27
Credit: Inside the MagicIn the wake of recent closures at Walt Disney World, some Disney fans and critics are pointing to what they call a growing “woke agenda” taking over the parks.
A Legacy Here and Gone: Disney World and Its ‘Woke’ Problem?
Following the high-profile reimagining of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure earlier this year, Magic Kingdom’s iconic Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade has now permanently shuttered after 53 years of operation. For decades, the arcade was a staple of Frontierland, offering guests a chance to practice their aim in a setting inspired by the Wild West.
This closure, paired with changes across the parks, has sparked heated debates. Is Disney catering too much to modern sensibilities, or are these updates a natural evolution of a brand seeking to remain relevant and inclusive?
The Legacy of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
Opened in 1971 alongside Magic Kingdom itself, the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade was a fan-favorite attraction. Guests wielded light rifles to aim at interactive targets like bottles, vultures, and other classic Western-themed props. Originally a pay-to-play experience, the arcade became free in recent years, making it a popular stop for families exploring Frontierland.
However, the attraction’s connection to firearms in a playful context had not aged well in the eyes of some guests and critics. As societal views on gun culture and representation in family entertainment evolved, so too did Disney’s approach to its park offerings.
Over the years, the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade became a target (pun intended) of criticism. Detractors argued that promoting even a harmless, light-gun experience was tone-deaf in an era where gun violence and safety concerns loom large. While Disney never directly cited these concerns as the reason for the arcade’s closure, many speculate they played a role in the company’s decision to retire the attraction.
The McKim’s Mile House Transformation
In place of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, Disney is developing a new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) lounge called McKim’s Mile House, set to open in Summer 2025. Named after Disney Legend Sam McKim, a former Western film actor turned Imagineer, this space is designed to honor Frontierland’s history while offering a fresh, modern experience for park-goers.
Disney World Looks To Be More Inclusive…with More Private Lounges
From the Liberty Square Riverboat, visitors can catch glimpses of the construction progress behind the familiar construction walls. The lounge’s exterior façade is taking shape, promising to blend seamlessly with Frontierland’s rustic aesthetic.
Inside, concept art reveals a welcoming retreat for Disney Vacation Club Members. The interior channels the charm of Gold Rush-era boarding houses, with rich wood tones and a faux two-story design that incorporates forced perspective. Though the upper walkway will not be accessible to guests, it adds to the immersive theming that Disney is known for.
While the DVC lounge brings new amenities to Magic Kingdom, its announcement has not come without controversy. Many fans mourn the loss of classic attractions like the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, arguing that these changes dilute the nostalgic charm of Disney parks.
Fan Reactions: Nostalgia Meets Modernization
The closure of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade has evoked strong emotions across the Disney community. Nostalgic fans lament the loss of yet another piece of “Old Disney,” while others welcome the change as a step toward a more inclusive and updated park experience.
“It feels like the soul of Frontierland is slowly being erased,” said one Disney enthusiast on social media. “First Splash Mountain, now this. What’s next?”
Conversely, others see the transition as a necessary evolution. “Disney is doing what they’ve always done—creating magic for a new generation,” another fan commented. “I’m excited to see what McKim’s Mile House brings to the table.”
A Changing Frontierland
The transformation of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade into McKim’s Mile House is part of a broader reimagining of Frontierland itself. Alongside this project, early preparations are underway for a lengthy refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, slated to begin next year.
These updates suggest that Disney is looking to refresh the Frontierland experience while staying true to its roots. With McKim’s Mile House, the company aims to honor the legacy of Frontierland’s early days while offering something new for DVC Members.
The Future of Disney Parks
As Disney continues to evolve its attractions, the company walks a fine line between preserving its storied past and embracing the future. Whether you see these changes as progress or a loss of tradition, one thing is certain—Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is undergoing a transformation that reflects the changing values of its audience.
The closure of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade may mark the end of an era, but the opening of McKim’s Mile House represents a new chapter in Disney’s ongoing story.
Whether this chapter resonates with fans or leaves them yearning for the days of yore remains to be seen. For now, the debate over Disney’s direction rages on, ensuring that Frontierland’s evolution will remain a hot topic for years to come.