Credit: DisneyOvernight, Walt Disney World Resort installed construction walls around a classic part of Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom. The news comes over a month after Disney confirmed the closure of two locations in the Old West-themed area of its original Central Florida theme park. Here’s what families need to know before their next visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Piston Peak National Park
At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering announced plans to bring a Cars (2006)-inspired area to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park. Walt Disney World Resort eventually revealed that the area would be called Piston Peak National Park, inspired by the natural environments of national parks throughout the United States.
Piston Peak National Park will feature two attractions that differ from those in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park: a family-friendly experience featuring a new park ranger character, Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore, and a thrilling rally race-style ride. Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t confirmed an opening date for the new Frontierland area at Magic Kingdom Park.
The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Square Riverboat closed permanently last year to make way for Piston Peak National Park. The waterway was drained, and the island was bulldozed before the first signs of vertical construction appeared this year. These changes to the original Frontierland come after several parts of the historic theme park area were already removed and replaced, including the transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the ongoing overhaul of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the modernized Country Bear Musical Jamboree show.
Last month, construction permits indicated that Big Al’s, a former ticket booth converted into a merchandise kiosk, and the Westward Ho Quick-Service dining cart would permanently close to accommodate construction of Piston Peak National Park. Both locations remain open, but signs of their demolition recently arrived at Magic Kingdom Park.
Frontierland Area Barricaded at Magic Kingdom Park
On April 16, WDWNT reported that Disney had erected a plywood construction barrier along the boardwalk in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park. The barriers are closest to the former Big Al’s merchandise location across from Frontierland Trading Post. The kiosk remains open and continues serving guests.
The boardwalk remains open for Magic Kingdom Park guests, though there isn’t much to look at. Although it helps reduce congestion on the main walkway in Frontierland, it is mostly surrounded by construction walls and scrim on both sides. The walkway is expected to remain open when Piston Peak National Park debuts, though Disney may temporarily close it for refurbishment or updates.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced an exact closing date for Westward Ho or Big Al’s.
Have you noticed any other changes in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park? Inside the Magic would love to hear from you in the comments!