Frontierland

Frontierland was one of the last original lands to be expanded. Splash Mountain (1992) and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1980) were added close to 10 years after the opening of the park. Prior to the opening of these rides, Frontierland and Liberty Square were often grouped together. Till 1973, entrance into Frontierland was through what is now the restroom hall next to the The Enchanted Tiki Room (Tropical Serenade at that time). Only a service road was located close to where the current Caribbean Plaza is. With Pirates of the Caribbean expanding Adventureland, Frontierland gained a new entrance past the Caribbean Plaza. Currently Frontierland is home to two of the most thrilling rides at the Magic Kingdom.

Frontierland has actually had two Railroad stations. The first one was opened in May 1972 north west of Pecos Bill Cafe. It originally marked the farthest western side of Frontierland. When Splash Mountain was built, a new Railroad station was built over an old exit road used for parades a little farther north of its prior location. The station was open during the construction of Splash Mountain. More information about the Railroad station is available on the link to the left.

Frontierland was originally to have a huge mountain range known as Thunder Mesa. It would have streched from where Splash Mountain is to Big Thunder Mountain. Thunder Mesa would have housed 3 attractions, one of which sort of became Big Thunder Mountain. Included in this would have been a Cowboys and Indians ride similar to Pirates of the Caribbean. Land was even cleared for this attraction but it was never built mainly due to financial reasons.

Prior to Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the land was an open grassy area. The area was often used for Frontierland Stunt Mens' robbery and gunfight. Also in the grassy area were a few pine trees and totem poles. It was originally reserved for the Western River Expedition which was never built. Once Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was built, part of the grassy area remained between the mountain and the Walt Disney Railroad. There was a road running through it allowing parades out of the park area. Splash Mountain finally was built in this area and took the rest of the grassy space up. A new road was opened south of Splash Mountain in the exact spot the old Railroad station was located.