Frontierland
Frontierland is not approachable from off of the main hub of the park. Since it’s the frontier, its placement actually makes sense when you think of it being a setting for something “out west”. In fact, using your compass it is the “out west” part of the Magic Kingdom.
Frontierland has a wonderful homey feel to it, and it’s connection to Liberty Square is one that actually blends well. You just follow the river front to enjoy the experience of being truly in a park. Just beyond you see Tom Sawyer’s island. You are swept into another world.
Most consider the two mountains as the center of this land. With good reason, these mountains demand attention. And they’re both great fun! Yes there is a big drop that results in a big splash (several other smaller ones as well), but don’t dismiss this attraction as a simple flume ride. Splash Mountain takes the stories of Br’er Rabbit, Fox and Bear and weaves it through a scenes from the film, Song of the South. Don’t worry if it’s not a familiar film to you. You’ll get the premise pretty quick. Each scene is musical and magical, and you will feel that you have entered into another world. The last scene is themed to the song, Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, and it’s a glorious finale. Don’t miss it.
Equally thrilling, in a different way, is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This is truly “the wildest ride in the wilderness”. It, along with Splash Mountain, are considered among the most popular attractions in the entire park.
You board mine train cars that zip through mountains similar to those found in Monument Valley. The queue offers plenty of details and interactive moments, so take advantage of them while waiting your turn.
These aren’t all the attractions in Frontierland. You will have missed out if you don’t check out the The Walt Disney Railroad which has a stop here, or the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade which allows you to shoot at a wide array of interactive targets. This is a great place to stop and await the afternoon parade, which begins near Splash Mountain. The parade route then heads through Frontierland and Liberty Square, before moving down Main Street, U.S.A.
Too often guests miss the quiet joy of boarding a raft to Tom Sawyer Island. This is great fun, and exploring the caves, bridges and forts are a terrific way to get the wiggles out of your kids. Better yet, a rocking chair and a round at checkers also allows you to truly get a vacation from your vacation.
And then there’s The Country Bear Jamboree. To say this is an audio-animatronic show featuring singing bears is to have missed the mark. This is truly one of the most distinct experiences of the Magic Kingdom. We go into way too much detail when you check out this post here.
Beyond the Country Bears are some stores and eateries. Most eateries are minor with the exception of the major table service, The Diamond Horseshoe,and counter service, Pecos Bill’s. The Diamond Horseshoe looks a lot like it’s counterpart in Anaheim, but that’s where the comparison ends, as here it is treated as a table service restaurant featuring barbecue, with little more entertainment than a player piano.
Much more popular is Pecos Bill tall Tale Inn and Cafe. This is Walt Disney World’s answer to Tex Mex. It offers you an array of add-ons to build your own southwest concoction. It’s a massive, largely indoor restaurant that will make you wish you had used Disney’s mobile ordering app. It, as well as the food cart outside, is one of the few places to get churros, wildly popular at Disneyland, but not as available here.
Occasionally, the Golden Oak Outpost will be open during peak season, where you may also be able to find items like chicken breast nuggets and waffle fries.
Certain times of the day, Cast Members and some of Disney’s furriest characters get together for an old-fashioned hoedown. Guests are invited to join in. It’s a celebration of the wild west, and it’s a terrific memory of your time in Frontierland.
By the way, every western town had a sheriff. Naming the sheriff is a unique part of Disney’s culture. Click here to see what that looked like, and how a certain sheriff made Frontierland possible when it was first built.
