Disney Parks fans have reason to celebrate as a Frontierland merchandise location makes its return after five long years. While much of Frontierland has undergone sweeping changes in recent years, including a major overhaul of Splash Mountain and the upcoming Cars (2006) attractions, one spot is bringing back a bit of the old magic.
When Disney parks worldwide shut down in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prairie Outpost shop in the Magic Kingdom was among the closures. Once home to freshly made sweets like caramel apples, cookies, and cake pops, the store was an iconic part of the Frontierland experience. However, when Magic Kingdom Park reopened in July 2020, Prairie Outpost’s doors remained locked, leaving many guests wondering if they would ever get the chance to revisit the spot.
Fast-forward five years, and Frontierland is in the midst of several major transformations. In 2024, Splash Mountain closed to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, while other spaces in Frontierland have evolved or been repurposed, such as the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, which became a Disney Vacation Club lounge, and the refreshed Country Bear Musical Jamboree. But one location that fans had assumed was gone for good is making a comeback, though it will look quite different from the original.
“Become a fashion pioneer when you shop for wide-brimmed hats, classic fedoras, customized headwear and more at this stylish shop in Frontierland,” Walt Disney World Resort writes about the reimagined Prairie Outpost, which now serves as a hat store.
This refresh comes amidst significant changes to Frontierland’s landscape. Walt Disney World Resort previously announced that the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island will permanently close in July, making way for new Cars-themed attractions. These attractions are set to bring a new look to the area, despite some resistance from longtime fans.
Adding to the transformation, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently undergoing a year-long refurbishment. The updates, which include new tracks and some refreshed “magic”, are expected to improve the ride’s capacity as the area prepares for the increased traffic generated by the Cars overhaul and an additional Disney Villains land expansion “beyond Big Thunder Mountain.”
The newly reimagined Prairie Outpost is open to guests as of June 30, 2025, and operates during Magic Kingdom Park’s regular hours. Visitors are encouraged to check the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World Resort’s official website for up-to-date information on operational hours.
Do you agree with the changes happening in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
I have seen alot of changes to Disney in the last 60+ years, Frontierland becoming a race track and ta’s ride ate ones I cannot digest. Rally, race cars in the Frontier, Are you kidding.