Difference between pages "Walt Disney World Railroad" and "Frontierland"

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The Walt Disney World Railroad is a working steam-engine which surrounds [[The Magic Kingdom]]. The railroad has stations in [[Main Street USA]], [[Frontierland]] and [[Fantasyland]].
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{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
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{{Infobox Disney ride |
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| image= Frontierlandsign2.jpg
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| image=Station.jpg
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| caption=''' The entrance sign to Frontierland'''  
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| caption='''The Main Street USA Station on the Walt Disney World Railroad.'''
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| theme=American Old West
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| land=Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Frontierland
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| opened=October 1, 1971
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| park= Magic Kingdom
 
| park= Magic Kingdom
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| theme= Steam-engine railway
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| opened=October 1, 1971
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| custom_label_1= Duration
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| custom_label_1     = Number of Attractions
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| custom_value_1= 20 Minutes (Roundtrip)
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| custom_value_1     = Six}}
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|custom_label_2= FastPass +
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Frontierland is a land inside the [[Magic Kingdom]].
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|custom_value_2= No}}
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==History==
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Frontierland opened with the rest of the [[Magic Kingdom]] on October 1, 1971. The land was themed to represent a boom town in the American Old West. Located on the Magic Kingdom's Rivers of America, Frontierland originally consisted of three attractions: the [[Frontierland Shootin' Arcade]], [[Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes]], and the [[Country Bear Jamboree]] <ref> http://inacents.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/1971-WDW-Magic-Kingdom-Map.jpg </ref>. These attractions were joined by the Frontierland Station on the [[Walt Disney World Railroad]] on May 1, 1972 <ref> http://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/attractions/opening-dates# </ref>.
  
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==Attraction History==
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Although it seemed sparse on opening day, Disney had big plans for Frontierland. Chief among these were their plans to build Marc Davis' Western River Expedition. This large expansion of Frontierland would have consisted of numerous attractions for guests including: a  Pueblo Village, hiking trails, and a "runaway mine train" attraction. Most importantly however, there was also to be a boat ride through the Old West attraction, that was designed to top the immensely popular [[Pirates of the Caribbean]]<ref> http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2000/12/31/why-quot-western-river-quot-went-south-part-3.aspx </ref>.
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The history of the Walt Disney World Railroad really begins with Walt Disney's love of trains. Even before he built Disneyland, Walt had a miniature train in his backyard called the Carolwood Pacific Railroad <ref> http://carolwood.com/ </ref>. Walt was so enthralled with trains that anytime he told guests about Disneyland, he would always conclude "and it should be surrounded by a train" <ref> http://www.waltdisney.org/blog/disney-and-lionel </ref>. Sure enough, when Disneyland opened in 1955, the park was surrounded by the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad. Walt Disney himself was in charge of building the railroad, and he even financed the construction himself <ref> http://www.waltdisney.org/blog/riding-rails-walt-disney </ref>. The Disneyland Railroad opened with Disneyland in 1955 and has been running ever since <ref> http://www.davelandweb.com/dlrr/ </ref>.
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When Disney began designing Walt Disney World in Florida, they once again wanted to have a train surrounding the park. In 1969, Disney Imagineer scouts Roger Broggie and Earl Vilmer found and purchased five locomotives from the Ferrocarriles Unidos de Yucatan (United Railways of Yucatan) on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/6779/Steam_Train_Tour_Part_3 </ref>. While one of the five trains was deemed unrepairable, the other four were sent by railway to Tampa Bay. Here, Disney Imagineer and train expert, Bob Harper oversaw their restoration<ref> http://www.imaginerding.com/2011/11/07/walt-disney-world-railroad-a-history/ </ref>. New boilers were built for the locomotives by the Dixon Boiler Works in Los Angeles, California. In order to make the trains look older, they were fitted with diamond smoke stacks and boiler jackets. The tenders also needed to be completely rebuilt and new fiberglass cabs were manufactured and installed. The trains were then painted with bright colors and brass, before being shipped to Walt Disney World <ref> http://www.wdwfamily.com/index.php/walt-disney-world-tours/74-behind-the-steam-train-tour </ref>. The Walt Disney World Railroad opened with the rest of the park on October 1, 1971 <ref> http://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/attractions/opening-dates </ref>.
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Although Marc Davis' Western River Expedition never became a reality for numerous reasons (see [[Big Thunder Mountain Railroad]]), on May 20, 1973 [[Tom Sawyer Island]] opened on the Rivers of America <ref> http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/may20.html </ref>. Based on the Mark Twain novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, the island is an “outdoor playground” where guests can explore caves, cross wobbly bridges, and even follow rugged jungle trails. To get to the island guests climb aboard large wooden rafts in Frontierland and set sail across the river.  
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[[Image:FrontierlandBuildings.jpg|350px|thumb| A few of the buildings found in Frontierland]]
  
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===History Since Opening Day===
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Following the opening of Tom Sawyer Island, Frontierland remained mostly unchanged until November 15, 1980 when [[Big Thunder Mountain Railroad]] opened. The new roller coaster took its inspiration from the runaway mine car attraction that was to be a part of the Western River Expedition. Created by Imagineer Tony Baxter, Thunder Mountain also occupied the space near the back of Frontierland that was originally earmarked for the Western River Expedition expansion <Ref> http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2001/01/01/276.aspx </ref>.  
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When the Walt Disney World Railroad opened, it originally consisted of three trains. A few months after the opening, a forth train joined the fleet. For all of 1971, the Railroad provided guests with a round-trip tour of the Magic Kingdom. At that time however, only the Main Street USA station was open and it wasn't until 1972 that a second station (in Frontierland) opened <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/609/Walt-Disney-World/Magic-Kingdom/Main-Street-USA/Walt-Disney-World-Railroad </ref>. The second station meant that guests could now board the railroad at either end of the park. The Frontierland station remained operational until 1990, when it was closed and demolished in order to make room for [[Splash Mountain]]. The station re-opened in a new location in 1991, and the railroad now runs through Splash Mountain (allowing guests to see the "Zip-A-Dee Lady" Scene). In 1988, another station was built in [[Mickey's Birthdayland]]. Originally known as the Duckburg Station, the station was renamed the Toontown Fair station in 1996 before closing in 2010 (when Mickey’s Toontown was replaced by the Fantasyland expansion). While Fantasyland was still under construction, the train still stopped at the location of the station, to top off the tender with water and to keep the railroad's operating schedule. While the train was stopped in Fantasyland, a new narration played, telling guest that they are stopping at a "Watering Outpost". The narration also gave guests a preview of what was coming to Fantasyland as part of the expansion. On March 12, 2012 the Fantasyland Station (also known as the Carolwood Station) opened to guests.
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==Attraction Plot==
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Following the construction of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Frontierland remained essentially the same until the Frontierland Train Station was closed in 1990, and moved in order to make room for Disney's newest thrill ride- Splash Mountain <ref> http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/frlrs1.htm </ref>. Based on the 1946 Disney Movie Song of the South, on Splash Mountain guests follow the adventures of Brer Rabbit as he is chased and eventually captured by Brer Fox and Brer Bear. The climax of the attraction comes when guests plummet 52.5 feet down Chick-A-Pin-Hill and into the briar patch. Besides once again changing Frontierland's layout, Splash Mountain also expanded the land's theme <ref name="jack"> http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/06/splash_mountain_part_one_1.html </ref>. Unlike Big Thunder Mountain and the rest of Frontierland, Splash Mountain was set in the American South. In order to help bridge the thematic gap between Splash and Thunder Mountain, Imagineers used the newly relocated Frontierland Railroad Station (which reopened in 1991) to serve as transition between the two <ref name= "jack"/>. Finally, on July 17, 1992 Splash opened to guests, although it was officially dedicated on October 2<ref> http://allears.net/tp/mk/mk_splash.htm </ref>.
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(NOTE: This section does not include information about the new Fantasyland Station.)
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The Walt Disney World Railroad begins with guests boarding the train from one of the three railroad stations. If guests board on Main Street, the narrator will welcome them to the Walt Disney World Railroad and tell them that the train will be stopping at Frontierland and Fantasyland. The narrator then gives riders a little history about the railroad saying:
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In 1994 one of Frontierland's original attractions, the Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes closed to guests <ref> http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/dcec.htm </ref>.
  
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{{Quotation|"For an old conductor like me, there is no better place to travel the rails then here at the Magic Kingdom. By the way, we're traveling by pure steam power. This old locomotive is descended from the mighty trains that powered the golden age of steel."}}
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==Attractions==
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'''[[Splash Mountain]]'''-  A water flume ride located on Chick-A-Pin Hill. Splash Mountain  takes guests on an adventure  along with Brer Rabbit, ending in a 52.5 foot drop into the Briar Patch. Splash Mountain is based on the 1946 Disney movie Song of the South.  
  
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As the train continues towards [[Adventureland]], the narrator tells guests that they are traveling from the charm of Main Street USA to the jungles of Africa, Asia and South America. He says they are headed into the heart of Adventureland, where things can get pretty wild. He also mentions attractions such as [[Pirates of the Caribbean]] and the [[Jungle Cruise]]. As the locomotive moves from Adventureland to Frontierland, the narrator tells guest that they've reached the wild west of the Magic Kingdom, saying:
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'''[[Big Thunder Mountain Railroad]]'''- A runaway-train themed wooden roller coaster. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad takes guests on a high speed trip through the gold mining town of Tumbleweed.  
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[[Image:FrontierlandThunder.jpg|350px|thumb| Big Thunder Mountain Railroad can be found at the back end of Frontierland]]
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'''[[The Country Bear Jamboree]]'''-  This Audio Animatronic show lets guests join a talented cast of 18 musically-inclined bears as they perform continuous 12-minute shows. The Country Bear Jamboree features “plenty of great music, broad humor and a few unexpected surprises”.
  
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{{Quotation|"This outpost is home to covered wagons, cow folk and [[Country Bears]].}}
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'''[[Tom Sawyer Island]]'''- An island located on the Rivers of America. On Tom Sawyer Island guests can explore the caves, tunnels and forts, where Tom and Huck Finn hang out. Based on the 1876 book “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain.  
  
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The narrator also mentions [[Thunder Mountain]] and [[Splash Mountain]], before the train enters a cave, alongside Splash Mountain. Here, through a window on their right, guests can look into Splash Mountain and see the “Zip-A-Dee Lady” scene. The train then pulls into the Frontierland station where guests can unload and load. As the train moves out of the station, it passes Big Thunder Mountain, and the boomtown of Tumbleweed. It then travels over a small bridge, where the narrator informs guests that a trip around the park used to take a week! On the left, guests can see a small outpost, as the narrator informs them that Indians were the first people on the land. The train then rolls past an Indian village and some wildlife.  
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'''[[Walt Disney World Railroad]]'''-  A steam powered train that goes around Walt Disney World with stops at [[Main Street USA]], Frontierland, and [[Fantasyland]].  
  
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As the train moves into Fantasyland, the narrator tells guests that in Fantasyland they can, "Fly with [[Peter Pan]]" and even spin in a [[Tea Cup]]. As the train pulls into the former location of Toontown Fair station, both the narrator and engineer give guests a preview of what is going to be built there. The narrator tells guests that part of the Fantasyland expansion will allow them to go "under the sea" with the Little Mermaid or even visit the Beast's Castle. When the train stops at the former Toontown Station, the conductor tells guests that they need to stop here and get water. Often times, while the train is getting the water, the engineer will give some of the history of Toontown and then explain what it is going to become.  
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'''[[Frontierland Shootin' Arcade]]'''- An old fashion shooting gallery complete with info-red rifles.
  
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As the train pulls out of Fantasyland and into Tomorrowland, the narrator says that some people think traveling by train is a little too old fashioned. As the train rolls past the [[Tomorrowland Speedway]], he says that any guest can travel the futuristic highway, or choose another mode of transportation such as the [[PeopleMover]], [[Space Mountain]] or [[Astro Orbiter]].  On their right, guests can see into Tomorrowland. As the train continues forward, the narrator informs riders that Main Street was inspired by the small towns of Walt's childhood. He also says that stepping onto Main Street is like stepping back in time. At this point that train reaches the Main Street Station, and the narration starts all over again.
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===Past Attractions===
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'''Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes'''- On this attraction, guests could board small canoes and paddle around the Rivers of America. The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes operated from 1971 until 1994 <ref> http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/dcec.htm </ref>
  
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==The Trains==
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==Entertainment==
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There are four trains in operation on the Walt Disney World Railroad. The four locomotives for the trains were built between 1916 and 1928 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia. The trains consist of a steam locomotive, tender, and five passenger cars. Each train has a capacity of approximately 365 passengers and 2 wheelchairs. The tender has a capacity for 1,837 gallons of water and 664 gallons of fuel oil. The tender needs to be topped off with water every three or four trips around the park. The water tower used to top of the tenders is located at the Carolwood Station in Fantasyland.  
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'''The Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob''' This down home trio performs Americana and classic Disney songs<ref> https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/notorious-banjo-brothers-and-bob/ </ref>.
  
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<html>
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==Dining==
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<style>
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'''[[Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe]]'''-  Themed like an old west inn, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café is a counter service restaurant specializing in Mexican food.  
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.gal img {
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  width: 214px;
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  height: 150px;
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}
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</style>
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<div class=gal>
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</html>
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{| style="text-align:center; border-color: #A7D7F9; background-color:clear; padding:4px 4px 4px 4px;"
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|-
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| [[File:Walter.jpg]]
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| [[File:Lilly.jpg]]
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|-
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| '''The #1 "Walter E. Disney"'''
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| '''The #2 "The Lilly Belle'''
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|-
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| [[File:Broggie.jpg]]
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| [[File:Roy.jpg]]
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|-
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| '''The #3 "Roger E. Broggie" '''
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| '''The #4 "Roy O. Disney"'''
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|}
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<html>
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</div>
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</html>
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==Crew==
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'''[[Westward Ho Refreshments]]'''- A refreshment stand selling hot and cold drinks.
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Each train has a three man crew who are in charge of their daily operation. The crew consists of an engineer, a fireman, and a conductor. The engineer is in charge of the operation of the train. The fireman is in charge of the operation of the boiler, and the conductor is in charge of the management of the train and its passengers.
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Early in the morning before park opening, the first train crew arrives at the roadhouse and preps the locomotive for the day. First, safety and readiness checks are performed by the engineer and conductor. Since the train needs steam pressure to operate, a compressed air line must be tapped into the atomizer line when the fire is first lit. It must stay in the atomizer until enough steam has been raised to re-light the atomizer's fire. After this is done, the conductor will inspect that track and the arrangement of the switches outside the roadhouse, to make sure it is safe to leave. After the boiler is ready, the engineer will give two short whistles to signal they are ready to go. After the conductor responds with two short buzzes, the train is put into motion. As each individual car leaves the roadhouse, the maintenance crew inspects the running gear located beneath the train.
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As the train heads out of the roadhouse and towards the main track, the engineers test the safety features on the train. This consists of two tests, intentionally popping the safety valves and purposely running the train past a red block light. If the features are working properly, the safety valves will release excess steam, and the train brakes will automatically turn on after running through the red block. These tests are performed daily, to meet safety standards.
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==Daily Operation==
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===Opening===
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The Walt Disney World Railroad operates daily, beginning at 9 am. It takes approximately 20 minutes for the train to make a round trip, meaning that guests can expect a train to arrive at each individual station every 7 minutes. There are usually two trains in operation on any given day, although sometimes three are in operation if the park is busy. Disney's goal is to have the first train arrive at the Main Street Station on the hour, and at every subsequent 20 minute interval (:20 and :40). The second and third trains then try to keep up with the first train, as much as possible. If one of the trains falls behind, they must either try to catch up or drop behind a lap, in order to stay on schedule. It is important for the trains to be on schedule in order for the park closing to run smoothly.  
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===Block Signals===
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'''[[Golden Oak Outpost]]'''- A small counter service restaurant located between [[Adventureland]] and Frontierland, the Outpost specializes in chicken edibles.
  
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Along the Walt Disney World Railroad, there are six block signals which let the train conductors know where the other trains are. The block signals on the railroad resemble a traffic light, in that they have three lights (red, yellow, and green). Three of the block signals are located near the stations, while the other three are spread around the track. The lights typically change from '''Green''' to '''Yellow/Green''' to '''Red''' to '''Yellow/Red'''. After the lights have followed this pattern, they reverse in the opposite direction, '''Yellow/Red''' to '''Red''' to '''Yellow/Green''' to '''Green'''. Each of the lights have their own specific meaning:
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'''The Diamond Horseshoe'''- A  Western-themed restaurant which serves sandwiches and salads for lunch, and an all you can eat buffet for dinner. This restaurant is open seasonally and located in between the [[Frontierland Shootin' Arcade]] and the [[Liberty Tree Tavern]].
  
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* '''Green''': The next 2 blocks are completely clear. It is safe to proceed.
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==Shopping==
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* '''Yellow and Green''': The next block is clear, however, the block beyond is occupied. It is safe to proceed, but be prepared to stop at the next block.
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'''Big Al's'''- Located across from the Country Bear Jamboree, Big Al's sells Old West themed merchandise.
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* '''Red''': The next block is occupied and it is not safe to proceed past this point.
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* '''Yellow and Red''': The next 2 blocks are both occupied; it is not safe to proceed past this point.
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===Whistles===
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On the Walt Disney World Railroad, the engineers use distinct whistle patterns to communicate while the conductor. The conductor then responds with a buzzer using the same pattern. The buzzer goes off inside the cab of the locomotive. At the stations, the engineers will ask to depart by giving two short whistles. The conductor must respond and give the ok, because they have the final say as to whether or not the train moves. The whistle pattern used on the Walt Disney Railroad is typically:
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* '''One Short''' – Attention
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* '''Two Short''' – Forward Movement
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* '''Three Short''' – Reverse Movement
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* '''One Long, One Short''' – Approaching a Station
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* '''One Long, Two Short''' – Crew spotted along track (also used as a general greeting)
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* '''Two Long, One Short, One Long''' – Public Crossing ahead
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* '''Two Long, One Short '''– Meeting Point (junction)
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* '''One Long''' – Stop Immediately / Emergency stop.
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* '''Four Long''' – Train in distress.
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* '''Two Short, One Long, One Short''' – Engineer is acknowledging the maintenance crew
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===Closing===
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'''Frontierland Trading Post'''- Located next door to the Country Bear Jamboree, the Frontierland Trading Post is a large store selling frontier merchandise and all kinds of pins.  
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On the train’s last trip around the park, the conductor announces at each station that the final train is departing. All guests can ride the train until it reaches the Main Street station for the final time. After guests have unloaded, the conductor walks the length of the train to make sure that all guests are off, and that any lost items are brought to the lost and found. The train then goes to the Fantasyland Station where the conductor steps off and throws the switch to allow the train back into the roadhouse. The engineer relies on the conductor to back the train into the roadhouse, from the rear platform of the last coach. The fireman then throws the Fantasyland switch back to the main line, so that trains in operation can continue running. When the final train has been returned to the roadhouse, the switch is left where it is. When the train reaches the switch, and the track crossing, the conductor will signal the engineer, letting him know the train has successfully cleared. This continues until all the trains are parked completely in the roadhouse.  
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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'''Prairie Outpost and Supply'''- Located next to Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, the Prairie Outpost and Supply is a shop which sells various candy and sweets.  
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* During the construction of [[Splash Mountain]] the Walt Disney World Railroad ran backwards. Briefly referred to as the "Backtrack Express" (or Goofy's "Backtrack Express", instead of pulling out of the Main Street USA Station and moving forward, the trains instead proceeded backwards to the Duckburg Station <ref> http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1990-11-26/business/9011240905_1_mickey-s-starland-mickey-s-birthday-land-main-street </ref> <ref> https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1916&dat=19910716&id=LwghAAAAIBAJ&sjid=l3YFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3983,1722713&hl=en </ref>.  
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* The "Walter E. Disney" and "Roger E. Broggie" trains were on the shop floor together in 1925. Their serial numbers are sequential (58444 and 58445), and both trains were built for the United Railways of Yucotan by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia.
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'''The Briar Patch'''- Located at the exit of Splash Mountain, The Briar Patch specializes in Splash Mountain and Song of the South merchandise.  
  
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*For a behind the scenes tour of the Walt Disney Railroad, guests can experience the "Magic Behind our Steam Trains" tour on select days.
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'''Splashdown Photos'''- Located at the exit of Splash Mountain, Splashdown Photos sells photos of guests on Splash Mountain, as well as photo merchandise.
  
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* At one time there were plans for a Tomorrowland Station to be added to the Walt Disney World Railroad. The train station would have been located near Space Mountain.
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==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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* "Texas" John Slaughter is the name of the Frontierland Trail Boss as seen on the sign hanging over the entrance to the general store. Texas John Slaughter was a TV show produced by Disney from 1958 until 1961. The show was based on a real life Arizona state senator <ref> http://www.themainstreetmouse.com/2015/05/01/texas-john-slaughter-trail-boss/ </ref>.
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* A crate found near the [[Country Bear Jamboree]] reads "Davis Tobacco". This is a tribute to Imagineer and Disney Legend Marc Davis <ref> http://wdwnewstoday.com/archives/10472 </ref>.
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*Guests could previously find the Frontierland Marshall keeping the peace daily in Frontierland, as well as Prospector "Gold Dust Gus" at various times throughout the day <ref> http://www.wdwradio.com/2007/09/frontierland-trivia/ </ref>.
  
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==References==
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* From the mid 1980s until 1994, Frontierland was home to a stunt show that involved the Frontierland Marshall catching and arresting Cactus Jack Slade after he robbed the Frontierland Train Station's safe.<ref> http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/frlrs1.htm </ref>
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http://wdw.railfanning.org/
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http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/walt-disney-world-railroad/
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* A video of the stunt show from 1992 can be seen [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdNW2N8nxIg'''Here'''.]
  
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http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/mkindex.htm
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==References==

Revision as of 20:42, 21 June 2016

Frontierland
Frontierlandsign2.jpg
The entrance sign to Frontierland
Magic Kingdom
Theme American Old West
Opening date October 1, 1971
Number of Attractions Six

Frontierland is a land inside the Magic Kingdom.

History

Frontierland opened with the rest of the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. The land was themed to represent a boom town in the American Old West. Located on the Magic Kingdom's Rivers of America, Frontierland originally consisted of three attractions: the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade, Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes, and the Country Bear Jamboree [1]. These attractions were joined by the Frontierland Station on the Walt Disney World Railroad on May 1, 1972 [2].

Although it seemed sparse on opening day, Disney had big plans for Frontierland. Chief among these were their plans to build Marc Davis' Western River Expedition. This large expansion of Frontierland would have consisted of numerous attractions for guests including: a Pueblo Village, hiking trails, and a "runaway mine train" attraction. Most importantly however, there was also to be a boat ride through the Old West attraction, that was designed to top the immensely popular Pirates of the Caribbean[3].

Although Marc Davis' Western River Expedition never became a reality for numerous reasons (see Big Thunder Mountain Railroad), on May 20, 1973 Tom Sawyer Island opened on the Rivers of America [4]. Based on the Mark Twain novel “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, the island is an “outdoor playground” where guests can explore caves, cross wobbly bridges, and even follow rugged jungle trails. To get to the island guests climb aboard large wooden rafts in Frontierland and set sail across the river.

A few of the buildings found in Frontierland

Following the opening of Tom Sawyer Island, Frontierland remained mostly unchanged until November 15, 1980 when Big Thunder Mountain Railroad opened. The new roller coaster took its inspiration from the runaway mine car attraction that was to be a part of the Western River Expedition. Created by Imagineer Tony Baxter, Thunder Mountain also occupied the space near the back of Frontierland that was originally earmarked for the Western River Expedition expansion [5].

Following the construction of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Frontierland remained essentially the same until the Frontierland Train Station was closed in 1990, and moved in order to make room for Disney's newest thrill ride- Splash Mountain [6]. Based on the 1946 Disney Movie Song of the South, on Splash Mountain guests follow the adventures of Brer Rabbit as he is chased and eventually captured by Brer Fox and Brer Bear. The climax of the attraction comes when guests plummet 52.5 feet down Chick-A-Pin-Hill and into the briar patch. Besides once again changing Frontierland's layout, Splash Mountain also expanded the land's theme [7]. Unlike Big Thunder Mountain and the rest of Frontierland, Splash Mountain was set in the American South. In order to help bridge the thematic gap between Splash and Thunder Mountain, Imagineers used the newly relocated Frontierland Railroad Station (which reopened in 1991) to serve as transition between the two [7]. Finally, on July 17, 1992 Splash opened to guests, although it was officially dedicated on October 2[8].

In 1994 one of Frontierland's original attractions, the Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes closed to guests [9].

Attractions

Splash Mountain- A water flume ride located on Chick-A-Pin Hill. Splash Mountain takes guests on an adventure along with Brer Rabbit, ending in a 52.5 foot drop into the Briar Patch. Splash Mountain is based on the 1946 Disney movie Song of the South.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad- A runaway-train themed wooden roller coaster. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad takes guests on a high speed trip through the gold mining town of Tumbleweed.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad can be found at the back end of Frontierland

The Country Bear Jamboree- This Audio Animatronic show lets guests join a talented cast of 18 musically-inclined bears as they perform continuous 12-minute shows. The Country Bear Jamboree features “plenty of great music, broad humor and a few unexpected surprises”.

Tom Sawyer Island- An island located on the Rivers of America. On Tom Sawyer Island guests can explore the caves, tunnels and forts, where Tom and Huck Finn hang out. Based on the 1876 book “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain.

Walt Disney World Railroad- A steam powered train that goes around Walt Disney World with stops at Main Street USA, Frontierland, and Fantasyland.

Frontierland Shootin' Arcade- An old fashion shooting gallery complete with info-red rifles.

Past Attractions

Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes- On this attraction, guests could board small canoes and paddle around the Rivers of America. The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes operated from 1971 until 1994 [10]

Entertainment

The Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob This down home trio performs Americana and classic Disney songs[11].

Dining

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe- Themed like an old west inn, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café is a counter service restaurant specializing in Mexican food.

Westward Ho Refreshments- A refreshment stand selling hot and cold drinks.

Golden Oak Outpost- A small counter service restaurant located between Adventureland and Frontierland, the Outpost specializes in chicken edibles.

The Diamond Horseshoe- A Western-themed restaurant which serves sandwiches and salads for lunch, and an all you can eat buffet for dinner. This restaurant is open seasonally and located in between the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade and the Liberty Tree Tavern.

Shopping

Big Al's- Located across from the Country Bear Jamboree, Big Al's sells Old West themed merchandise.

Frontierland Trading Post- Located next door to the Country Bear Jamboree, the Frontierland Trading Post is a large store selling frontier merchandise and all kinds of pins.

Prairie Outpost and Supply- Located next to Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, the Prairie Outpost and Supply is a shop which sells various candy and sweets.

The Briar Patch- Located at the exit of Splash Mountain, The Briar Patch specializes in Splash Mountain and Song of the South merchandise.

Splashdown Photos- Located at the exit of Splash Mountain, Splashdown Photos sells photos of guests on Splash Mountain, as well as photo merchandise.

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • "Texas" John Slaughter is the name of the Frontierland Trail Boss as seen on the sign hanging over the entrance to the general store. Texas John Slaughter was a TV show produced by Disney from 1958 until 1961. The show was based on a real life Arizona state senator [12].
  • A crate found near the Country Bear Jamboree reads "Davis Tobacco". This is a tribute to Imagineer and Disney Legend Marc Davis [13].
  • Guests could previously find the Frontierland Marshall keeping the peace daily in Frontierland, as well as Prospector "Gold Dust Gus" at various times throughout the day [14].
  • From the mid 1980s until 1994, Frontierland was home to a stunt show that involved the Frontierland Marshall catching and arresting Cactus Jack Slade after he robbed the Frontierland Train Station's safe.[15]
  • A video of the stunt show from 1992 can be seen Here.

References

  1. ↑ http://inacents.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/1971-WDW-Magic-Kingdom-Map.jpg
  2. ↑ http://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/attractions/opening-dates#
  3. ↑ http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2000/12/31/why-quot-western-river-quot-went-south-part-3.aspx
  4. ↑ http://thisdayindisneyhistory.homestead.com/may20.html
  5. ↑ http://jimhillmedia.com/editor_in_chief1/b/jim_hill/archive/2001/01/01/276.aspx
  6. ↑ http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/frlrs1.htm
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2010/06/splash_mountain_part_one_1.html
  8. ↑ http://allears.net/tp/mk/mk_splash.htm
  9. ↑ http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/dcec.htm
  10. ↑ http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/dcec.htm
  11. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/notorious-banjo-brothers-and-bob/
  12. ↑ http://www.themainstreetmouse.com/2015/05/01/texas-john-slaughter-trail-boss/
  13. ↑ http://wdwnewstoday.com/archives/10472
  14. ↑ http://www.wdwradio.com/2007/09/frontierland-trivia/
  15. ↑ http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/frlrs1.htm
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