Magic Kingdom: Frontierland

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic KingdomLake Buena Vista, Florida: Looking for thrills and excitement at the Magic Kingdom? Then take a trip back in time to the wild, wild west at Frontierland where you can hop aboard the wildest ride in the wilderness or splash down into the briar patch or just sit back and sip some lemonade and play checkers on Tom Sawyer Island. There is something here for every member of the family. Frontierland is also home to two of the Magic Kingdom’s three famous mountains.

Frontierland at Magic Kingdom debut with the park for opening day in 1971. However the 1971 Frontierland is much different then today’s Frontierland. The original Frontierland opened with three attractions; the train station, Country Bear Jamboree and the Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes (which no longer operates).

The Country Bear Jamboree that opened in 1971 was the world premier of the Country Bear franchise which currently runs at three of the Disney parks worldwide. The show continues to run pretty much in its original state, minus a few upgrades throughout the years. They tried running a new show, Country Bears Vacation Hoedown, in 1986. But it failed to produce a crowd, so they reverted back to the original Country Bear Jamboree in 1992.

The other original attraction still in operation today is the Frontierland train station on the Walt Disney Railroad. The station is one of three stops on the 20 minute train journey that circles the Magic Kingdom park.

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes was also in Frontierland when the park opened in 1971 but it was closed in 1994. The attraction was located by the Tom Sawyer Island raft launch.

Frontierland expanded in 1980 with the addition of one of the park’s major attractions, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” takes place in the abandoned gold mining town of Tumbleweed. The mountain was cursed by Native Americans and following a flash flood, the miners were washed away and the gold mine was abandoned. Today riders have the opportunity to hop aboard the abandoned train and take a ride through Tumbleweed. The runaway mine train style roller coaster reaches speeds of 30 miles per hour on the three and a half minute journey.

The lands other major attraction, Splash Mountain, opened in 1992. Hop aboard a log boat and follow the story of Br’er Rabbit. Join Br’er Rabbit on his search for his laughing place, while trying to avoid Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear. The journey culminates with a 52 foot drop into the briar patch below. The ride is inspired by the movie Song of the South.

If you need a break from all these thrills, take the raft out to Tom Sawyer Island. The island features trails and interactive adventures for the kids while there are shaded benches and places to relax for the adults. The island features dark caves and caverns, suspension bridges and a fort to provide plenty of play opportunities. After you had enough play on the island, hop back aboard the raft and head back to Frontierland.

Frontierland is home to the following restaurants:

  • Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn: seasonal restaurant serving apple pie and ice cream, lemonade and more snacks on Tom Sawyer Island.
  • Golden Oak Outpost: sandwiches, fries and more.
  • Pecos Bill Tall Tales Café: counter service restaurant serving hamburger and hot dog baskets, chili and more.

If you are looking for a gift or souvenir, try these shops in Frontierland:

  • Briar Patch: Winnie the Pooh and Splash Mountain themed items.
  • Frontier Trading Post: Old West and Native American themed items.

Click on the photo above for pictures from my Frontierland photo gallery.

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