Disney Promises Magic Kingdom Changes “Soon,” Years Before ‘Cars’ and Villains Lands

The wildest land in the wilderness is about to look a little different. As Walt Disney World ushers in its next phase of expansion, all eyes are on Frontierland.

Magic Kingdom has steadily evolved in the years following its COVID-19 closure. Shorter operating hours, Lightning Lanes, and reservation policies have all become familiar territory. Yet, for every operational adjustment, Disney has promised something in return: new experiences, new lands, and a deeper investment in what it calls the “guest journey.”

Credit: Jeff Krause, Flickr

The strategy is now becoming visible, especially at Frontierland, where quiet changes are building toward something much larger. One of the first? A long-standing candy shop is trading sweets for style.

Prairie Outpost Reopening with a New Look

Nestled in the heart of Frontierland, Prairie Outpost and Supply was once known for its snacks and seasonal treats. Soon, it will reopen with a completely different purpose.

According to Walt Disney World, the newly reimagined location will become a dedicated hat shop—an apparel-focused retail space that reflects both the land’s western theme and the company’s broader strategy of curated, niche offerings. An exact opening date has yet to be confirmed, but Disney says the store is coming “soon.”

Credit: Disney

Fans believe they’ve already uncovered more. Blog Mickey reports that the stock image Disney released alongside the news contains a filename suggesting the shop will be run by Chapel Hats, a third-party brand already operating at Disney Springs. Known for its wide array of high-end headwear—from wide-brimmed sun hats to fedoras—Chapel Hats aligns naturally with Frontierland’s rugged, Old West aesthetic.

The change may seem minor, but it signals a fresh layer of storytelling and commerce in a land gearing up for much bigger moves.

A Bigger Frontierland Is Taking Shape

The new retail addition is just the beginning. Magic Kingdom’s westernmost land is undergoing its most significant evolution in years.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a cornerstone of the park since 1980, is currently closed for a big refurbishment that has included complete retrack. The update ensures the coaster maintains its beloved identity while future-proofing it for the years ahead. It’s expected to return in 2026.

Meanwhile, further down the river, major construction is imminent. Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will shutter this July to make way for a brand-new land themed to Piston Peak from the Cars franchise. Unlike the existing Cars Land in Anaheim, this land is said to lean more into the National Park-inspired visuals introduced in Planes: Fire & Rescue.

Credit: Disney

But perhaps the most anticipated addition is the land inspired by Disney Villains—a concept long requested by fans and finally confirmed by Disney last year. While concrete details remain under wraps, early concept art hints at a moody, dramatic expansion with towering peaks and immersive rides that reflect the darker corners of Disney’s storytelling. Speculation around a thrill ride has only fueled further excitement.

Nighttime is also getting its moment. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, the park’s new nighttime parade, is set to launch later this summer. The production will feature original music, new character appearances, and modern tech touches, offering a long-awaited replacement to the now-retired (for now, at least) Main Street Electrical Parade.

Taken together, these changes show a clear trajectory: Disney isn’t just refreshing its classics—it’s building something new from the ground up.

And for now, that starts with a hat shop.

Are you excited about the changes at Magic Kingdom?