This week, a rumor is going around the internet about a considerable change possibly coming to Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom. We have known for a while now that Splash Mountain is being replaced by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but could there be even more changes in store for the frontier?
The change from Splash Mountain to Tiana’a Bayour Adventure seems to put the ride out of place in Frontierland. The New Orleans-themed ride fits well with Pirates of the Caribbean, which is a few steps away, but doesn’t necessarily fit with Big Thunder Mountain or the Country Bear Jamboree.
But that could all be changing soon. CinemaBlend is reporting on a rumor that Disney Imagineers are thinking about a retheme for the entirety of Frontierland to make it more like New Orleans Square in Disneyland. This change would allow A Princess and the Frog-themed restaurant to be added later, similar to the one in Disneyland.
If this were to take place, however, it would lead to several changes that would have to take place, including a new design or retheme for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. And then what would happen to the beloved Country Bear Jamboree?
Creating a New Orleans Square would allow the Pirates of the Caribbean to be incorporated into the new area. It has always seemed out of place in Adventureland, which has more of a South Pacific vibe. The original plans for Walt Disney World did not include a Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Only after fan outcry was the ride installed two years after Magic Kingdom opened.
There is also a possibility that Disney would have both New Orleans Square and Frontierland. Open land behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad allows for further expansion of Frontierland. There is also enough room to add a Tiana-theme restaurant and Pirates of the Caribbean to New Orleans Square.
Should this change take place, what will Disney World do with Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square? Would changes be required throughout the Theme Park?
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced at the Disney Stockholders earnings call that Disney plans to spend $17 billion at the Walt Disney World Resort over the next decade. That’s more than enough money to reimagine Frontierland, keep the rides we love, and create something new to incorporate Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
For now, we will have to wait and see if a Frontierland retheme at Magic Kingdom will occur and what changes will be coming as a result of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
We will continue to keep you updated on this story at Disney Fanatic.