Frontierland - Exploring the World, One Land at a Time

Everyone knows "Four Parks, One World", but each of those parks is made up of multiple, themed "Lands". Each land contains it's own unique decor, dining, experiences and history. With so much to do and see, it's easy to miss many of the details that make these lands special in their own way. This series will explore each of these lands in detail to show how they are part of the Magic that is Walt Disney World resort.

We leave Adventureland behind, but the adventure continues as we enter Frontierland. When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, there were only 3 attractions in Frontierland: Walt Disney World Railroad, Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes (which operated until 1991) and the world debut of Country Bear Jamboree. Over the years, Frontierland would become home to some of the biggest and best-loved thrill rides in Magic Kingdom. The spirit of this land is captured in this statement made at the Disneyland opening in 1955: 

Frontierland. It is here that we experience the story of our country's past. The color, romance and drama of frontier America as it developed from wilderness trails to roads, riverboats, railroads and civilization. A tribute to the faith, courage and ingenuity of our hearty pioneers who blaze the trails and made this progress possible. - Walt Disney

As we round the bend into Frontierland, we spot the first mountain of Magic Kingdom's Big Three. Splash Mountain is a log flume ride that features the story of Brer Rabbit as told by Uncle Remus in the movie "Song of the South". Guests are taken through the story with lively songs such as "How Do You Do" and "Everybody's Got a Laughing Place". The story's characters are brought to life with dozens of audio-animatronics. The climax of the ride takes you down a 52 foot drop into the Briar Patch! Afterwards, everyone celebrates the return of Brer Rabbit with a rowdy rendition of "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah". The bright coloring of this ride makes it visually stunning and provides what I think are the best in-ride photos of any attraction.

Next to Splash Mountain is the second of the three mountain "thrills" found in Magic Kingdom,Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Dodge waterfalls and rockslides as you streak through a haunted mining town on a runaway mine train. Interesting fact: In October 2016 , the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, published a paper in which the author, Dr. Wartinger, performed a study with the permission of Disney proving that riding this ride aids in the passing of kidney stones! The study also found that Space Mountain and Rockin Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith also produced the same result. I always knew Disney was good for your health!!

Named after a character from Disney's Melody Time is one of the most popular quick-service restaurants in Magic Kingdom,Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe. It is PACKED all the time! They offer indoor and outdoor seating which is great for parade viewing. They specialize in Mexican cuisine. The most famous feature of this restaurant is a toppings bar that can't be beat. They have enough toppings to make your meal a mile high!

Travel on log rafts across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island. You can follow in the footsteps of early American settlers on this self-guided tour of dirt roads, caves, forts and more. The design of the island mirrors the one in Disneyland which was designed by Walt Disney himself. Adults can relax in rocking chairs under the shade trees while kids play at Fort Sam Clemens. You can also check out the working water wheel.

The Country Bear Jamboree is a fun and lively stage show. The band of audio-animatronic bears perform a country music concert with fun help from some of their other animal friends in the audience. Country Bear Jamboree made its debut in Walt Disney World and was so popular it was then added to Disneyland. It also launched a spin-off show in both parks called the Country Bear Christmas Special. It is also another of the famous Disney attractions to inspire its own movie.

For some big kid fun, you can try your skills at the Frontierland Shootin Arcade. Set against Old West backdrops, there are nearly 100 interactive targets. Rifles do not shoot projectiles. They use infrared technology to register hits. An additional fee is required to play. 

If you need a pick-me-up in Frontierland, the Golden Oak Outpost is open seasonally and offers sandwiches, chicken nuggets and fries. Or, stop by Westward Ho for some frozen lemonade, a corndog or other snacks.

Before leaving this land, you can pick up some cute souvenirs at Big Al's or the Briar Patch. Or, you can stop in the Frontier Trading Post for a huge selection of trading pins or to do some pin trading!

Some Frontierland Fun Facts:
*Head up the stairs to the train station in Frontierland and listen closely. You will hear Morse code coming from the telegraph office. It is transmitting Walt Disney's opening day speech at Disneyland. 
*Splash Mountain's proper name is Chick-a-pin Hill
*The waterway between Liberty Square and Frontierland is symbolic of the Mississippi River and is supposed to symbolize the division of the east and west.

*Ever ride Big Thunder Mountain railroad at night? As your train roars past the saloon, take a quick peek at the second floor window and you will see a wild party in progress! But, you won't see it during the day.
*The setting for Splash Mountain is Mississippi, but it was painted with red coloring to compliment Big Thunder Mountain, so its coloring is geographically incorrect.
*Fort Sam Clemens is named for Mark Twain, author of Tom Sawyer. Samuel Clemens is his real name.
*Country Bear Jamboree is a show that was designed by Walt Disney for Disney's Mineral King Ski Resort in the 1960's which was never build after Walt's death.

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