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 Magic Kingdom lands. 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 flume ride, and it’s a stop on the Walt Disney World Railroad.
With so much to do and even more on the horizon, there are a few things you’ll want to be aware of as you tour this popular section of the park. So saddle up your favorite horse, and let’s mosey on down to Frontierland.
This article was last updated on March 6, 2025.
What’s Next for Frontierland?
A new expansion for Frontierland is expected to change a majority of the land’s current landscape. The following excerpt from the Disney Parks Blog provides some details about what the park will lose in exchange for two new Cars-themed attractions.
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.
As of this update, no dates have been provided for when these areas of the parks will close. You might remember that the former Frontierland Shootin’ arcade closed to make way for a new Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge.
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
- Tom Sawyer Island**
- Frontierland Station
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
*Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed for refurbishment through 2025. It is expected to reopen in 2026. **Tom Sawyer Island is expected to close permanently in the future.
Character Meets in Frontierland
- Country Bears
- Frontierland Hoedown*
*The Frontierland Hoedown is a pop-up dance party with characters. It’s not scheduled or guaranteed but we do see it from time to time.
Dining
- Golden Oak Outpost
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
- Westward Ho
Retail
- Big Al’s
- Frontier Trading Post
- Critter Outpost
- Tiana’s Bayou General
Other
- McKim’s Mile House (A Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge)
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 are 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
Our next Frontierland attraction is the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, an audio-animatronic show performed in Grizzly Hall, a dim theater. This attraction is a reimagined version of the original Country Bear Jamboree. It debuted in 2024. It’s one of those attractions you might want to keep in mind in the event of inclement weather or for when you need a break. The performance lasts approximately 12 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. The attraction was originally created based on an original idea of Walt Disney. It was supposed to be implemented at a ski resort that unfortunately never came to fruition.
Tom Sawyer Island
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
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 associated with the movie (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
At this time, you won’t find too many character meet-and-greets in Frontierland. However, there’s always a chance you might run into a few Country Bears. They roam the area in front of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. Usually, we see Big Al, Wendell, Romeo McGrowl, and Terrence (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 Frontierland 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 Bill. This location is popular for items like chicken strips and as of late, Tiana’s Famous Beignets. (Menu items change from time to time.)
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. In recent years, they’ve added a couple of create-your-own rice and nacho bowls. They typically also offer a burger, fries, and several types of kids’ meals.
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 offerings include candied bacon skewers with chips, jalapeño poppers, and mini corn dogs. This location serves Joffrey’s coffee, both Frozen Coca-Cola and Minute Maid Lemonade Slushy, and assorted soda products.
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. (Items and prices are subject to change.)
Frontierland Shopping Locations
You’ll find a couple of retail shops in Frontierland.
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 an excellent place to pick up souvenir pins.
Here are a few photos that provide an example of how many pins they have.
Other shopping locations include Critter Outpost which is located near the entrance of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Tiana’s Bayou General, which is at the ride’s exit near the restrooms.
Entertainment
Lastly, while not an entertainment option specific to Frontierland, it’s important to note that the Festival of Fantasy Parade steps off in Frontierland. This is also 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, the location offers a few 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 during the parade, wait times at attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Jungle Cruise naturally drop, which means shorter lines during and immediately after the parade.
Related: Festival of Fantasy Parade
Final Thoughts
Frontierland is a fun place with plenty to do. 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.
After that, 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.
Then, we did what any good pirate would do and spent a good portion of our day seeing everything Adventureland had to offer! Lastly, our stop on Main Street, U.S.A., included candy at the confectionary, characters, and more!
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
