Frontierland

Frontierland Introduction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park

by josh on May 14, 2010

Frontierland is located in the northwest corner of the Magic Kingdom, above Adventureland and to the left of Liberty Square.  The theme is the American Wild West in the early 1800s, which should be evident from the saloons (that don’t serve alcohol), red rock buttes, log buildings, and general cowboy and Indian vibe.  Frontierland is one of the most popular sections of the Magic Kingdom, despite only having two rides, a dated animatronics show, and an exploration and playground area.  This popularity, of course, is due to the fact that those two rides are Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which are among the best rides in all of Disney World.  Country Bear Jamboree, the 15 minute audio-animatronics show starring a variety of robotic wildlife, will serve as a nice air-conditioned break, but may not be worth visiting if you’re short on time.  Only accessible via a raft, Tom Sawyer’s Island is located in the middle of the Rivers of America.  On the Island, you’ll find a large fort-themed playground for kids, caves and wilderness to explore, a quick-service refreshment stand, and plenty of benches to relax on while enjoying a treat away from the much more crowded mainland.

Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Café is Frontierland’s main counter service and one of the three best at the Magic Kingdom, although it’s probably third on that list behind Columbia Harbor House and Cosmic Ray’s.  Visit primarily for hamburger/wrap/salad fare.  Of course, shops outnumber attractions or places to eat.  You’ll find five shops offering the usual merchandise as well as Old West themed goods.

Click the highlighted links throughout this post to read full reviews of the restaurants mentioned.  Read on for the full reviews of the rides and attractions, or click here if you’ve landed on this page from another source.  To the right you will also find categories leading to reviews of all the other attractions, restaurants, and resorts at Walt Disney World.

Must visit: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain

Visit in the afternoon or whenever you need a break from walking: Country Bear Jamboree, Tom Sawyer Island

FASTPASS Available: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain

Morning Extra Magic Hours: None

Evening Extra Magic Hours: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Review Disney Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 14, 2010

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Opened: September 23, 1980

Location: Frontierland

Extra Magic Hours: Evening

FASTPASS: Yes, and you’ll want one unless riding early in the morning

Type: Roller coaster

Similar To: Expedition Everest

Requirements: Must be 40” or taller to ride

Scary Factor: Medium.  Big Thunder Mountain is tame for a roller coaster by just about any definition, but it still moves forward with a maximum speed of about 30 miles per hour.  There are no corkscrews, inversions, or significant drops.  If you adamantly “hate” roller coasters then this probably won’t be for you, but anyone who enjoys Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, or any similar roller coaster will enjoy Thunder Mountain.  If Expedition Everest is a 7/10 on the intensity scale then Big Thunder Mountain is about a 4, if that.

What to Expect: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s queue is long, winding, and incredibly boring.  While mostly covered and relatively cool once you make it into the building, it’s still outside and there is very little to see or do while waiting.  The ride is themed like you’re on a runaway train as it careens down Thunder Mountain without a conductor or a crew.  Each train has five cars that can seat up to three people in each of its three rows, for a maximum of 45 people per train.  The emphasis is on the scenery and theme rather than exciting drops or turns.  Pay attention to the authentic mining equipment strewn throughout the ride and the 20 animatronic animals.  Unlike some coasters, the wildest ride is in the back row rather than the front, so request the front car for a tamer ride or the back car for a slightly more exciting trip.  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a good “beginner’s coaster” for people who aren’t sure what they can handle.  If this is too much for you, then you probably want to stay away from Disney’s other coasters.  If you thoroughly enjoy it, then you should enjoy Space Mountain and be ready to try Expedition Everest and Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster.

When To Go: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a headlining ride and one you’ll want to ride as early in the day as possible, with a FASTPASS, in the final hour the Magic Kingdom is open, or during evening Extra Magic Hours.  Avoid in the afternoon unless for some reason the line is 30 minutes or less.  This is also a ride that is even more fun in the dark, so you may want to return late in the evening if possible for a second ride.

Expect to Wait: Expect waits in the 40 minute range by lunch and in the 60 minute range in the afternoon.  Of course, lines will be longer during Peak and Holiday seasons.

Length: 3 minutes 30 seconds

Rating: 9/10

Commentary: While not really a thrill ride compared to coasters at Six Flags or Universal Studios, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of Disney’s best-themed rides and a real treat for anyone who appreciates Disney magic.  On the other hand, it may be a bit of a letdown for diehard “thrill junkies” because thrills aren’t what this ride is about.  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also a good introduction to roller coasters for anyone who isn’t sure what they can handle and I would recommend it to people who are uncertain about whether they will enjoy Disney rides.  Do your best to get here during your vacation because this is really what Disney World is all about.

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Country Bear Jamboree Review Rating Disney Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 14, 2010

Country Bear Jamboree

Opened: October 1, 1971

Location: Frontierland

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Animatronic theater show

Similar To: Enchanted Tiki Room, Hall of Presidents

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: Country Bear Jamboree is another of the older audio-animatronic theater shows, this time featuring 18 bears, a buffalo, a raccoon, a stag, and a moose.  The bears put on a 17-minute show full of corny jokes, songs, and gags.  The theater is comfortable and air-conditioned. Refurbished in 2008, the Country Bears now have better audio and slightly improved animatronics, but the show otherwise remains the same.

When To Go: This is another good one to visit in the afternoon heat, whenever you need a break from standing, or while you’re waiting for a FASTPASS to become due.

Expect to Wait: Shows run continuously and it’s unlikely you’ll have to wait any longer than it takes for the previous show to end.

Length: 15 minutes

Rating: 4/10

Disney’s Mineral King Ski Resort: Ever heard of Disney’s Mineral King Ski Resort?  No?  It’s probably because it never came to fruition.  In the 1960s, Walt Disney wanted to open a ski resort.  The final plans included 27 ski lifts and housing for more than 2 million visitors per year.  Although the Sierra Club had originally backed a ski resort in the area, they changed their minds when they realized the size and scope of the plans.  After years of lawsuits the preservationists finally won and the land was annexed by the United States government and became part of Sequoia National Park.  Country Bear Jamboree was originally planned as entertainment for that resort, but was moved to Florida after the project was canceled.

Commentary: Country Bear Jamboree is more likely to be favored by kids under the age of ten and adults who appreciate classic Disney attractions.  Teenagers and adults that don’t care much for dated animatronics and corny jokes are better off skipping, unless an air-conditioned theater sounds like a pleasant place to spend 15 minutes in the middle of the day.  Country Bear Jamboree is somewhat popular due to its proximity to Splash Mountain, but it’s unlikely that you’ll have to wait for more than one show to end before admission.  If you enjoyed the Enchanted Tiki Room then you’ll enjoy this one as well.  On the plus side, Country Bear Jamboree is much more comfortable.

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Splash Mountain Ride Review Rating Disney Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 14, 2010

Splash Mountain

Opened: October 2, 1992

Location: Frontierland

Extra Magic Hours: Evening

FASTPASS: Yes, and you’ll want one unless riding immediately in the morning

Type: Log flume

Similar To: Unique

Requirements: Must be 40” or taller

Scary Factor: Medium.  The “big drop” is clearly visible to all Disney World visitors and may make some guests apprehensive about riding.  It’s really not that bad though and if you could handle any of Disney’s other roller coasters or a similar attraction at another theme park then you should be fine.  The drop is a little over 50 feet at a 45 degree angle and is a lot more fun than it is uncomfortable or unpleasant.  Even people who adamantly “hate” roller coasters enjoy Splash Mountain.  I would try to work up the nerve to ride Splash Mountain, even if it looks like the drop is too intense.  You’ll be fine.

What to Expect: There is a lot more to Splash Mountain than “just a drop.”  The ride is actually about 12 minutes long and follows the story of Br’er Rabbit as he attempts to leave the briar patch in search of his “laughing place.”  First, you’ll have to make it through the queue, which is mostly covered but not particularly interesting.  Once you make it to the front of the line, you will board the log flume which has four rows of two people, for a total of eight riders per log.  If you want to get wet, request the first row.  All riders may get a little wet, but people in the front tend to get the most drenched.  Once aboard, your flume will take you slowly through a series of scenes featuring more than 100 animatronic characters.

The following contains spoilers:

There are three small drops before the “grand drop” which happens just before the end of the ride.  If you’re anxious about the drop then it will probably be difficult to pay attention to the story.  Do your best to take it all in because the story is really one of the best examples of Disney genius.

How to Stay Dry and Not Lose Anything: You won’t get anywhere near as wet as you would on Kali River Rapids at the Animal Kingdom, but riders sitting in the front row may still get a healthy dose of water.  I would recommend placing purses, cameras, phone, and other electronics in a plastic bag of some kind.  A shopping bag would do the trick and you can request one from any shop if you need one.  I would also recommend removing any hats or loose glasses because they have a tendency to fly away.

When To Go: Ride first thing in the morning, during parades or fireworks, in the last hour the Park is open, or in the last hour of evening Extra Magic Hours.

Expect to Wait: Splash Mountain is one of the most popular rides at Disney World and has the lines to match.  Expect waits to exceed 60 minutes by noon and be in the 90-120+ minute range in the afternoon, depending on season and crowds.  Although exact waits will vary, be aware that Splash Mountain will have one of the three longest waits at the Magic Kingdom.

Length: 12 minutes

Rating: 10/10

Commentary: Splash Mountain is one of Disney’s most prolific attractions and a must-do for all visitors tall enough to ride.  The drop may be off-putting to some, but it’s not nearly as “bad” as it looks.  While you may see some people swearing off the Tea Cups or Space Mountain after riding, it’s rare to hear about anyone who doesn’t want to ride Splash Mountain again immediately after disembarking.  I would recommend it, even if you don’t like roller coasters or thrill rides because there’s so much more to it than the drop.  Do your best to get here immediately after the Park opens or get a FASTPASS as soon as possible.

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Tom Sawyer Island Playground Review Disney Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 14, 2010

Tom Sawyer Island

Opened: May 20, 1973

Location: Frontierland

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Exhibit and playground

Similar To: Unique

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: Tom Sawyer’s Island is only accessible via a motorized raft that boards near the entrance to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  Once on the island, visitors can explore numerous caves, a mine, two bridges, a working water wheel, and Fort Langhorn, the expansive play area geared toward kids.  Benches are plentiful and the Island is a terrific spot to take a break while enjoying a cold treat.  Unfortunately, you’ll need to bring that treat with you.  Aunt Polly’s, the old ice cream and snack bar, has closed permanently.

When To Go: Visit in the early to late afternoon.  Tom Sawyer Island usually opens later and closes earlier than the rest of the Magic Kingdom, so make sure you check your schedule for the hours.

Expect to Wait: There is no wait once you reach the island, but you’ll have to wait for the raft to take you to and from it.  The line shouldn’t be longer than ten or so minutes either way.  If it is, try again later.

Length: You may spend as much time as you like.  Expect to spend at least 20 minutes if you have kids or plan to enjoy a snack and another 15 minutes to travel back and forth on the raft.

Rating: 7/10

Commentary: Tom Sawyer Island is a fabulous retreat from the Disney World crowds, even though it’s literally right in the middle of the Kingdom.  It isn’t necessarily a “must-do” attraction without kids and I wouldn’t recommend it over riding one of the major rides, but if you’re looking to get away without leaving the Park then Tom Sawyer Island is your best bet. Just be aware that there isn’t a lot to keep most adults occupied.

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