Credit: Michael Gray, FlickrFor years, Frontierland has been one of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic corners, filled with rustic charm, beloved attractions, and a feeling that Walt himself would have been proud of. But big changes are underway. We already know about the massive expansion taking over the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, soon to make way for a Cars-themed land and a Villains-themed land. Now, it looks like the rest of Frontierland is about to feel the ripple effects, too.
Permits Point to More Work Ahead
Disney recently filed a batch of four permits tied to Frontierland staples: Frontierland Mercantile, Diamond Horseshoe, Country Bear Jamboree, and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café. These filings aren’t for tearing anything down, so fans don’t need to panic about losing favorites. Instead, the permits cover general construction updates. That could mean anything from interior refurbishments and safety updates to more noticeable changes like redesigned spaces or refreshed décor.
The move makes sense. With half of the land being completely rebuilt for expansion, Disney would want the surrounding attractions and dining spots to feel just as polished when guests return.
Frontierland’s Balancing Act
The updates could go either way depending on how you look at them. On one hand, fresh construction may breathe new life into buildings that have been around for decades. Fans could see improved dining layouts, upgraded seating, modernized restrooms, or even more immersive theming. On the other hand, long construction walls and closures could disrupt the old-time charm that guests love about Frontierland.
Take Country Bear Jamboree, for instance. It’s a classic attraction that Disney has already confirmed will be reimagined into a new “Country Bear Musical Jamboree.” That project is happening regardless, but these permits could hint at infrastructure updates tied to the bigger creative refresh. Pecos Bill, meanwhile, is one of the busiest quick-service restaurants in Magic Kingdom. Any construction there would cause a ripple effect on dining availability in the park.
How It Fits Into the Bigger Expansion
When you step back, the permits tell us one thing: Disney is rethinking Frontierland from top to bottom. With Piston Peak National Park (the Cars expansion) and the Villains land taking over Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, Frontierland is evolving into something far bigger than it’s ever been before.
According to the expansion timeline, Disney doesn’t expect these new lands to open until the end of the decade, with Piston Peak likely debuting around 2029 and Villains land closer to 2030 or 2031. That gives Imagineers plenty of time to ensure the existing landmarks don’t feel dated compared to the shiny new additions.
What Guests Should Expect
If you’re planning a trip in the next few years, it’s worth bracing for some disruption. Frontierland will be buzzing with construction noise, scaffolding, and the possibility of temporary closures. Dining reservations at Pecos Bill or Diamond Horseshoe may become harder to secure if sections of the restaurants close for refurbishment. Shops like Frontierland Mercantile could feel a little tight as construction walls shift.
Still, the long-term picture looks exciting. A revitalized Frontierland with updated classics, expanded dining, and two brand-new themed lands has the potential to make this corner of Magic Kingdom a powerhouse once again.
The Frontierland of Tomorrow
Disney’s expansion plan is nothing short of bold. By blending nostalgic updates with blockbuster new lands, Frontierland is set to transform into one of the most dynamic parts of Magic Kingdom. Fans may grumble about construction dust and walls for now, but once the work wraps, this land could rival even Fantasyland or Galaxy’s Edge in terms of energy and crowd draw.
For now, Frontierland is in a state of transition. Guests strolling past Pecos Bill or the Diamond Horseshoe might be seeing the “old West” one last time before the land enters its next chapter. And whether you see that as exciting or bittersweet, one thing is clear: Disney isn’t just tweaking Frontierland—it’s reinventing it.