Once again, we continue with our photo tours of Walt Disney World, focusing this time on the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. So grab your boots and spurs (yes, I do have some) as we head out west. Frontierland is one of the most architecturally interesting lands at the Magic Kingdom, as it represents the entire westward expansion of the United States. This effect actually starts in Liberty Square (which we will get to in our next photo tour installment), which obviously represents Colonial America. From there, you proceed westward to the Diamond Horseshoe, representing the types of saloons found around St. Louis, the gateway to the American West. Past the Diamond Horseshoe is a small stream running under the walkway, representing the Mississippi River, separating the east from the west. The first buildings actually encountered in Frontierland are rustic log structures, which then gradually flow into buildings of a small western town, past Grizzly Hall, then on to the desert southwest, represented by Pecos Bill's Cafe and Big Thunder Mountain. Of course, this wonderful flow of styles was somewhat interrupted beginning in the early 1990s by the arrival of Splash Mountain, which took up some of the desert landscape between Pecos Bill's and Big Thunder. But since this is a photo tour, let's get on to the photographs.

At the eastern end of Frontierland are the Frontierland Wood Carvering shop and the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade. Next to the arcade is the Frontier Trading Post, pictured above. The Trading Post features all sorts of western themed items, even including clothing. Zooming in on the sign, as seen in the picture below, shows that "Texas" John Slaughter is the trail boss. Many Disney fans will know that Texas John Slaughter was a western hero portrayed in several episodes of the Disney television show in the late 1950s. These episodes are often shown in the early morning hours on the Disney Channel.

Here is a shot looking down the street in Frontierland. The sidewalks next to the building are made of wood, just like in the old western towns. Note that the pavement of the street is red, representing the dusty dirt streets found in the old west.

Despite their demise at Disneyland, the Country Bears are alive and well in their original home at Grizzly Hall. After Walt Disney World opened, this show was so popular that it soon opened in Disneyland. You may notice in the picture above this one that the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown was playing at the time. However, the original show returned for Walt Disney World's 20th anniversary, and has been playing there ever since, except every holiday season when the bears do their Christmas show.

A close-up shot of one of the buildings between Grizzly Hall and Pecos Bill's Cafe. Note the saddle and other western props on the second story of the building. I think the theming of this area is excellent.

Another shot of the street down toward Pecos Bill's. This picture was taken after the recent renovations to Pecos Bill's. The blue saloon building was originally the Mile Long Bar, which was also the exit to the Country Bear Jamboree. In fact, Melvin, Buff, and Max, the trophy heads from the Country Bear Jamboree, hung in the Mile Long Bar to continue to sing to guests as they exited the attraction; they were removed during the renovations. Now the area is more seating for the restaurant, which was renamed from Pecos Bill's Cafe to Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and Cafe.

This picture of the western side of Pecos Bill's shows the obvious southwest influences of the architecture. Interestingly, this area flows seamlessly to the Caribbean Plaza, which is just around the corner.

Continued

We Were Started By A Mouse Too!  •  When In Cyberspace ... Disney Link Directory  •  

  •  Purchase Walt Disney World Tickets here - DISNEY TICKETS via DWTickets.com  •  

  •  Receive discounts on ORLANDO VACATION HOMES near Disney World from OrlandoVacation.com  •