Pandemic Closure Update: Disney World Change Happening on June 30

Five years ago, the Walt Disney World Resort, like many other public locations across the globe, shut down in response to the coronavirus pandemic. A part of that historic closure will be officially over by June 30.

Magic Kingdom Park is at the very epicenter of Disney World’s multi-park overhaul. While work is underway over at the former DinoLand U.S.A. site in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the upcoming redesign of Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland will completely transform the landscape of the Orlando park, as well as eventually expand the parameters of it with the “Beyond Big Thunder” Disney Villains addition.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is closed through next year, and on July 7, Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will officially say goodbye to Magic Kingdom and close forever. The permanent closures are due to the eventual construction of Piston Peak National Park–a new area in Frontierland themed after Pixar’s Cars franchise.

Attractions for Piston Peak National Park have yet to be confirmed, but Disney did state that it would include at least two rides catering to older guests and families. With such a large amount of work happening across the resort, some Disney fans are postponing their trips, but some are saying don’t bother.

It’s not all bad news for Frontierland, though. On June 30, one store will reopen after five years of closure.

After the pandemic shut down the Prairie Outpost in Frontierland, a store selling snacks and candy, many didn’t think it would ever reopen. Then, earlier this year, Disney announced it would once again open its doors, but it would sell headwear instead of food and beverages.

“Become a fashion pioneer when you shop for wide-brimmed hats, classic fedoras, customized headwear, and more at this stylish shop in Frontierland,” Disney said upon making the announcement. And while an opening date was not initially announced, Disney World has now confirmed that guests will be welcomed the store on June 30.

The reopening of the Prairie Outpost marks the end of a five-year closure at Disney World, which started when the coronavirus pandemic cancelled all operations at the theme park destination in Central Florida.

Are you looking forward to seeing the Prairie Outpost open its doors once again? Let us know in the comments down below!