Touring Frontierland at Magic Kingdom (Rides, Dining, and Shopping)

Frontierland Expansion

Frontierland will drastically change as a portion of the current land transitions into an area called Piston Peak National Park, featuring two new Cars-themed attractions. For this expansion to take place, two original park attractions will permanently close: Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America (Liberty Square Riverboat).

Frontierland at Magic Kingdom

Here’s a preview of what the land has to offer:

Attractions

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Country Bear Musical Jamboree
• Frontierland Station
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Character Meets in Frontierland

• Country Bears
• Frontierland Hoedown*

*The Frontierland Hoedown is a pop-up dance party with characters. It’s not scheduled or guaranteed, but we do see it from time to time.

Dining

• Golden Oak Outpost
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
• Westward Ho

Retail

• Big Al’s
• Frontier Trading Post
• Critter Outpost
• Tiana’s Bayou General

Other

• McKim’s Mile House (A Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge)

Entertainment

• Festival of Fantasy Parade Starting Point
• Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away Starting Point

Frontierland Rides

Frontierland has a few attractions that are good for everyone. However, two rides in the land have a height restriction: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Both attractions have a 40″ height requirement.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Many people are familiar with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This classic attraction makes you feel like you’re in one of those Walt Disney World commercials you see on television. Big Thunder Mountain is the kind of ride that makes you laugh. Its runaway trains are the wildest ride in the wilderness!

This fun roller coaster has a 40″ height requirement. While riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you can expect to encounter sharp turns, sudden stops, and drops. However, the drops are mild compared to a larger roller coaster like Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom.

Related: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom

Country Bear Musical Jamboree

Our next Frontierland attraction is the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, an audio-animatronic show performed in Grizzly Hall, a dim theater. This attraction is a reimagined version of the original Country Bear Jamboree. It debuted in 2024. It’s one of those attractions you might want to keep in mind in the event of inclement weather or when you need a break. The performance lasts approximately 12 minutes. Therefore, the longest wait should be for the next show to begin.

During the show, you will see eighteen backwoods bears performing a number of tunes. The attraction was based on an original idea of Walt Disney. It was supposed to be implemented at a ski resort, which unfortunately never came to fruition.

Frontierland Station

Frontierland Station is one of three stops on the Walt Disney World Railroad. The train travels in a large loop around the outskirts of Magic Kingdom. Stops include Main Street Station, Frontierland Station, and Fantasyland Station in Storybook Circus. If you need a break, the train is an excellent place to relax. Grab a bottled soda or water and stay on board until you’re ready to hit the park again.

*The train will run on a reduced schedule during the Frontierland expansion. Frontierland Station will not be open during this time.

Related: Frontierland Station

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom in 2024. This attraction took the place of the former Splash Mountain, which featured Brer Rabbit, Br’er Bear, Br’er Fox, and more. Guests would travel through the story of The Song of the South and eventually make their way down a five-story drop into the briar patch. Thankfully, they ended up in the laughing place. Due to dehumanizing issues associated with the movie (namely, enslaved people being portrayed joyfully), Disney has eradicated almost all ties to the film, including Splash Mountain.

The new attraction takes guests through Tiana’s Foods, an employee-owned cooperative founded by Tiana herself. To celebrate its opening, Tiana has decided to throw a big party during Mardi Gras. She has a lot to do to prepare for the party and needs our help finding critters to perform in the band. As you make twists and turns through the bayou, you’ll encounter familiar faces from the movie, along with new faces in the form of cute country critters. They are all eager to perform in the band!

Related: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Ride Guide

Frontierland Character Meet-and-Greets

At this time, you won’t find too many character meet-and-greets in Frontierland. However, there’s always a chance you might run into a few Country Bears. They roam the area in front of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. Usually, we see Big Al, Wendell, Romeo McGrowl, and Terrence (Shaker). These fun-loving bears do not sign autographs but will pose for a photo if you ask nicely.

Frontierland Hoedown

Occasionally, you might encounter the Frontierland Hoedown while you’re in the Old West! However, this is more of a flash mob type of event that’s not typically listed on any schedule.

One afternoon, we ran into the Frontierland Hoedown toward the end of the afternoon before sunset. Cast members and characters gathered in the middle of the main walkway and performed three songs with dances. Guests are invited to join in on the fun. You might even see a few rare characters, such as Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar!

Related: Frontierland Hoedown at Magic Kingdom

Frontierland Dining Options

Dining is probably not Frontierland’s strongest suit, but the land still has a few options.

Golden Oak Outpost

Golden Oak Outpost is located on the outskirts of Frontierland, right outside the back entrance to Adventureland. This quick-service location serves lunch and dinner. It has a walk-up window where you can order and pick up food. Seating is available nearby at either Pecos Bill’s. This location is popular for items like chicken strips and, as of late, Tiana’s Famous Beignets. (Menu items change from time to time.)

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe is Frontierland’s significant counter-service dining location. This establishment features classic South West flavors and a few traditional items. In recent years, they’ve added a couple of create-your-own rice and nacho bowls. They typically also offer a burger, fries, and several types of kids’ meals.

Westward Ho

Westward Ho is on Frontierland’s main thoroughfare. This kiosk is a great place to refill your popcorn bucket before the parade. Other offerings include candied bacon skewers with chips,  jalapeño poppers, and mini corn dogs. This location serves Joffrey’s coffee, both Frozen Coca-Cola and Minute Maid Lemonade Slushy, and assorted soda products.

Pretzel and Churro Cart

Additionally, Frontierland has another cart with pretzels and churros. You can get a Mickey-shaped pretzel, a pepper jack pretzel, or an order of churros with chocolate dipping sauce. (Items and prices are subject to change.)

Frontierland Shopping Locations

You’ll find a couple of retail shops in Frontierland.

Big Al’s

Big Al’s is a kiosk-style souvenir stand that sells coonskin caps (think of a raccoon wrapped around your head) and other novelty items.

Frontier Trading Post

Frontierland Trading Post is an excellent place to pick up souvenir pins.

Other shopping locations include Critter Outpost, which is located near the entrance of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Tiana’s Bayou General, which is at the ride’s exit near the restrooms.

Entertainment

Lastly, while not an entertainment option specific to Frontierland, it’s important to note that the Festival of Fantasy Parade steps off in Frontierland. This is also where all cavalcades and seasonal parades begin.

Below is a photo of the Tangled unit as it comes through Frontierland. While this isn’t our favorite place to watch the parade, the location offers a few perks. For instance, as soon as the parade passes, you can easily ride a nearby attraction with little to no wait. Since the main walkway to Frontierland and Adventureland is blocked during the parade, wait times at attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Jungle Cruise naturally drop, which means shorter lines during and immediately after the parade.

Related: Festival of Fantasy Parade

Final Thoughts

Frontierland is a fun place with plenty to do. Whether you want to escape to an island, watch the parade, or experience the wildest rides in the wilderness, there’s something for everyone.

As we wrap up this Magic Kingdom by Land series, here’s a look back. We visited Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom to check out Tron and other timeless attractions like the Peoplemover. Then we hopped all aboard the train at Storybook Circus, but first, we paid a visit to Dumbo and the Barnstormer.

After that, we visited New Fantasyland (The Enchanted Forest) for dinner at Be Our Guest and Enchanted Tales with Belle. While we were in Fantasyland, we checked out a few classics (Peter Pan’s Flight and the Carousel)! Our visit to Liberty Square was more than historical as we stopped to see the Hall of Presidents.

Then, we did what any good pirate would do and spent a good portion of our day seeing everything Adventureland had to offer! Lastly, our stop on Main Street, U.S.A., included candy at the confectionery, characters, and more!

For planning a Disney World vacation, you might also enjoy our Disney World Resorts Guide. It provides an overview of our coverage of the resorts. Our Disney World Dining Guide is a good resource for planning all your meals. For more on the theme parks, start with our Disney World Parks Guide. It leads to coverage of all four theme parks. If you or someone in your party has an interest in meeting characters at Disney World, that guide will help you locate options. Lastly, our Disney Water Parks Guide will help you get started planning a trip to either of Disney’s two water parks.