Chapter 12 - Magic Kingdom - Frontierland Part 1 posted Sept 2017 updated Sept 2020
In the Chapter our tour will take us to:
- Golden Oak Outpost
- Splash Mountain
- Splashdown Photos
- The Briar Patch
- Frontierland Railroad Station
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
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For a recent map of the Magic Kingdom and Frontierland go to:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/magic-kingdom/maps/
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/magic-kingdom/maps/
We're entering Frontierland from Adventureland.
Frontierland is located in the most western part of the Magic Kingdom. Frontierland is one of the best Imagineered lands in the Magic Kingdom representing the rough and tumble wild west.
As we’ve said repeatedly, take the time walking through looking high and low – the attention to detail is everywhere here. The Disney Imagineers have brought the American Wild West to Magic Kingdom and atmosphere fully immerse guests into the American frontier. The attractions and design completely expresses the spirit the American Wild West of the early 1800’s. The earthy colors and buildings built from wood to look more like handcrafted buildings and cabins all bring the feel and the prospective of the Wild West to Frontierland.
As you enter Frontierland from Adventureland you’ll find yourself in the California gold rush era. Progressing along we move by the row of restaurants, shops and attractions on the right side, the year represented in time moves down laterally on the way as well. Just add the number “18” in front of the building numbers and you have the time period represented in the architecture and details.
The river on the left is called the Rivers of America and represents the Mississippi River and the important rivers that fed into it.
The background music here is full of Wild West sounds from gun shots to horse hoofs. You may have to listen closely but these sounds are intertwined with the twangy music. To keep you in the mood play this Frontierland background music sound track:
As we’ve said repeatedly, take the time walking through looking high and low – the attention to detail is everywhere here. The Disney Imagineers have brought the American Wild West to Magic Kingdom and atmosphere fully immerse guests into the American frontier. The attractions and design completely expresses the spirit the American Wild West of the early 1800’s. The earthy colors and buildings built from wood to look more like handcrafted buildings and cabins all bring the feel and the prospective of the Wild West to Frontierland.
As you enter Frontierland from Adventureland you’ll find yourself in the California gold rush era. Progressing along we move by the row of restaurants, shops and attractions on the right side, the year represented in time moves down laterally on the way as well. Just add the number “18” in front of the building numbers and you have the time period represented in the architecture and details.
The river on the left is called the Rivers of America and represents the Mississippi River and the important rivers that fed into it.
The background music here is full of Wild West sounds from gun shots to horse hoofs. You may have to listen closely but these sounds are intertwined with the twangy music. To keep you in the mood play this Frontierland background music sound track:
Also notice the change in landscaping and foliage. While where we came from Frontierland the plants and trees are rough and brushy as we approach Liberty Square it is well maintained, colorful and pruned. They set the stage for the western landscapes of the prairies and desserts.
Now look down where you are walking, the ground is part of the story. There are three different walking areas, all leading in the same direction. The raised boards along the edges of the buildings would have been the same as what you found in pioneer days to help keep the dust off the bottom of women’s skirts. The pavement in the middle of the walkway is the dusty (concrete) trail headed west. And the wood along the water’s edge resembles the docks you would have found in a riverside town.The Disney Imagineers try to integrate moving features in each land. The feature in Frontierland is the Walt Disney World Railroad and in Liberty Square, the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Boats and trains were essential to the early pioneers and the growth of America. Most important towns would have a train station and boat docks.
Now look down where you are walking, the ground is part of the story. There are three different walking areas, all leading in the same direction. The raised boards along the edges of the buildings would have been the same as what you found in pioneer days to help keep the dust off the bottom of women’s skirts. The pavement in the middle of the walkway is the dusty (concrete) trail headed west. And the wood along the water’s edge resembles the docks you would have found in a riverside town.The Disney Imagineers try to integrate moving features in each land. The feature in Frontierland is the Walt Disney World Railroad and in Liberty Square, the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Boats and trains were essential to the early pioneers and the growth of America. Most important towns would have a train station and boat docks.
But as we left off in Chapter 11, where we made a brief rest stop at the
Golden Oak Outpost
The Golden Oak Outpost was named after the Golden Oak Ranch where many Disney movies and TV shows were filmed in the 1960’s. The original Golden Oak Outpost was just a McDonald’s fry cart.
The path we’re on is actually where the original Frontierland ended.
The path we’re on is actually where the original Frontierland ended.
Original Plans for Frontierland
Original plans were in place to build a grand mountain range at this end of the Frontierland. Imagineer Marc Davis was in charge of the development for the Wild West themed Walt Disney World project. The new attraction would be called Western River Expedition. Located in a new section of the park called Thunder Mesa.
Guests would enter the attraction through a cave where they would be transported to a canyon at twilight. The queue path would then lead guests to a dock where they would board boats similar to those found in Disneyland’s Pirates of The Caribbean attraction. Once on board, Hoot Gibson the animatronic owl would give safety instructions to the passengers. The boats would then proceed up a waterfall and through the western town of Dry Gulch.
While traveling through Dry Gulch, guests would view a musical show taking place. The show begins with cowboys strumming guitars and singing the Western River Expedition’s theme song. Various other animatronic characters would carry on the song throughout the remainder of the attraction. Guests would witness bandits, dance hall girls performing for cowboys, and even a cowboy with his horse on the roof of the saloon. As the boat rounds the corner, a gunfight suddenly breaks out between bank robbers and the sheriff.
After fleeing the gunfight, passengers would travel through a Native American village. Some of the Indians have gathered for a rain-dance while the medicine men shake gourds. Suddenly lightning strikes, sparking a forest fire. As the boats continue to travel downriver, guests realize the bandits have finally caught up with them. Luckily, they are able to escape the impending robbery via a conveniently placed waterfall leading to the ride’s exit.
While the Western River Expedition would have no doubt become a classic attraction at Walt Disney World, its development was halted before the attraction could be built.
Props were built, mock ups were made and it was all systems go. Because of popular demand the Plans were changed to create a Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Walt Disney World instead.
Original plans were in place to build a grand mountain range at this end of the Frontierland. Imagineer Marc Davis was in charge of the development for the Wild West themed Walt Disney World project. The new attraction would be called Western River Expedition. Located in a new section of the park called Thunder Mesa.
Guests would enter the attraction through a cave where they would be transported to a canyon at twilight. The queue path would then lead guests to a dock where they would board boats similar to those found in Disneyland’s Pirates of The Caribbean attraction. Once on board, Hoot Gibson the animatronic owl would give safety instructions to the passengers. The boats would then proceed up a waterfall and through the western town of Dry Gulch.
While traveling through Dry Gulch, guests would view a musical show taking place. The show begins with cowboys strumming guitars and singing the Western River Expedition’s theme song. Various other animatronic characters would carry on the song throughout the remainder of the attraction. Guests would witness bandits, dance hall girls performing for cowboys, and even a cowboy with his horse on the roof of the saloon. As the boat rounds the corner, a gunfight suddenly breaks out between bank robbers and the sheriff.
After fleeing the gunfight, passengers would travel through a Native American village. Some of the Indians have gathered for a rain-dance while the medicine men shake gourds. Suddenly lightning strikes, sparking a forest fire. As the boats continue to travel downriver, guests realize the bandits have finally caught up with them. Luckily, they are able to escape the impending robbery via a conveniently placed waterfall leading to the ride’s exit.
While the Western River Expedition would have no doubt become a classic attraction at Walt Disney World, its development was halted before the attraction could be built.
Props were built, mock ups were made and it was all systems go. Because of popular demand the Plans were changed to create a Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Walt Disney World instead.
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As we turn the corner and enter Frontierland pay close attention to the wanted posters you see around you – you might run across these “characters” as you explore the attractions in this land.
Note: This is also one of the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Portals
We’re in Frontierland and the first attraction we see is
Splash Mountain
One of the Magic Kingdom's major attractions is Splash Mountain. The attraction is based on the 1946 Walt Disney film, "Song of the South". The ride features the antics of Brer Fox and Brer Bear's attempts to catch the crafty Brer Rabbit as he looks for his laughing place.
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There is a lot of history and background story behind Splash Mountain. First when Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 there was no Splash Mountain, it was just the train station. Construction of Splash Mountain necessitated the demolition of the existing railroad station and temporarily turning the railroad into a shuttle between Main Street, U.S.A. and Mickey's Toontown Fair.
The idea for Splash Mountain was originally conceived in the summer of 1983 by Imagineer Tony Baxter. He was looking to draw more guests to the often-empty Bear Country land at Disneyland. It was Dick Nunis who insisted that the Imagineers create a log flume for Disneyland. While trying to solve the problems of including a log flume, which would attract guests into Bear Country and reusing the America Sings characters, Baxter then thought of Song of the South. (Note: America Sings was an attraction at Disneyland from 1974 to 1988. It featured audio animatronics animals that entertained the audience by singing songs from various periods in America's musical history in an entertaining style.) Baxter working with Bruce Gordon and John Stone developed the concept of Zip-a-Dee River Run, which would incorporate scenes from Song of the South. The name was later changed to Splash Mountain. |
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Construction in Disney World
Construction began on Walt Disney World’s Splash Mountain in 1990. In order to build Chick-A-Pin Hill, (the structure which would eventually house Splash Mountain) the Frontierland train station on the Walt Disney World Railroad had to be removed. After the hill was built, the train station reopened and guests could now see the Zip-A-Dee-Lady scene inside Splash Mountain as the train passed by.
When completed, the hill stood 87 feet tall and housed caves, swamps and bayous. Also built was a 950,000 gallon water reservoir which supplies water for the attraction.
Splash Mountain (like Thunder Mountain) was designed to be full automated. There are two main ride control computers which monitor the attraction. When completed Splash Mountain took up 9.2 acres of land, including 2,600 feet of track.
Splash Mountains at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom officially opened in Oct 1992.
Construction began on Walt Disney World’s Splash Mountain in 1990. In order to build Chick-A-Pin Hill, (the structure which would eventually house Splash Mountain) the Frontierland train station on the Walt Disney World Railroad had to be removed. After the hill was built, the train station reopened and guests could now see the Zip-A-Dee-Lady scene inside Splash Mountain as the train passed by.
When completed, the hill stood 87 feet tall and housed caves, swamps and bayous. Also built was a 950,000 gallon water reservoir which supplies water for the attraction.
Splash Mountain (like Thunder Mountain) was designed to be full automated. There are two main ride control computers which monitor the attraction. When completed Splash Mountain took up 9.2 acres of land, including 2,600 feet of track.
Splash Mountains at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom officially opened in Oct 1992.
Backstory
According to Disney historian Jack Spence, the backstory of Splash Mountain states:
Legend has it that deep in the “New-United States of Georgia,” live critters that walk and talk in the same manner as human folk.
At the center of this magical land is Chick-A-Pin Hill and its here that the Beaver Brothers had built their sturdy new dam.
But unbeknownst to them, Rackety Raccoon had also constructed a juice producing still in the same area. And it seems that while Rackety was concocting a new, experimental brew, he used a few too many blueberries with disastrous results.
When his still exploded, it took the Beaver Brothers' dam with it and water began to rush downhill and through the many caves, burrows, holes, and tunnels that crisscrossed the mountain.
From that moment on, the local critters started calling their home Splash Mountain and the name stuck.
Now on to the attraction.
According to Disney historian Jack Spence, the backstory of Splash Mountain states:
Legend has it that deep in the “New-United States of Georgia,” live critters that walk and talk in the same manner as human folk.
At the center of this magical land is Chick-A-Pin Hill and its here that the Beaver Brothers had built their sturdy new dam.
But unbeknownst to them, Rackety Raccoon had also constructed a juice producing still in the same area. And it seems that while Rackety was concocting a new, experimental brew, he used a few too many blueberries with disastrous results.
When his still exploded, it took the Beaver Brothers' dam with it and water began to rush downhill and through the many caves, burrows, holes, and tunnels that crisscrossed the mountain.
From that moment on, the local critters started calling their home Splash Mountain and the name stuck.
Now on to the attraction.
The Story
Splash Mountain starts out with Br'er Frog telling guests that they will be taking a wet ride with a big drop. The story goes that Mr. Bluebird and Br'er Rabbit are sitting around chatting one day, and the restless Br'er Rabbit decides he needs to leave the safety of the briar patch and find his "Laughing Place". Where he won't be bothered by Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear (say that 5 times fast.)
You make your way through scenes where the rabbit is chased by the fox and the bear. You see how the wily rabbit outwits the slower fox and bear time after time right up to the final fallllllllllllll.
At the end of the ride your reach the Laughing Place. The place where all is peaceful and happy.
Splash Mountain starts out with Br'er Frog telling guests that they will be taking a wet ride with a big drop. The story goes that Mr. Bluebird and Br'er Rabbit are sitting around chatting one day, and the restless Br'er Rabbit decides he needs to leave the safety of the briar patch and find his "Laughing Place". Where he won't be bothered by Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear (say that 5 times fast.)
You make your way through scenes where the rabbit is chased by the fox and the bear. You see how the wily rabbit outwits the slower fox and bear time after time right up to the final fallllllllllllll.
At the end of the ride your reach the Laughing Place. The place where all is peaceful and happy.
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The Queue
For most of the attractions in the Magic Kingdom the Imagineers have provided added entertainment in the queue. In Splash Mountains as guests enter Chick-A-Pin Hill they wind their way through the caverns and see portraits of the main characters. Small houses belonging to various animals can also be seen, and if the guests listen closely, sounds will emit from some of the homes. After winding through the Chick-A-Pill Hill queue, guests will reach the loading area, where they board their log flumes. The Ride
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- As the flumes continue on, an instrumental version the song, "How Do You Do" begins to play. Along the banks of the tracks riders can see various houses including Brer Fox's, and also various pieces of farm equipment. These items were placed there so that riders would feel as if they were on a river in the Southern United States.
- After taking a right turn into a little cave, guests can see Brer Bear's house on their right hand side.
- After exiting the cave, the flumes go down the first drop in the attraction, "Slippin Falls".
- Following the falls, the boats enter a swamp which has Audio Animatronic animals singing "How Do You Do". The animals (including Brer Frog) are fishing in an area clearly marked as "no fishing".
- Continuing forward, riders see Brer Rabbit outside his house. Brer Fox and Bear are also there, watching intently as Brer Rabbit sings that, "It's time to be moving along". Ignoring the warnings of Mr. Blue Bird, Brer Rabbit leaves his home, to go and find adventure.
- After passing Brer Rabbit’s house, the flume turns a corner into a scene where riders see that Brer Bear has fallen into a trap set for Brer Rabbit. Brer Bear is hanging in the trap at the top of the tree, while Brer Fox scolds him and tries to get him down.
- Across the ride track, Brer Rabbit can be seen laughing at the situation.
- The next scene that riders enter is the Laughing Place scene. Here on the left, Brer Rabbit tells guests that his “laughing place is where (he will) be”. The scene then progresses to show that Brer Rabbit has once again tricked Brer Bear, whose head is stuck a bee hive, (apparently having thought that it was Brer Rabbit's laughing place).
- After riding underneath Brer Bear, the log goes down the rides second drop, which happens in complete darkness.
- After the drop, the next scene riders see is Brer Bear with the bee hive on his nose. Once again it looks as if Brer Rabbit as outsmarted the antagonists, But while he lies on the ground laughing, Brer Fox sneaks up behind him and catches him.
- The flumes then pass a scene showing Brer Rabbit tied up by Brer Fox before going up the rides final hill. As the flumes continue to ascend up the hill, two vultures taunt guests as they pass by ("Everybody's got a laughing place, maybe this is one’s yours").
- On the left of the track, Brer Rabbit (who is still tied up) pleads with Brer Fox to do anything to him, except for throwing him in the Briar Patch. Not realizing he’s been tricked, Brer Fox does just that, with guests plummeting 52.5 feet down into the Briar Patch with him. While going down the drop, a camera takes guests pictures which they can buy in the exit gift shop.
- After reaching the bottom of the drop and going around a bend, riders end up in "Doo Dah Landing". Here, various Audio Animatronic animals are singing "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" in celebration of Brer Rabbit's return. On the left side, riders can see The Zip-a-Dee Lady, a large showboat which features some Audio Animatronics from the America Sings attraction in Disneyland.
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- In the final scenes of the attraction, guests see Brer Fox and Brer Bear fighting off an alligator attack; while the other animals sing "Brer Fox and Brer Bear are going to get it today".
- Finally, the flumes float past Brer Rabbit and Mr. Bluebird. Brer Rabbit claims that he has learned his lesson and will be staying in the Briar Patch saying "Home sweet home is the lesson today", before guests reach the unloading area.
The Music of Splash Mountain
Due to the attraction being located in Frontierland, the Walt Disney World soundtrack differs from the Disneyland one. Banjos and harmonicas are used as primary instruments, to give the attraction a more country feel.
In the order heard in the attraction's ride-through segments:
How Do You Do - The first song guests hear on the attraction, first as an instrumental and then with vocals. "How Do You Do" is performed by The Floozies (a 29 piece band from Oregon). The lead vocals are performed by Walter Steven "Sim" Hurgle, the bands lead vocalist. One of the bullfrogs who provide the backing track is performed by Thurl Ravenscroft.
(Note: Remember him from Fritz in the Tiki Room, a singing bust on the Haunted Mansion, Buff the Bison at Country Bear Jamboree, and also as the vocalist in “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.)
Ev'rybody's Got a Laughin' Place-The second song guests hear, while traveling through the Laughin' Place scene. "Ev'rybody's Got a Laughin' Place" is performed by Elisa, Georgia and Castell Newton who are three sisters from California that worked for The Walt Disney Company at the time of the ride's construction. Castell and Elisa sing the words, while Georgia is responsible for the high pitched, operatic 'ahh's' in the background.
Burrow's Lament (aka Sooner or Later in Song of the South)-This instrumental is played as guests climb the final hill before dropping into the Briar Patch.
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah- The attraction’s final song, "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" was recorded by a choir made up of over 75 members. The track was recorded in Disney's Burbank studio in 1987 and features Jess Harnell (as the voice of Brer Rabbit) singing a solo.
In the queuing you heard sings include "That's What Uncle Remus Said", "Let the Rain Pour Down", "Sooner or Later", and the opening theme from the film. Traditional songs like "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" and "Goober Peas" are also played in a bluegrass style. The loop lasts about an hour, and includes different orchestrations of the three main songs heard in the ride as well.
Due to the attraction being located in Frontierland, the Walt Disney World soundtrack differs from the Disneyland one. Banjos and harmonicas are used as primary instruments, to give the attraction a more country feel.
In the order heard in the attraction's ride-through segments:
How Do You Do - The first song guests hear on the attraction, first as an instrumental and then with vocals. "How Do You Do" is performed by The Floozies (a 29 piece band from Oregon). The lead vocals are performed by Walter Steven "Sim" Hurgle, the bands lead vocalist. One of the bullfrogs who provide the backing track is performed by Thurl Ravenscroft.
(Note: Remember him from Fritz in the Tiki Room, a singing bust on the Haunted Mansion, Buff the Bison at Country Bear Jamboree, and also as the vocalist in “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.)
Ev'rybody's Got a Laughin' Place-The second song guests hear, while traveling through the Laughin' Place scene. "Ev'rybody's Got a Laughin' Place" is performed by Elisa, Georgia and Castell Newton who are three sisters from California that worked for The Walt Disney Company at the time of the ride's construction. Castell and Elisa sing the words, while Georgia is responsible for the high pitched, operatic 'ahh's' in the background.
Burrow's Lament (aka Sooner or Later in Song of the South)-This instrumental is played as guests climb the final hill before dropping into the Briar Patch.
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah- The attraction’s final song, "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" was recorded by a choir made up of over 75 members. The track was recorded in Disney's Burbank studio in 1987 and features Jess Harnell (as the voice of Brer Rabbit) singing a solo.
In the queuing you heard sings include "That's What Uncle Remus Said", "Let the Rain Pour Down", "Sooner or Later", and the opening theme from the film. Traditional songs like "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" and "Goober Peas" are also played in a bluegrass style. The loop lasts about an hour, and includes different orchestrations of the three main songs heard in the ride as well.
Cast (Voices)
- Brer Fox-Jess Harnell has done many voice overs for Disney films and TV series https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jess_Harnell
- Brer Rabbit-Jess Harnell
- Brer Bear-Nick Stewart also voiced Brer Bear in Song of the South Movie
- Brer Frog-James Avery you’ll remember as Philip Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and also provided the voice of Shredder in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series
- Bullfrogs - Thurl Ravenscroft – you recognize this name!
- Vultures - Edward Conor and John Kelfreese
Note: Just an interesting technological development:
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Pneumatics puts on the brakes at Disney's Splash Mountain
The Problem: The log ride at Splash Mountain (Disneyland and Disney World) drops guests more than 50 feet from the ride's highest point. Since the log reaches speeds of 40 mph, deceleration must be accomplished quickly and safely so that the log can continue through the ride's winding, water-filled channels. Its Solution: A pair of 40-ft pneumatic brakes at the bottom of the drop are used to slow down the log. The brake pads are completely under water, and each is actuated by eight air bags. Each bag is essentially a length of high-pressure hose that has been sealed at both ends, with a valve located in the middle. Pressurized air entering the bags causes them to expand and push upward on the pads. The hose is rated for 200-psi service, but system operating pressure is only 60 to 90 psi. When actuated, the pads contact the underside of the log, and friction gradually slows the log down to the desired speed. 
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Splash Mountain Fun Facts
- The drop is a 5 story drop (52 feet) at a 45 degree angle as speeds up to 40 mph
- The original ride cost $75 million to develop. One of the most expensive rides at the time.
- There is a smaller drop after "Slippin Falls" and 5 total drops along the way
- There are over 100 audio-animatronic figures in the ride
- In the back story for the attraction, the logs that guests board are carved out by long tooth beavers.
- The showboat seen in the final room of Splash Mountain is the Zip-a-Dee Lady
- Shortly before the final drop, guests pass through a scene titled The Laughing Place where they can spy laughing frogs and other giggling animals. Above each log, a series of gophers drop down from the ceiling cheering out jovially. Guests will notice that the last gopher appears to be dressed and yells something different. The gopher yells out “FSU” for Florida State University where some of the Imagineers who worked on Splash Mountain went to school and he is also wearing the school’s colors.
- Before you get to the splash, you’ll have to keep an eye to the sky (while inside at least). The clouds that make up the ceiling when Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah starts playing forms a hidden Mickey.
- There are water cannons that shoot into the air for every third flume that plummets into the briar patch! You’ll getting a bigger “splash” on certain.
- http://www.disneyfanatic.com/disney-digest-your-insiders-guide-to-the-marquee-attractions-volume-three-5/
- http://themickeywiki.com/index.php?title=Splash_Mountain
Splashdown Photos
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Most of theme parks have on-ride photos, and Splash Mountain is no exception. The photo is taken right at the grand finale drop into the briar patch and captures the entire log.
Located at the exit of Splash Mountain, Splashdown Photos sells photos of guests on Splash Mountain, as well as photo merchandise. |
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The Splash Down Photos location at the exit is easily overlooked, but crammed with details.
The marquee above the entrance features Br'er Bear peeking into a period camera... and Mr. Bluebird peeking right back at him. The photo viewing area has all kinds of photographic equipment, tripods, photographic paper, trays and bottles of processing chemicals lining the walls. One bottle is marked HeHe Laughing 105 Gaseous. The chemical HeHe gag is easy enough to figure out. But the 105 stands for 105% which is the concentration that is needed to induce general anesthesia with Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas). The pickup area around the corner is a framer's workshop. Note the frames, bits of wood, saws, hammers, T-squares and other tools hung about the space. |
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The Briar Patch
The Briar Patch Shop is easy to miss, since the attraction exit doesn’t go through the shopping area as in most rides. The Briar Patch shop is located at the corner of the entrance and exit of Splash Mountain, the entrance blends in with the surrounding area. The red rocks and gnarled root system wrap around the doors and windows making up the homes of several "critters" that call the shop home.
The inside of the store is great. Low ceilings, dim lighting, worn wood details all make for great atmosphere. Included in the theming are two wonderful rocking chairs located in the middle of the room near the giant stone fireplace.
It’s definitely worth a visit just to see the roots of the briar patch forming the ceiling of the store, as well as, plus a peek into Briar Patch critters and Brer Rabbit's home.
It’s definitely worth a visit just to see the roots of the briar patch forming the ceiling of the store, as well as, plus a peek into Briar Patch critters and Brer Rabbit's home.
It specializes in Splash Mountain and Song of the South merchandise, but mostly standard, llots of prepackaged candy, plush, t-shirts, and autograph books adorn the shelves, with a smattering of Frontierland specific items as well.
Frontierland Railroad Station
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influence when visiting Frontierland.
The Walt Disney World Railroad station in Frontierland represents the west coast of the United States. Like Main St Station, the Imagineers have filled Frontierland Station details. Take time to look around, there’s always another train coming. Check out the chalkboard, which lists the trains and times from Frontierland. Note that the train to Big Thunder Mountain is on time. Frontierland Station also has a Lost and Found Department. Well, it’s more like a shelf in the Frontierland train station waiting room. If you listen carefully you will hear the Morse Code tapping. It’s the text of the speech that Walt Disney delivered on the opening day of Disneyland. 
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Taking the train is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel, and you can take the train to and from Frontierland. The train seems like the perfect way to travel when in Frontierland, it fits right in with the theming of the Wild West. Walt Disney was also very passionate about trains, which makes it a great way to remember and feel Walt Disney’s
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Out on the Station platform, besides passengers, the trains coming through Frontierland delivering crates and barrels filled with goods for the Frontierland townsfolk.
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
“This here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!”
Right next to Splash Mountain and the hidden Frontierland Train Station is The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Right next to Splash Mountain and the hidden Frontierland Train Station is The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
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Frontierland has two Railroads running through it. The Walt Disney Railroad which stops at the Frontierland Station. And this here Big Thunder Mountain Railroad takes guests on a wild ride through of the mines and scenery of the town of Tumbleweed.
Big Thunder Mountain was built and opened in Walt Disney World in Nov 1980. It was also part of the original Thunder Mesa concept.
Big Thunder Mountain is on a 2.5 acre plot and containing 2,780 feet of railroad track. It reaching an average top speed of 30 miles per hour, which may not be the fastest ride in the Magic Kingdom or Walt Disney World, but it definitely is the wildest ride. The railroad trains on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are named I.B. Hearty, I.M. Brave, I.M. Fearless, U.B. Bold, U.R. Daring and U.R. Courageous.
Each of the six trains has an engine and five cars. For the "wildest ride" request a seat in the back rows. For tamer rides, request a seat in the front of the train.
Big Thunder Mountain was built and opened in Walt Disney World in Nov 1980. It was also part of the original Thunder Mesa concept.
Big Thunder Mountain is on a 2.5 acre plot and containing 2,780 feet of railroad track. It reaching an average top speed of 30 miles per hour, which may not be the fastest ride in the Magic Kingdom or Walt Disney World, but it definitely is the wildest ride. The railroad trains on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are named I.B. Hearty, I.M. Brave, I.M. Fearless, U.B. Bold, U.R. Daring and U.R. Courageous.
Each of the six trains has an engine and five cars. For the "wildest ride" request a seat in the back rows. For tamer rides, request a seat in the front of the train.
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There are 20 Audio-animatronics throughout the attraction including chickens, donkeys, possums, a goat, a long john-clad resident spinning through the flood in a bathtub, and a rainmaker whose name is Professor Cumulus Isobar.
Genuine antique mining equipment can be found around the 2.5 acre attraction. These pieces were purchased throughout the Southwest and include a double-stamp ore crusher, an ore-hauling wagon, and an old ball mill used to extract gold from ore.
During constructions, workers used 6,500 tons of steel beams, rods and mesh, 4,675 tons of concrete, 90,000 gallons of water and 4,000 gallons of desert paint. The rockwork designs are based on the rising buttes that are located in Utah and Arizona's Monument Valley. Special attention was taken by the Imagineers to make it appear that the rocks looked original, and the track was built around the rocks. There is also a dinosaur skeleton that the train passes by, built into the side of the mountain. A cracked eggshell is nearby, and there is a pleasant lake with water that is shot up while the train passes on the warmer days.
The main peak is 197.6 feet above sea level and 100 feet above ground.
Genuine antique mining equipment can be found around the 2.5 acre attraction. These pieces were purchased throughout the Southwest and include a double-stamp ore crusher, an ore-hauling wagon, and an old ball mill used to extract gold from ore.
During constructions, workers used 6,500 tons of steel beams, rods and mesh, 4,675 tons of concrete, 90,000 gallons of water and 4,000 gallons of desert paint. The rockwork designs are based on the rising buttes that are located in Utah and Arizona's Monument Valley. Special attention was taken by the Imagineers to make it appear that the rocks looked original, and the track was built around the rocks. There is also a dinosaur skeleton that the train passes by, built into the side of the mountain. A cracked eggshell is nearby, and there is a pleasant lake with water that is shot up while the train passes on the warmer days.
The main peak is 197.6 feet above sea level and 100 feet above ground.
Backstory
As with almost all of the classic attraction there is a very detailed backstory.
Original Version
In the late 1800s, gold was discovered on Big Thunder Mountain in the American Southwest. Overnight, the small mining town of Tumbleweed became a thriving one. Mining was prosperous, and a massive line of mine trains was set up to transport the ore. But unknown to the settlers, the Mountain was a sacred spot to local Native Americans and was cursed.
The mountain rumbled every time mining took place. The miners disrespecting the sacred mountain by drinking and partying all hours of the night in the Gold Dust Saloon. Before long as settlers' defiling the sacred mountain the spirits had enough and caused a great tragedy. A flash flood befell the mines and town, after which the town was abandoned.
As with almost all of the classic attraction there is a very detailed backstory.
Original Version
In the late 1800s, gold was discovered on Big Thunder Mountain in the American Southwest. Overnight, the small mining town of Tumbleweed became a thriving one. Mining was prosperous, and a massive line of mine trains was set up to transport the ore. But unknown to the settlers, the Mountain was a sacred spot to local Native Americans and was cursed.
The mountain rumbled every time mining took place. The miners disrespecting the sacred mountain by drinking and partying all hours of the night in the Gold Dust Saloon. Before long as settlers' defiling the sacred mountain the spirits had enough and caused a great tragedy. A flash flood befell the mines and town, after which the town was abandoned.
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Revised Backstory
In 2012, the backstory was updated. It now continues a few decades later, with Barnabas T. Bullion.
“Barnabas T. Bullion is the founder and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company. The longtime mining magnate comes from a powerful East Coast family and considers gold to be his very birthright by virtue of his oddly appropriate name; in fact, he considers the ultimate gold strike to be his destiny. And that is why he is having so much trouble with Big Thunder Mountain. According to superstitious locals, Big Thunder Mountain is very protective of the gold it holds within, and the unfortunate soul who attempts to mine its riches is destined to fail. And so far that prophecy is coming to pass. The mine has been plagued by mysterious forces and natural disasters ever since. And yet the Big Thunder Mining Co. is still in operation. In fact, Bullion is discovering new veins of gold and digging new shafts every day, offering a closer look at the Big Thunder mining operation than ever before. But a word to the wise for anyone attempting to visit the mountain: watch out for runaway trains.”
Queue
As you head up to the queue you may noticed a crate that sits next to the drinking fountain? The create states that it is to be shipped to Fire Chief Richard Le Pere Jr. Fire Chief Richard Le Pere Jr. is actually a real fire chief. He is the fire chief at Reedy Creek Fire Department. Reedy Creek Fire Department is the fire department that services all of Walt Disney World Resort.
Most of the refurbishment in 2012 was to include a new interactive queue to help entertain guests and further establish the attraction’s backstory. In keeping with the updated theme, the station building is designed to look as though they are the abandoned offices of a mining company from the mid to late 19th century.
Most of the refurbishment in 2012 was to include a new interactive queue to help entertain guests and further establish the attraction’s backstory. In keeping with the updated theme, the station building is designed to look as though they are the abandoned offices of a mining company from the mid to late 19th century.
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The queue takes guests on a tour through the Mining Office, Explosives Magazine Room, Performance Post, and Ventilation Room. Throughout the queue, guests will see many elements installed which contain hidden details Disney is so well known for. Some of these details include references to the history of The Walt Disney Company, as well as, references to other Disney attractions.
Below is some the fun things that can now be found in the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad queue:
Below is some the fun things that can now be found in the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad queue:
- There is a portrait of Barnabas T. Bullion, founder and president of Big Thunder Mining Co. seen in the queue. The man in the portrait is actually imagineer Tony Baxter.
- In the Mining Office, guests will find the Big Thunder Mining Co. pay rates listed. At the bottom of this page, you will find that it was posted by foreman, G. Willikers.
- Crates of explosives found throughout the queue are labeled as being from Western River Explosives. This refers to the once planned Western River Expedition attraction.
- The diagram of the mine lists the name of the cave as “Rainbow Caverns.” This is a reference to the mine train at Disneyland.
- Also found on the diagram of the mine is shaft #71 in reference to the year Walt Disney World opened, 1971.
- José in the Enchanted Tiki room always asks, whatever happened to Rosita? We now know what happened to her. One of the canary cages in the queue is labeled “Rosita.”
- A sign in the queue mentioning the Hard Times Cafe. This cafe was mentioned in the beginning of The Apple Dumpling Gang Movie.
- At the bottom of the Signals sign, you’ll find the name Dane Jerris. (Try this out loud.)
- A sign informing guest and workers that there will be “No Drinking, Fighting or Whistling. No Kidding!”
- There’s an advertisement by the Tumbleweed Casket and Cabinet Company reminding the miners that mining is dangerous. It read “Cave-Ins? Flash Floods?, Bad Beans? Life of a Miner is Fraught with Perils. Don’t be Caught Unprepared. Boot Hill Layaway.”
- A Butterfly Stage Line Advertisement contains a number of references and tributes. With travel rates for trips:
- From Thunder Mesa to Rainbow Ridge (the name of the town in Disneyland’s version of Big Thunder Mountain)
- And to Quake City (another reference to The Apple Dumpling Gang Movie)
- And a connection to the Carrolwood Pacific. (the model railroad Walt Disney builtin his backyard)
- In the Explosives Magazine room guests can set off interactive explosions in Big Thunder Mountain.
- There’s a sign that mandates that miners are required to bunk on the premises at the Big Thunder Boarding House.
- No exceptions! It also requires they buy all of their supplies from B.T.Bullion Company Store. All sales are mandatory and final!
- In the Ventilation Room guest can turn a crank, they wouldn’t receive a breeze, but will see a vintage animation effect.
There’s plenty more fun and details, so keep alert!
The Ride
- As guest reach the bottom floor there are dual loading platforms the runaway trains. As the
Note: Dallas McKennon voices the safety announcements for Big Thunder Mountain. Dallas McKennon also is the voice of Benjamin Franklin for the American Adventure at Epcot and at the Enchanted Tiki Room preshow featuring two toucans named Clyde and Claude, Clyde is voiced by Dallas McKennon.
- As the train leaving the station, it makes a turn into a bat-infested tunnel, then climbs the first lift hill.
- At the top of the lift hill, trains pass under a waterfall.
- The track goes through a 270 degree clockwise spiral and passes through a short tunnel.
- Trains emerge from the tunnel and pass through the flooded town of Tumbleweed.
- Then passes over a decaying trestle, before entering Davy Jones Mine.
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- At the top of the second lift hill, trains drop to the into a 540 degree downhill counterclockwise helix, passing over a broken trestle.
- Leaving the helix, trains shoot up across a small hill, then drop through another tunnel.
- The trains then turns into a tunnel and climb the third lift hill. As the train, an earthquake hits.
- The trains emerge from the tunnel, crest a small rise, and drops towards the Rivers of America.
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Riders can spot all kinds of Audio-animatronic animals on their runaway trip, including a bobcat, boars, a roadrunner, a snake, possums, and a goat. Dark tunnels reveal glowing red eyes of the local bats. Besides the animals, a miner can be spotted in a bathtub. This is one of the three bathtubs that are located in the Magic Kingdom. Do you know where the other two are?
If you’re riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at night, check out the window of the second floor of the saloon. The patrons of the salon can be seen having a wild party. Nighttime is a great time to take a ride.
If you’re riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at night, check out the window of the second floor of the saloon. The patrons of the salon can be seen having a wild party. Nighttime is a great time to take a ride.
Music played in the Queue
The musical loop played inside the queue for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is approximately 20 minutes long and features 14 songs. The songs included are:
References:
The musical loop played inside the queue for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is approximately 20 minutes long and features 14 songs. The songs included are:
- West of the Wide Missouri
- All Aboard the Mine Train
- California Gold
- Rock Candy Mountain
- Saloon Willy
- Old Yeller
- Pecos Bill
- Old Betsy
- Tavern in the Town
- Roamin' the Lawless West
- Buffalo Gals
- Rock Candy Mountain
- Hand Me Down My Walking Cane
- There's No Place (Like Home)
References:
- http://www.disneylists.com/2016/03/10-reasons-we-love-frontierland-in-disneys-magic-kingdom/?utm_source=DisneyList.com+Update&utm_campaign=87c7c7eab2-DisneyLists_com_Update_9_3_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09735652c-87c7c7eab2-283624153
- http://www.disneylists.com/2016/03/10-reasons-we-love-frontierland-in-disneys-magic-kingdom/?utm_source=DisneyList.com+Update&utm_campaign=87c7c7eab2-DisneyLists_com_Update_9_3_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09735652c-87c7c7eab2-283624153
- http://www.mickeytips.com/8-facts-secrets-big-thunder-mountain-railroad/?utm_source=Mickey+Tips&utm_campaign=7b4dfc4b9a-MT+Email&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9bf0730414-7b4dfc4b9a-307144285
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Thunder_Mountain_Railroad
- http://www.frontierlandstation.com/hidden-magic-big-thunder-mountain-railroad-queue/
Again there is an incredible amount of detail put into Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and the surrounding area. We’ve just briefed through them. Attached are lots of reference where you can find more information. Remember we’re just trying to provide a pictorial tour to the “Happiest Place on Earth” and hopefully help in pointing out a few things you may have missed. Or provide you with things to look forward to.
In the next Chapter, we will explore the rest of Frontierland: Tom Sawyer Island, Pecos Bill, Country Bears, etc. and some of the backstories involved. There’s still a lot left to see and discover.
So until Chapter 13 – Magic Kingdom – Frontierland Part 2.
In the next Chapter, we will explore the rest of Frontierland: Tom Sawyer Island, Pecos Bill, Country Bears, etc. and some of the backstories involved. There’s still a lot left to see and discover.
So until Chapter 13 – Magic Kingdom – Frontierland Part 2.
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Afterword:
WDWMousing.com is designed to be a tour of Walt Disney World through photos. We have been to Walt Disney World countless times over the past 25 years and accumulated a magnitude of photos in that time. This website is an intention to combine two of our favorite pastimes, Walt Disney World and photography, and provide an insightful pictorial tour. While doing so, we've done an extensive research of the internet and literary sources for background information on each area and atrraction. The information is available, but most bits and pieces are scattered all over. WDWMousing doesn't intend to rewrite the stories, legends or data, but to try and collect it into one location with reference and links to the original articles and authors. And giving rightful credit. We've stumbled through quite a bit of mis-information, most of which came to life by fans because the origins were lost, forgotten or no one seems to remember. Over the past 25 years we've also lost most of the great Imagineers that helped develop, design and build the original concepts of Walt Disney World. So we believe it's extremely important to make sure that their efforts, intentions, details and creativity in making this Happiest Place on Earth isn't lost. So we ask for feedback, insights, and suggestions. Thank you WDWMousing |