As we leave Adventureland, we head into 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. So get ready for a rootin tootin good time as we step back in time to the Old West.
Splash Mountain is a log flume ride in Frontierland. It features the story of Brer Rabbit as told by Uncle Remus in "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 climax of the rides 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.
This has to be one of the most loved quick services restaurants in the park, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe. It is PACKED all the time! They offer indoor and outdoor seating and offer sandwiches and taco salads. The best part 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 to buy some pins or 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
*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.
Enjoy this? Follow our whole series! Join 1,000,000 Disney SUPER Fans on Facebook!
No comments:
Post a Comment