Frontierland
Adventureland is a land in the Magic Kingdom.
History
Frontierland opened with the Magic Kingdom in 1971. Originally Frontierland consisted of three attractions, The Frontierland Shootin' Arcade, Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes and The Country Bear Jamboree. The land was themed like a boom town in the American Old West. The land also sat on the Rivers of America, where guests could board and row the Davy Crockett Canoes. In 1973 Tom Sawyers Island opened. Located on the Rivers of America, the island was an “outdoor playground” where guests could explore caves, cross wobbly bridges, and even follow rugged jungle trails. To get to the island guests were able to climb aboard large wooden rafts in Frontierland. Tom Sawyer's Island was based on the Mark Twain novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”.
Frontierland remained mostly unchanged until 1980 when Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was built. Thunder Mountain was Frontierland's first “roller-coaster”, and gave the land its first thrill ride. Thunder Mountain allows guests to board a runaway train which will speed past scenes set in an old west mining town. No major changes occurred again until 1993 when Davy Crockett In 1994, Frontierland was once again seeing major changes. Chick-A-Pin Hill was built, housing a new thrill ride, Splash Mountain. The back story for the hill stated that the damn had broken and now and thus there was a five story waterfall. This new log flume ride was based on the 1946 Disney movie Song of the South. Splash Mountain follows the adventures of the movies main character, Brer Rabbit and ends with guest plunging 52 feet into the Briar Patch. Both Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain proved to be extremely popular, and their additions made Frontierland one of the most popular lands in the Magic Kingdom.
Attractions
Splash Mountain- A water flume ride that takes guests along with Brer Rabbit through scenes from the 1946 Disney movie, Song of the South, ending in a 53 foot drop into the Briar Patch.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad- A runaway train themed roller coaster, which takes guests through the gold mining, Old West town of Tumbleweed.
The Country Bear Jamboree- Join the talented cast of 18 musically-inclined bears as they perform continuous 17-minute shows featuring country music-style classics—to the delight of fans big and small. The rustic review is infused with a down-home sensibility that includes plenty of great music, broad humor and a few unexpected surprises.
Tom Sawyers Island- Take a short raft ride across the Rivers of America, and explore caves, tunnels and forts, where Tom and Huck Finn hang out. Based on the 1876 novel by Mark Twain.
Walt Disney World Railroad- Take a steam powered train around Walt Disney World with stops at Main Street USA, Frontierland, and Mickey's Toontown Fair.
Frontierland Shootin' Arcade- Is an old fashion shooting gallery, complete with info-red rifles.
Past Attractions
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes- Where small canoes guests could paddle around the rivers of America in teams.
Dining
Pecos Bill's Tall Tale in and Cafe- A counter service restaurant specializing in Hamburgers. Themed after an old west inn.
Westward Ho!- A refreshment stand selling hot and cold drinks.
Golden Oak Outpost- A Mcdonalds stand specializing in French Fries. Also sells chicken nuggets.
Shopping
Big Al's- Sells Old West themed merchandise.
Frontierland Trading Post- A old west themed store selling all kinds of pins and pin merchandise.
Prairie Outpost and Supply- A large shopping complex selling old west, native American, and Mexican themed merchandise.
The Briar Patch- A shop located at the exit of Splash Mountain. Specializing in Splash Mountain and Song of the South merchandise.
Splashdown Photos- Located at the exit of Splash Mountain sells photos of guests on Splash Mountain and photo merchandise.
Trivia
- In November 1990, in order to make room for Splash Mountain, the Walt Disney World Railroad's Frontierland train station was entirely demolished. Frontierland's new station, which was built as part of Splash Mountain, opened in December 1991
- "Texas" John Slaughter is the name of the Frontierland Trail Boss, as seen on the sign hanging over the entrance to the store
- You can find the Marshall keeping' the peace daily in Frontierland, as well as Prospector "Gold Dust Gus" at various times throughout the day. These character actors seamlessly blend into the theme of the land, and gladly interact with guests in improvisational acts.
References
http://www.guide-to-disney.com/magic-kingdom/frontierland
http://www.waltdisneyworld.com
http://www.wdwradio.com/Frontierland/Frontierland-Trivia.html
