It Took Three Months, but Disney World Just Returned Frontierland to Its Former Glory

After three months of waiting, a nostalgic feature has officially returned to Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland.

The “Passage to Frontierland” sign, which had been missing since January, has now been restored, bringing a familiar touch back to the walkway that connects Adventureland and Frontierland, near Tortuga Tavern and Pirates of the Caribbean. This refurbishment is part of a broader transformation taking place in Frontierland over the next few years.

In the last year, Frontierland has already seen significant changes. Splash Mountain and the Country Bear Jamboree were both closed, making way for reimaginings: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Country Bear Musical Jamboree. The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade was also demolished and replaced with a new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) lounge, which opened earlier this year.

But the changes aren’t stopping there. At D23 Expo 2024, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, revealed even bigger plans for Frontierland. Two all-new Cars (2006) attractions are slated to replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, bringing Pixar magic to the area. These will be distinct from the Cars Land attractions at Disneyland Resort’s Disney California Adventure Park.

In addition to the Cars attractions, Walt Disney World Resort is planning a Disney Villains land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain.” The iconic mine train roller coaster is currently undergoing a year-long refurbishment to add “new magic” for guests amid the upcoming construction in Frontierland. Though the exact dates for the closure of Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat are still to be confirmed, early permits have already been filed for demolition in Frontierland.

Amid all the exciting changes, the return of the Passage to Frontierland sign is a small but meaningful milestone for the Magic Kingdom. According to BlogMickey, the sign, a wooden hanging feature with the same design as the original, now graces the walkway once again. One side of the sign reads “Passage to Frontierland,” while the other says “Adventureland.” Whether it’s a new sign or the original repainted, the “Passage to Frontierland” sign’s return is a welcome reminder of Frontierland’s storied past as the park continues to evolve.

Walt Disney World Resort rarely makes announcements about minor refurbishments like this, and this situation was no different. Follow Disney Tips for updates on construction around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!

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