Frontierland
One of the original five lands, Frontierland retains little of the original spirit created in
1955. This is due largely to the feel that Frontierland, rather than a destination, is simply a
passage on to other areas, such as New Orleans Square and Critter Country. The overall feel of
Frontierland, rather than the Western Outpost originally envisioned, is that is is little more
than a more "westernized" extension of New Orleans Square. This is due to the waterfront feel
created by the Rivers of America, and the presence of the Mark Twain paddle-wheeler. When the
Rainbow Ridge Mine Train and Living Desert were removed to make way for Big Thunder Railroad a
number of years ago, it radically altered the feel of this area. Couple that event with the
opening of the connector pathway behind Big Thunder to Fantasyland (this area used to be a
"backstage" area), and Frontierland lost even more of its concept as a land unto itself.
Having said that though, what's good about Frontierland? Plenty. Big Thunder is a fine ride, and not a bad coaster, although the last "drop" is not the highest, and is rather anti-climatic.
ATTRACTIONS
Big Thunder Railroad
Created at a cost of
nearly $16 million, Big Thunder was the third "thrill" ride to find its way into Disneyland
(the Matterhorn and Space Mountain came earlier). Constructed of a steel skeleton covered with
9.5 acres of painted concrete, this "run-away" train ride is a great example of blending what
would otherwise be a mild roller coaster with appropriately themed surroundings to create a
singular experience. Setting squarely where the "Living Desert" and Rainbow Ridge mines
used to be, there is still a lot of those attractions left. The dinosaur bones near the Big
Thunder lagoon were present in the Living Desert. The town buildings of Big Thunder, such as
the Saloon, Assay office, Hotel and others, were all present in Rainbow Ridge. Directly across
the walkway from Big Thunder, on the river side, is a small pond with an abandoned ore cart on
its trestle. This is a remnant of the Rainbow Ridge railway that ran over what was then "Bear
Country" (the black bear type, not the singing type). The multicolored pools of mineral waters,
and caverns of Rainbow Ridge were re-created in the depths of Big Thunder. So while the original
train is gone (actually, one of the engines is derelict on its tracks, visible from the Rivers
of America) Big Thunder nods to its predecessor in several ways.
These two vessels navigate the Rivers of America around Tom Sawyer's Island. Both ships were built (for the most part) at Disneyland. The Mark Twain's hull was assembled in Long Beach and trucked to Anaheim, where the superstructure was assembled in place after having been constructed at the Disney Studios in Burbank. The Columbia wasassembled entirely at Disneyland, right there in Fowler's Harbor, a working dry-dock, named for Admiral Joe Fowler (Ret.), one of the leads in the design and construction of the park, and a close friend of Walt's. The Mark Twain is powered by its massive rear paddle, in turn driven by diesel fueled steam boilers. The Columbia, while designed as a sailing ship, is also powered by diesel, very quietly pushing it around the island. Both large ships run on the underwater track seen in the photo above, but that's only for guidance. Both provide their own power. Frankly, on a crowded summer's day, the leisurely pace of their of these graceful ships around the Rivers of America is a welcome respite from the heat of the pavement, and the mass of people in the queues. A little over a year ago, the Columbia became the "death ship" when three people were injured (and one was killed) as a result of an accident at the dock. Here's what happened: The Columbia has a diesel engine that powers a prop that pushes the ship. It does have a reverse, but when you get a big ship moving through water, stopping isn't easy. When it comes into the dock, it slows, and the cast members put two mooring ropes (big heavy lanyards) over two piers on the dock, to both stop the ship and secure it to the dock for loading and unloading of guests. These lanyards are secured to the ship by heavy iron cleats on the upper railings of the ship. One of these had quietly, over the years, slowly rotted under the cleat. The ship came in a bit fast, the crew member threw the rope over the mooring pier below, and when the rope tightened, it pulled the cleat loose. That created a 30 pound slingshot that pulled the cleat back toward the dock, which unfortunately struck two guest and a castmember. One of the guests died of injuries shortly thereafter, and the other two individuals were seriously injured. Fear not. Since that time, all of the Columbia has been inspected for such time-worn damage, and those items found wanting were replaced. Others were re-inforced. But that's the story.
Definitely for the younger
set, say between seven and eleven, and their parents who will be
dragged around the island with them. Tom Sawyer Island is a sort of primitive playground.
There's rocks to climb on (not real, caves to explore (not real), lots of trees and plants
and ducks (real) and Fort Wilderness (shown) constructed of real logs, floated across the river. But for an adult, this will hold your
interest for at least four minutes. On the bright side, because of the trees and water, it's
always cool, and rarely crowded, so there's plenty of places to sit down, relax, and have a
cold soda (you can buy them at Fort Wilderness). And then you can enjoy watching your kid get
lost in Injun Joe's cave. By the way, just outside of Fort Wilderness on the north side is a small cemetary, which includes an open grave. Just a note that is you have kids small enough that death is a foreign concept, steer clear. The headstones are historical representations, not "funny" ones like at the Haunted Mansion. You've been warned! And one more thing (personal experience to follow): The upper deck of Fort Wilderness allows access to corner gun towers, which rifles (which "shoot" when you pull the trigger) and a bunkhouse on the east side. The doorways to the bunkhouse are very, very, very low. I was exiting one of these doors, paying attention to where I was walking, and collided squarely with the door mantle and my forehead, sending me immediately to the ground. I can still remember the pain, and what I at first thought was a mild concussion (maybe THAT explains some of my behaviors from time to time!). So again, be careful out there.
While here, also check out the south tip of the island. The cabin and dock area are the main
stage for "Fantasmic!", a glorious display combining live action, lights, lasers,
fireworks, incredible sound systems, and animation projected on "mist screens" around the end of
the island. During weekends and vacation periods, Fantasmic! is presented two and three times
nightly. It is viewable from the Frontierland or Haunted Mansion sides of the Rivers of
America, but the best viewing is from the south side, more or less in front of the center of New
Orleans Square or directly opposite from the cabin/stage on Tom Sawyer Island. If you are at
Disneyland when this show is presented, DON'T MISS IT!
The Gullywhumper, Bertha Mae and
others were actually used in a segment of the Davy Crockett series on Disney's TV shows in the
late 1950's. After that, the boats were overhauled to be more "user friendly," and came to
Disneyland to ply the Rivers of America around Tom Sawyer Island. Not a big thrill, but the
castmembers' banter could be lots of fun. By the way, the keel/stern mounted over-sized rudder
really does steer the boat. As of the summer of '98, the Keel Boats are off the river. It's unclear whether they will return, so perhaps for now we can just say that this ride is on hiatus.
Long-time favorite of guests, young and old alike. Join a bevy of other visitors and provide
the arm-power to propel your canoe around Tom Sawyer's Island, from the dock adjacent to the
Hungry Bear Restaurant (actually Critter Country) and back. Disneyland castmembers have a long
tradition of canoe races in the wee small hours before the park opens, and competitions are held
on a regular basis, with trophies awarded to the fastest, most improved times, etc. But for now,
just lots of fun, particularly on a warm summer day. By the way, thanks to John Andrews for updating me on the name of this attraction. While no longer politically correct, this attraction for many years was called "Indian Canoes" and before that "Indian War Canoes." How's that for not being politically correct? (Of course that was what they were called in the 1950's...)
A very high-tech shooting gallery, with loads of animated items to plink away at with a light-beam rifle. However, my objections are: 1) it involves guns shooting at objects, some of which represent living things, and 2) it costs extra money, which is enough in itself considering you paid somewhere around $50.00 or more just to get in here, and how you need to pay more money to practice your marksmanship. Save your money, and just watch someone else spend his.
As mentioned earlier, this was a favorite place for Walt, who used to frequently attend and
laugh at the same jokes by Wally Boag over and over. Now Slue Foot Sue, Pecos Bill and others
are gone, and in their place is Miss Lily and Sam the Bartender, and of course, Can-Can Girls.
It's still a very good show, but reservations are a must. You can reserve your seats for that
days performances (there's usually five shows a day or more) by going to the main doors of the
Golden Horseshoe first thing in the morning after the park opens. You'll get a reservation
card for the showof your choice, with the number in your party. But remember, for each show,
seating is first come first served. That means you'll still wind up waiting in line with
others who have reserved seats, so your reserved seat won't be at a table upstairs in the back
behind a light pole. Sandwiches and light snacks are served with sodas and juice (extra of course)
This information was provided by Gene Sands:
Wally Boag actually began work before the Park opened. In fact, he and Donald Novis (the original Irish tenor) and Charlie LaVere (who wrote most of the music for the show and also was the pianist/conductor for the show) began writing the Horseshoe Revue well before the Park opened. The premiere of the show was held on July 16th the night before the Park's
official opening at a private party in the Horseshoe hosted by Walt and his wife.
Festival Arena
Formerly the site of Big Thunder Ranch, this area housed the open-air theatre for the show, "Festival of Fools" inspired by the animated movie from Disney, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (and be sure you same "DAHHM" and not "DAYME"!). This outdoor area seats many, many people. Unfortuantely, while this was one absolutely great show, more or less condensing the plot of the movie, it was canceled this spring by Disneyland. I certainly wish there was some way to revive it. It truly deserved to be an on-going attraction, with the wonderful music, great staging, and spirit of revelry. Alas, it is now but a memory...
FOOD
Rancho los Zacalos
One the site of the Casa de Fritos, this place put out some very good Mexican food and western barbeque, all made fresh daily, right here. Prices are reasonable, and the selection was more than adequate. One of my favorite places for lunch or dinner. Great portions of great food, prepared to perfection. Lots of seating outside, and the line moves quickly.
THE place for breakfast at the park. The beautiful marble and brass interior invites you to select eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, or a Mickey Mouse pancake. Sometimes waffles are offered, sometimes not. But for breakfast, you can't beat dining on the open air patio alongside the Rivers of America, with a good cup of coffee or juice. Frequently my first stop AFTER the Indiana Jones Adventure. A breakfast of three big pancakes, eggs, sausage or bacon, hash browns and coffee will run you about $8.00, but the eggs are done right, the pancakes are fluffy, and you won't go away hungry. AND it's not served on plastic!!! Just shoo the birds away while you're eating, or they'll get it first.
I must admit to never having eaten a thing from this location. Why? It's hidden away, to the rear and right of the Golden Horseshoe, along a back wall. Very inconspicuous, but they do offer sandwiches and hamburgers, other light fare and beverages. Usually not as crowded as many of the more popular (obvious) locations.
SHOPS
Small shop that doesn't seem to get the foot traffic of most of the Disneyland shops. To the immediate right when you enter the Frontierland gates, this shop once featured Native American art, gifts, jewelry, toys and apparel with a very nice selection of silver and turquoise jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, rings and belt-buckles. Alas, Disneyland apparently thinks no one shopping is interested in such objects, as recently this became just another candy store, with a few other ho-hum items. Too bad.
Formerly the Davy Crockett Arcade. Cowboy hats, leather goods, lots of Southwestern-influenced items, including blankets, shawls, and jewelry. Also more Pocohantas stuff than anyone should ever need.
Formerly the Pendleton Woolen Mills Store, this shop features a large selection of western wear, including shirts, slacks, hats, ties, bolos, skirts, blouses, kerchiefs, belts, dusters, and accessories.
Okay, this isn't a store or attraction or show or ride. But while you've been viewing this page, you've probably been hearing the "Ballad of Davy Crockett" in the background on your computer. If you're interested in Davy and the phenomena that arose in the 1950's surrounding the Disney version of his life and times, you'll undoubtedly be interested in this book, "The Davy Crockett Craze" by Paul F. Anderson. I met Paul at a recent Disney convention. He's a great guy, and has written several wonderful books and articles on Disney and the Disney productions of note. If you'd like more information on this great book, incluidng ordering a copy, contact R & G Productions, P.O. Box 605, Hillside, IL 60162. Okay, that's it for the shameless plug for a friend.
Comments? Send to drhoades@dougsdisneyland.com
To Return to Doug's Disneyland Page, Click Here.