-and-greet. Chip and Dale meet in regular costume along the River Walk that leads to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. (Chip and Dale River Walk Location)
Additionally, the Country Bears roam Frontierland daily. You might find them roaming at any given time throughout the day. They are often in the area near Country Bear Jamboree. Usually, we see Big Al, Wendell, Liver Lips McGrowl, and Shaker. These fun-loving bears do not sign autographs but will pose for a photo if you ask nicely.
Frontierland Hoedown
Occasionally, you might encounter the Frontierland Hoedown while you’re in the Old West! However, this is more of a flash mob type of event that’s not typically listed on any schedule.
On a recent visit, we ran into the Fronierland Hoedown toward the end of the afternoon before sunset. Cast members and characters gathered in the middle of the main walkway and performed three songs with dances. Guests are invited to join in on the fun. You might even see a few rare characters, such as Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar!
Related: Frontierland Hoedown at Magic Kingdom
Frontierland Dining Options
Dining is probably not Frontierland’s strongest suit, but the land still has a few options.
Golden Oak Outpost
Golden Oak Outpost is located on the outskirts of Frontierland, right outside the back entrance to Adventureland. This quick-service location serves lunch and dinner. It has a walk-up window where you can order and pick up food. Seating is available nearby at either Pecos Bills or Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland.
This location is popular because of unique items like loaded chicken strips and chili-cheese fries. You can also get regular chicken strips with waffle fries or a fresh-baked chocolate chunk cookie. A few refreshments are available.
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe is Frontierland’s significant counter-service dining location. This establishment features classic South West flavors and a few traditional items.
On our last visit, we previewed the menu and found a fajita platter, salads, beef nachos, and a veggie rice bowl. (You can get those beef nachos with chicken or plain.)
They also had a double bacon barbecue cheeseburger and a taco trio.
Kids’ meals include tacos, bowls, burgers, and macaroni with cheese.
Westward Ho
Westward Ho is on Frontierland’s main thoroughfare. This kiosk is a great place to refill your popcorn bucket before the parade.
Other refreshments include candied bacon skewers with chips, jalapeno poppers, Wendell’s bear claws, or a frozen Coke or lemonade slushy.
Pretzel and Churro Cart
Additionally, Frontierland has another cart with pretzels and churros. You can get a Mickey-shaped pretzel, a pepper jack pretzel, or an order of churros with chocolate dipping sauce.
Frontierland Shopping Locations
When it comes to merchandise, Frontierland is lacking, even more so in recent years. However, there are a few places you might like to browse while you’re in the area.
Big Al’s
Big Al’s is a kiosk-style souvenir stand that sells coonskin caps (think of a raccoon wrapped around your head) and other novelty items.
Here are a few of those coonskin caps now.
Frontier Trading Post
Frontierland Trading Post is a place to pick up souvenir pins.
During this visit, I took a few photos to give you an idea of the pin selection.
Prairie Outpost and Supply
On the opposite side of Frontier Trading Post, the shop runs into Praire Outpost and Supply. This shop used to have snacks like candy and other treats.
Unfortunately, it’s now only more pins, hats, and rocks.
Entertainment in Frontierland
Lastly, while not an entertainment option specific to Frontierland, it’s important to note that the Festival of Fantasy Parade steps off in Frontierland. Additionally, this is where all cavalcades and seasonal parades begin.
Below is a photo of the Tangled unit as it comes through Frontierland. While this isn’t our favorite place to watch the parade, it still has perks. For instance, as soon as the parade passes, you can easily ride a nearby attraction with little to no wait.
Since the main walkway to Frontierland and Adventureland is blocked off during the parade, wait times at attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Jungle Cruise drop.
Related: Festival of Fantasy Parade
Final Thoughts
Frontierland, the Wild West of Magic Kingdom, is a fun place to spend a little time during the day. Whether you want to escape to an island, watch the parade, or experience the wildest rides in the wilderness, there’s something for everyone.
As we wrap up this Magic Kingdom by Land series, here’s a look back. We visited Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom to check out Tron and other timeless attractions like the Peoplemover. Then we hopped all aboard the train at Storybook Circus, but first, we paid a visit to Dumbo and the Barnstormer. Then, we visited New Fantasyland (The Enchanted Forest) for dinner at Be Our Guest and Enchanted Tales with Belle. While we were in Fantasyland, we checked out a few classics (Peter Pan’s Flight and the Carousel)! Our visit to Liberty Square was more than historical as we stopped to see the Hall of Presidents. We did what any good pirate would do and spent a good portion of our day seeing everything Adventureland had to offer! Lastly, we’ll stop in Main Street, U.S.A., for the confectionary, characters, and more!
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In the Comments
What is your favorite thing to do in Frontierland? Do you have any questions about this area of the park? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts
