Disney’s Frontierland is probably one of the most underrated lands within the Magic Kingdom. Boosting smaller crowds than the rest of the park, it works in your favor.
Of course, this is good news for you if you want to get away from the traffic and check out some great attractions and food spots with less hassle.
Disney’s Frontierland still hosts some of the two best rides in the park, but overall, it’s an excellent escape for a bit of lowkey time.
We’ve selected nine activities you should check out while you are in Frontierland, including attractions, food, and other cool things many people don’t notice while walking around the park.
Splash Mountain
We are starting with the main attractions because while they are popular, they are definitely worth it.
Splash Mountain is the big log ride that takes you through a musical journey with Br’er Rabbit and his friends and may result in getting a little bit wet. The further you sit towards the back of the log, the drier you will stay (which still doesn’t guarantee anything!).
Although, this ride is slated to be updated, I recommend riding it before it is gone!
This is one of the most fun rides at the park, especially when the weather is warm. We normally recommend getting a FastPass early in the day as the line can get quite long.
If you can time it just right you can go back to your Disney Resort and change clothes or just bring them with you! This is definitely one of the largest draws to Disney’s Frontierland!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Arguably one of the best roller coasters in the park, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remains a classic favorite among visitors. The coaster mimics mine cars making their way through the American west in search of gold.
This train takes you through caves and mines at high speeds with quick turns and bumps!
The drops on this ride are much smaller than other coasters in the park but it is on the jerkier side.
With the limited number of guests, it is easy to ride this Big Thunder Mountain multiple times!
FastPass+
Whenever Disney World brings back FastPasses, we recommend getting one for this ride as the line can also get pretty long.
But if you tackle it right when you enter the park, you should be able to get on quickly!
The best times to check out the ride without lines are right when the park opens, near closing time, or during the fireworks (this can be said for a lot of rides, including this one).
Compared to some of the other attractions in the park, you may want to consider saving the FastPass for even bigger rides if those are something you want to check out during your trip.
Try going during the quiet times we mentioned for less traffic. Which is pretty even given the state of the world at the moment!
Tom Sawyer Island
Because this is more of an experience than a ride and requires a bit more exploring, this is one of the quietest and relaxing things you can do in the Magic Kingdom.
You’ll have to take a log raft to the Island near Tom’s Landing, which is an adventure in itself. You can then explore an island with authentic-looking mills and bridges that resemble the American West.
Tom Sawyer Island is inspired by the literary works of Mark Twain, giving you a chance to go on your own wilderness adventure. We like this attraction because it’s far from the crowds and lets you do a bit of exploring at your own pace. It really pays homage to the Wild West and allows you to take a step back into history as if you were there yourself.
There’s no FastPass for this ride and many people often skip over it, giving you a chance to see more of what the Magic Kingdom has to offer and really dive into the history of Disney’s Frontierland.
Country Bear Jamboree
Frontierland is one of the few lands in the Magic Kingdom where you won’t see consistent characters. But it does offer a pretty incredible show that features some of Disney’s Frontierland’s most iconic ones. You may recognize them from the film Country Bears, where it was adapted in 2002. If you love country music, you’ll enjoy this animatronic stage show that originated in the Magic Kingdom park.
For a fun little break from walking around the park, the Country Bear Jamboree is something to check out. It is another staple of Frontierland that has been popular since its inception in 1971.
Parade Viewing From Frontierland
All the parade routes make their way through Frontierland so if you plan to watch, we recommend doing it here because the crowds are much smaller than other locations.
There are smaller parades now and in the foreseeable future. Still a great place to pause and take a breather while watching the single car parade.
Because the land is tucked away from the middle of the park, most people don’t think to come here for viewing. You will only have to show up 20 minutes or so before finding a spot.
If you are looking for some shade, consider coming earlier and checking out space near the Country Bear Jamboree! There are plenty of spots throughout the area that will give you easy viewing.
Cool Photo Ops
While the Castle and other attractions may get most of the attention as far as pictures go, Disney’s Frontierland can make for some really beautiful photos. You are less likely to get crowds of people in the background and the color scheme of the rides and buildings against a clear Florida sky or sunset can lead to some really cool pictures.
You should check out these photo spots next time you’re in Frontierland:
- Thunder Mountain Railroad: The coppers and reds of the rocks that form the iconic focal point of Frontierland can make for a great photo.
- Splash Mountain: The unique details and coloring of the rocks as well as Br’er Rabbit form a great contrast to the sky. You may be able to catch a log raft splashing down in the background.
- Frontier Shops: All of the shops and restaurants in Frontierland take you back in time with colorful wooden buildings and ornate detailing. These can also be unique photo spots with less crowds.
Frontierland doesn’t get as much love as the other lands for photos, making it a great spot to capture a different side of the Magic Kingdom.
Golden Oak Outpost Waffle Fries
With your choice of loaded or chili-cheese waffle fries, Golden Oak Outpost is a great stop for a snack. They also offer onion rings with the same toppings, but whenever we get the opportunity to indulge in a waffle fry, we’re taking it. As a counter-service option, you’ll be able to get your food quickly and either sit in their seating area or people watch on a nearby bench.
Grab some right after you hop of Splash Mountain as you’ll find it close by. We recommend steering clear during parade times as this is when the place gets the busiest. Other than that, you should be able to get your fries with little hassle!
Topping Bar at Pecos Bill Tall Take Inn Café
Unfortunately, this has gone away during the limited capacity park hours. I personally can not wait for this to come back!
Pecos Bill is known for specializing in Southwest style foods. You’ll find plenty of dishes featuring a mix of western and Mexican food. Salads, nachos, tacos, and rice bowls are many of the popular dishes you should check out. But our favorite part is available no matter what you order and that is the toppings bar.
At the toppings bar, you’ll get access to unlimited:
- Cheese
- Tomatoes
- Salsa
- Sour Cream
- Lettuce
These pair perfectly with the Fajita Platter and can easily transform a meal for one into something to share if you load up on enough toppings.
Plus, we like a place that gives you the freedom to decide how much salsa is too much for your meal! Because Peco Bill’s is one of the few food places in Frontierland, it can get crowded around lunch and dinnertime.
Smoked Turkey Legs
We end with a classic because nothing says a trip to Disney World without one. Frontierland is one of two spots (also in Adventureland) where you can find one in the Magic Kingdom.
Of the two lands, Frontierland is your quieter option for tackling the snacks. You can find it in the heart of the land, near the main shopping and restaurants at a cart.
The turkey legs have been sold in Frontierland since the 1980s and have become a staple of the parks, becoming one of the most popular food choices!
If you’re in Frontierland and have never tried one, we recommend adding this to your Disney’s Frontierland checklist.
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