Hey howdy hey! I’m feeling inspired by the recent news of Big Thunder Mountain’s big reopening, as well as getting a [Piston] peek at some Cars construction, so this week’s vintage Disney roundup is all about Frontierland!
But first, a mini history lesson:
Frontierland traces its roots back to the early days of Disneyland, where it opened on July 17, 1955, as one of the park’s original lands. Walt Disney was inspired by his lifelong interest in the American frontier and the stories of pioneers, explorers, and settlers. Frontierland was designed to reflect a romanticized version of 19th-century America, drawing from popular television and film at the time, including Disney’s own Davy Crockett series.
— Vintage postcard, credit: Atomic Redhead
When Magic Kingdom opened at Walt Disney World in 1971, Frontierland was included as a core land, building on the foundation established at Disneyland while also expanding its scale and storytelling.
Located along the Rivers of America, the Florida version incorporated similar themes of the Old West but introduced new attractions like the Country Bear Jamboree (which debuted at Magic Kingdom before moving to Disneyland) and later Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in 1980, and Splash Mountain in 1992.
Frontierland has gone through quite a few changes in the last few years, with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure taking over Splash, the old Country Bear Jamboree receiving a Disney songbook makeover, and we said goodbye to the iconic Rivers of America to make way for a new Cars-themed land. Still, some areas of the land preserve the land’s original concept.
Now, let’s jump back and check out some vintage park souvenirs themed to the Old West of Disney theme parks!
Show your pride for a rootin’ tootin’ Goofy with this vintage felt pennant from Walt Disney World, circa 1980s.
Available HERE | $27.69
This one is a STEAL for this beautiful vintage Disneyland postcard booklet. Keel boats, Rivers of America, The Golden Horseshoe… The colorful Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland one has me doing a triple take… trying not to add to cart…
Available HERE | $11.75
Pooh bear is ready to rustle up some hot honey… This vintage McDonald’s Happy Meal toy from Disneyland’s 40th anniversary collection (1995) features a sweet little BTM photo inside the train-shaped viewfinder.
Available HERE | $10.99
We have a Main Street cameo in this next deal: two vintage Walt Disney World placemats from 1982. The Thunder Mountain image has it all: some of your favorite pals riding along Rainbow Ridge, a skunk (?!) and that thrilling, spinning turn around Billy the goat (from Disneyland…). You can use these for decor, or as actual placemats for those messier eaters at home – like myself. These are double-sided laminate vinyl mats, with a vintage map of Magic Kingdom on the backside.
Available HERE | $25
Finally, this vintage faux wood mug is a must have for any CBJ fan. If you listen closely you can hear ‘Blood in the Saddle’ playing inside… no, not really.
Available HERE | $19.95
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