While visiting Magic Kingdom recently to check in on early preparations for a lengthy refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad set to begin early next year, we also got a first look sneak peek at the McKim’s Mile House facade under construction. As you may know, McKim’s Mile House is the name for the Frontierland Disney Vacation Club lounge set to open in Summer 2025.
McKim’s Mile House Frontierland DVC Lounge Facade
From the Liberty Square Riverboat, we can get a peek over the construction walls at the work taking place on the exterior of the location. As a reminder, this area used to be home to the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, which was a covered, open-air target practice game that was free to play in recent years. For a more in-depth look at the Shootin’ Arcade, check out our article below!
Disney Vacation Club has previously released concept art of the interior of the McKim’s Mile House venue, but we haven’t seen what the plans are for the exterior facade yet. As you can see in the concept art photo below, the space will open up nicely once you’re inside, with a faux two-story feel. The upper walkway will not be open to guests and could feature some forced perspective to accomplish the interior look and feel pictured below.
McKim’s Mile House
Nestled in the heart of Frontierland in Magic Kingdom park, Disney Vacation Club McKim’s Mile House – A Member Lounge offers a cozy and convenient retreat for Members to share stories and recharge during their day of fun. Experience the rustic charm of a space inspired by boarding houses that accommodated tired train travelers during the Gold Rush days of the American West.
The “McKim” name is a nod to the late Disney Legend Sam McKim, a Western-film-star-turned-Disney Imagineer whose visionary artwork helped shape some of Disney’s most iconic places in Frontierland and beyond.
The upper floor of the exterior of the location hasn’t changed much since the signage was removed over the summer. That said, an elevated look from the Liberty Square Riverboat has given us a first look sneak peek at what guests can expect to see once the construction walls come down.
First, here’s a look back at the Shootin’ Arcade facade, which featured a large sign and an open-air shooting gallery. A low wall has been demolished and the interior has been gutted to allow Disney to create a space that will hopefully feel spacious enough.
Here’s a first look at the facade, which will feature large first-floor windows and a wooden exterior.
Perhaps interestingly, the wood used for the lower half of the facade appears to be flat or nearly flat, a stark contrast to the round, whole logs visible on the upper half of the facade. Of course, the look isn’t complete yet, so that could change as we get closer to the Summer 2025 opening. In fact, portions of the exterior facade are still metal studs, so there is still plenty of work to be done, but it appears to be coming along nicely.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
