Frontierland-Cedar Herald Index

Frontierland is one of the "themed lands" at the many Disneyland-style parks run by Disney around the world. Themed to the American frontier of the 19th century, Frontierlands are home to cowboys and pioneers, saloons, red rock buttes and gold rushes along with some influence from American history and North America in general. It is named Westernland at Tokyo Disneyland and Grizzly Gulch at Hong Kong Disneyland.

To build an accurate depiction of an old-West town, Walt Disney sent a camera crew to Frontier Town, in North Hudson, New York, to film a movie that was used as the inspiration for Frontierland, as revealed in the book, "Frontier Town Then And Now."

Frontierland

Disneyland

History

Frontierland first appeared in Disneyland as one of five original themed lands. Initiated by Walt Disney, in the beginning, the land contained few attractions, but centered on open expanses of wilderness which guests traveled through by stagecoach, pack mules, Conestoga wagon, and walking trails. The Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland opened in 1960, consisting of a sedate train ride around various western landscape dioramas. The Mine Train closed in 1977 to make way for a new attraction; the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which opened in 1979.

Frontierland

Disneyland's Frontierland gateway is constructed of ponderosa pine logs. The land's long shoreline along the Rivers of America is considered a prime viewing location for the nighttime Fantasmic! show. The docks to both the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Sailing Ship Columbia, (a replica of American explorer Robert Gray's 18th century ship that circumnavigated the globe) are located here, and Tom Sawyer Island in the river's center is also considered a property of Frontierland

Frontierland

On the roof of the Westward Ho Trading Co., there are elk or deer antlers. Elk antlers were commonly placed on general stores in the old west so cowboys coming into town immediately knew where to get supplies. Also in Frontierland is a building that has a large sign that says "Laod Bhang Co. Fireworks Factory". Plus, at the storefront marked "Crockett and Russel Hat Co.", there is a window honoring Fess Parker, who played Davy Crockett in Walt Disney's Davy Crockett. Frontierland borders Fantasyland (via the Big Thunder Trail), New Orleans Square and Adventureland, and connects to the Central Plaza through an iconic set of fort-style gates.

Attractions and entertainment

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1979–present) Frontierland Shootin' Arcade Mark Twain Riverboat (1955-2016 and 2017–present) Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island (1956-2016 and 2017–present) Sailing Ship Columbia (1958–present) Fantasmic! (1992-2016 and 2017–2023; Returning on Spring 2024) The Heartbeat of New Orleans — A Living Mural (September 29, 2023–Spring 2024)

Former attractions and entertainment

American Rifle Exhibit & Frontier Gun Shop (1956–1986) Big Thunder Ranch (1986–1996, 2005–2016) Burning Settler's Cabin (1956–2003) Ceremonial Dance Circle (1955–1971) Conestoga Wagons (1955–1959) Davy Crockett Arcade (1955–1987) Davy Crockett Frontier Museum (1955) Dixieland Band Stand (1955–1961) El Zocalo (1958–1963) Festival of Fools (1996–1998) Fort Wilderness (1956–2003) Indian Village (1955–1971) Little Patch of Heaven Petting Farm (2004–2005) Marshal's Office (1955–1956) Mexican Village (1957–1964) Mike Fink Keel Boats (1955–1997) Mineral Hall (1956–1962) Miniature Horse Corral (1955–1957) Nature's Wonderland (1960–1977) Painted Desert (1955–1959) Rainbow Caverns Mine Train (1956–1960) Rainbow Ridge Pack Mules (1955–1973) Santa's Reindeer Round-Up (2005–2007) Seasonal Stagecoach Ride (1955–1959) Woody's Roundup (1999–2000)

Restaurants and refreshments

Golden Horseshoe Saloon

Stage Door Cafe

Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante

River Belle Terrace

Former restaurants and refreshments

Aunt Jemima's Kitchen (1962–1970, 1975–2003) Aunt Jemima's Pancake House (1955–1962) Casa de Fritos (1955–1982) Casa Mexicana (1982–2001) Chicken Plantation (1955–1962) Magnolia Tree Terrace (1970–1971) McDonald's Conestoga Fries (1998–2007) New Orleans Barbecue (1956–1957) Oaks Tavern (1956–1978) Silver Banjo Barbecue (1957–1961)