Disney’s decision to remake WDW’s Frontierland may be a huge mistake

Disney's decision to remake WDW's Frontierland may be a huge mistake

As a seasoned Disney enthusiast and long-time Magic Kingdom connoisseur, I’ve walked the rivers of America and explored Tom Sawyer Island more times than I can count. The news of their removal to make way for the new Cars expansion has left me with a heavy heart.

It’s been revealed that Walt Disney World is making a substantial modification to Frontierland, and the news has left some enthusiasts feeling dismayed.

At D23, Disney unveiled major updates planned for all their theme parks, including Walt Disney World. Notably, the area beyond Frontierland will be redeveloped and transformed into a new themed zone dedicated to Disney’s antagonists.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m super excited to share that our favorite park, Frontierland, is about to get a major upgrade! We’re bringing in a whole new Cars-themed zone, inspired by the legendary Cars Land that skyrocketed Disney California Adventure’s popularity. This expansion won’t just be one ride, oh no! We’ve got not one, but two thrilling Cars rides lined up for you! First off, get ready to dive back into the world of Radiator Springs, but this time with even more fun and excitement. And secondly, for our younger racers, we’re creating an “off-road rally” race that’s going to be a blast! Buckle up, folks, it’s gonna be a wild ride!

Unveiled are fresh insights regarding the most extensive expansion yet at Magic Kingdom in @WaltDisneyWorld! Dive deeper into the upcoming changes that Frontierland, and other areas, will undergo 🚗🏞️
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) August 12, 2024

As a lifelong fan of Disney and its magical world, I must admit that the news about the planned changes to Frontierland in Disney World leaves me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I am excited at the prospect of experiencing new attractions and immersing myself in the Villains land, which has always been a favorite theme of mine. However, as someone who grew up visiting Tom Sawyer Island and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the Rivers of America, I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness at the thought of these beloved attractions being removed.

The magic of the Rivers

Some find optimism in this situation, noting that Tom Sawyer Island has historically been a peaceful locale and the rivers themselves may not hold the same allure as they once did. The large paddleboat can still provide enjoyment and there are smaller attractions like canoes, however, it’s also an area often overlooked by visitors who simply stroll past. Some might find it inconvenient to navigate through Frontierland on foot to access this area, and Disney has eliminated several elements from the river region, such as a burning house, which were more detailed at Disneyland.

In the 19th century, rivers served as major transportation routes. As we moved into the 20th century, these riverways were largely replaced by highways. Many people still view mountains as unexplored or wild territories. Therefore, taking those with modern vehicles for a drive could be an interesting experience.

Yet losing these is to take away one of the best parts of the Magic Kingdom’s layout. First, the Island is one of those out of the way but lovely places for folks who need a break from the hustle and bustle of the park. It is a great spot for kids from the fort to the caverns, the suspension bridge and the playground are always a delight. Adults can also appreciate the walking trails and just sitting around and taking a nice break from it all while enjoying great views of the park.

Since the park’s inception, the rivers have been an integral part of the Frontierland and Liberty Square layout, making the region seem incomplete without them. Their presence adds a charming atmosphere that harmonizes with the frontier theme, and areas like the queue for the Haunted Mansion feel more authentic by the river’s side. Furthermore, as night descends, the rivers illuminate beautifully, creating a captivating backdrop for the entire area.

The change won’t feel the same as before, because now Frontierland will not only house Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain, but also two brand-new rides themed around Cars. This makes it four thrilling attractions in one location, several of which are bound to be quite noisy with their engines running. It’s going to be a sensory overload compared to the previously tranquil corner of the park. Instead of finding peace on the calm waters, visitors will now find themselves rushing to keep up with all the excitement in this area.

In a similar fashion, removing something like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in the late 1990s, which Disney later filled with Fantasyland expansion, was acceptable but made Fantasyland feel more enchanting with its artificial lake. The addition of the rivers into Frontierland has only amplified this feeling, and their potential removal leaves a significant void.

Do we need this expansion?

In addition to general worries about introducing more Intellectual Property (IP) within the Magic Kingdom, the prospect of Cars being introduced is a point of contention. Although it might blend well in an outdoor setting, placing it in Frontierland feels incongruous. However, the artwork, with its stunning mountain range serving as a boundary from Adventureland, is visually appealing. Moreover, the rides themselves look exciting. Nonetheless, the idea of moving Cars to Frontierland, and potentially removing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, seems out of place.

Instead of repeatedly expanding existing parks at WDW by adding new lands, some fans speculate that Disney might consider constructing a fifth gate instead. A dedicated Cars Land could potentially offer a more attractive experience for guests compared to replacing one of the classic attractions in Magic Kingdom. This is not about renovation or demolition; it’s about a significant overhaul of Frontierland, which explains why people might express concerns about such changes.

In essence, it appears that Disneyland will emerge as the victor, preserving its iconic Rivers and Tom Sawyer Island, as any future developments are anticipated to differ. Historically, Disney has faced criticism, but this choice was likely not made impulsively. However, transforming a cherished part of the Magic Kingdom after half a century could be seen as an unexpected move by Disney. The addition of noise only exacerbates the issue.

It’s possible that the new Frontierland will prove to be a hit and those Car rides could bring joy. However, for long-time WDW enthusiasts, letting go of the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and especially the tranquil atmosphere of the original Frontierland may not be easy, no matter how enjoyable the replacement turns out to be.

2024-08-13 15:27

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