Walt Disney on Frontierland: “Here we experience the story of our country’s past … the colorful drama of Frontier America in the exciting days of the covered wagon and the stage coach … the advent of the railroad … and the romantic riverboat. Frontierland is a tribute to the faith, courage and ingenuity of the pioneers who blazed the trails across America.”
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Frontierland opened as one of five original lands at Disneyland Park on July 17, 1955. It’s a land of riverboats, stagecoaches and railroads, where trappers, cowboys, farmers and miners all traveled west to fulfill their own dreams of gold. With its stunning natural beauty and rugged reflection of history, Frontierland offers a glimpse into excitement and promise of the American West in the 1800s.
Attractions:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Aboard a speeding train, guests streak through a haunted gold mine on this thrilling coaster-style ride (offers access to the Lightning Lane entrance with a purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Lightning Lane Premier Pass*).
- Mark Twain Riverboat – A majestic 19th century paddle boat takes guests on a relaxing sightseeing tour along the Rivers of America.
- Sailing Ship Columbia – Guests sail into the wilderness aboard a full-scale replica of a historical ship from the 18th century on the Rivers of America.
- Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island – This secret island hideaway, inspired by the stories of Mark Twain, provides lots of fun for young guests who explore its caves, tree house and swinging bridges. Several benches throughout the island provide weary adventurers a scenic, relaxing break.
- Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition – Guests can take aim and fire at nearly 100 targets during an old-time Wild West shootout.
Entertainment:
- From time to time in Zocalo park, guests may encounter favorite characters like Mirabel from “Encanto” or Miguel from “Coco.” Pocahontas, in harmony with its terrain and creatures, also roams Frontierland.
- The nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! is an extravagant live show on the Rivers of America, featuring dazzling special effects and beloved Disney characters. Guests can check Disneyland.com and the Disneyland app for performance schedules.
Dining:
- The Golden Horseshoe is a quick-service saloon serving up hearty Old West style grub and decadent desserts (Mobile order available on the Disneyland app**).
- Stage Door Café has savory dishes and desserts to satisfy a sweet tooth (Mobile order available).
- Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante serves cantina-style Mexican favorites.
- River Belle Terrace delights guests with comfort food and riverfront views at this charming Southern-inspired eatery (Reservations recommended).
- Ship to Shore Marketplace offers turkey legs, chimichangas and more near the Mark Twain Riverboat.
Shopping:
- Westward Ho Trading Company – For those looking for a souvenir from their time in the Wild West, this shop offers a wide selection of pins, accessories, MagicBand+ and more – including many limited-edition releases.
- Pioneer Mercantile – Here, guests can also stock up on western wear, modern-day gear, gifts, knick-knacks and more. This store also offers merchandise mobile checkout, allowing guests to save time by scanning their items with the Disneyland app.**
Imaginative landscaping: Upon entering the stockade into Frontierland, guests may notice the road has turned to dirt, the trees have turned to cacti and the rocky landscape represents a town from the Wild West. The Spanish-themed El Zocalo Park sits close by, with olive trees and bougainvillea adorning the area. Up along the Frontier Trail, the landscape transitions to represent a more mountainous environment of the frontier. The petrified tree, an iconic landscape piece in Frontierland, is Lillian Disney’s gift to Disneyland.
Did you know?
- The Mark Twain Riverboat dates back to opening day at Disneyland on July 17, 1955. Its 105-foot-long hull was constructed in San Pedro, California.
- The Sailing Ship Columbia is an exact, full-scale replica of the original Columbia Rediviva, which was the first American ship to circumnavigate the globe.
- Crockett & Russel Hat Co. has a decorative window on its second-level honoring Fess Parker, who played Davy Crockett in Walt Disney’s television show, “Davy Crockett.”
- The Golden Horseshoe is one of several original buildings in Disneyland. Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian, celebrated their 30th anniversary here with the debut performance of the original Golden Horseshoe Revue. Disney Legend Harper Goff designed the saloon’s interior using a set design he had created for the 1953 Doris Day film “Calamity Jane.”
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*Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass require separate purchases. To visit a Park or purchase or redeem a Lightning Lane pass, you must have valid admission and a Park reservation. Lightning Lane passes are not valid for Park admission. Lightning Lane passes and attractions may vary by date, are subject to change or closure, are limited in availability and are not guaranteed, and may not be available at all on the date of visit or at the time of selection or redemption. Price, terms and entitlements are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Visit Disneyland.com/LightningLane for details.
**Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the use of the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
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