See if you can spot these hidden secrets in Frontierland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom!
Frontierland offers the perfect blend of the over-the-top hijinks of Adventureland and historic dignity of Liberty Square. Slow down a bit on your stroll through this area and see if you can spot these fun and interesting details.
1. Historic building facades
Frontierland Town Hall
As in Liberty Square, the buildings in Frontierland are designed with historic accuracy in mind. This town takes you through the 1800s. If you’re itching to pinpoint the exact year that various buildings were modeled after, just look above the door. The town hall is structurally consistent with buildings from 1867.
Pecos Bill Saloon Sign
Progress down the street and you’ll travel to 1878 in the styling of the saloon that’s home to the Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café.
Country Bear Jamboree Entrance
Grizzly Hall, home of the Country Bear Jamboree, is consistent with historic buildings from 1898.
2. The raised sidewalks
Streets of Frontierland
Though it may seem like a strange detail, you’ll notice that all the buildings in Frontierland have a wooden sidewalk running in front of them. This is a historically accurate feature that would be consistent with buildings in the old west at this time. Though the Magic Kingdom features clean red roads, the authentic west would have had dusty streets. The raised wooden sidewalks were designed to keep boots and skirts clean and away from the dirt of the roads.
3. The collection of Tall Tales memorabilia
Davy Crockett’s Gear
Whether you’re hungry or not, Pecos Bill’s is a fun stop for taking in the theming of Frontierland. This restaurant was founded by Pecos Bill himself, as the framed story on the wall attests. Bill is mighty popular among the other tall tale characters of the west, and his inn and café instantly became a popular destination for popular players in beloved stories. Each patron who stopped by left a little something that belonged to them as a gift to Pecos Bill.
Paul Bunyan’s Axe
Browse the walls of this restaurant and see how many pieces of tall tale memorabilia you can find. Some items even feature personal inscriptions to the innkeeper.
4. The Country Bears’ claw marks
Country Bear Jamboree Lobby Floor
Country Bear Jamboree is a classic attraction that’s appropriate for guests of all ages. The jamboree is popular among bears of all ages and breeds as well, as you can see from the condition of the lobby. As you’re waiting for the next show to begin, take a moment and look down at the floor. You’ll see that the wood is covered in deep gouges that could only have come from the anxious feet of some very big patrons.
5. Brer Rabbit’s home
Briar Patch Store
Splash Mountain introduces you to Brer Rabbit, and you’ll see this wily character throughout the queue and ride. However, it’s not the mountain that Brer Rabbit calls home. A little ways from the exit of Splash Mountain is a gift shop called the Briar Patch. Look up after you enter, and you’ll see Brer Rabbit’s home just above the store.
Brer Rabbit's Home
6. Reused railroad ties
Railroad Tie Height Sign
Big Thunder Mountain takes you on a careening mine train ride, but the tracks themselves are far from being the only spot where you’ll see stretches of railroad. Look closely and you’ll see that unused bits of railroad tracks and ties were used frequently around this area. This little detail works well with the old west theming of the area, where unused bits and pieces could always find a new purpose.
7. Humorous quips
Gold Dust Saloon Poster
The Liberty Square area surrounding the Hall of Presidents is fairly solemn and straightforward, but all bets are off once you enter Frontierland. This area offers plenty of fun little jokes for observant visitors to enjoy. A poster in the queue for Big Thunder Mountain advertises “Mother Lode’s” World Famous Gold Dust Saloon. Some dynamite crates outside the ride feature the brand “Lytum & Hyde Explosives.” (Get it? Light ‘em and hide?) Keep your eyes open and you never know when you’ll get a good laugh.
8. Nods to influential Imagineers
Harper’s Mill
It’s hard to miss Harper’s Mill on Tom Sawyer Island, but most people probably pass by without a second thought. The mill was named for Harper Goff, an artist who contributed significantly to the design and development of Walt Disney World.
The character of Big Al in the Country Bear Jamboree is a caricature of show writer Al Bertino who was one of the lead writers for the Magic Kingdom.
Frontierland is all about discovery and development so keep your eyes open as you’re passing through and you’ll notice these fun finds and many, many more.
