A little less than a month after we wrote a rumor saying that multiple Frontierland locations would be closing at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World has filed permits for each of the locations at risk. The permits don’t offer a ton of insight as to the nature of the work, but we believe that the permits are for the removal of three kiosks along the main walkway in Frontierland. Here’s the latest.
Permits Filed for Frontierland Locations Rumored to Close
Back in late January, we exclusively reported a rumor that three Frontierland locations would be closing soon. The locations rumored to be at risk were Westward Ho, the Frontierland churro cart, and Big Al’s gift kiosk. Now, Walt Disney World has filed construction permits for all three locations.
Earlier today, Walt Disney World filed three permits for the aforementioned locations. All three permits list in-house Buena Vista Construction Company as the contractor, and a general description for construction as the scope of work.
To me, this signals that all three locations will be removed soon as Disney prepares to expand the nearby Piston Peak National Park construction site.
While unconfirmed, the thought is that construction for Piston Peak National Park will expand to include the Frontierland boardwalk area as it undergoes modifications to accommodate the new themed land. Concept art shows the boardwalk will remain when Piston Peak National Park opens, featuring a nice waterfront walk similar to how it has been for decades.
To accommodate the anticipated expanding construction site, Walt Disney World will reportedly need to close the boardwalk area for a period of time. When it is closed, Disney will temporarily lose that square footage, and it will need to be offset with new walking space.
The boardwalk actually plays a critical role during the day and into the nighttime hours as cavalcades and parades roll through the streets of Frontierland. While guests line both sides of the main road in Frontierland, the boardwalk becomes a critical walking path for guests looking to get around the crowds.
Now, with construction expected to expand, a number of locations in Frontierland are rumored to be closing. At this point, it’s unclear if the closure will be permanent or temporary. Walt Disney World has not returned a request for more information.
We’re not sure when the closure will take place, but Cast Members have reportedly been told that the locations will be closing in the future, and that they have the option to move to other locations.
As with any rumor, you should treat the possible closure of these locations as unofficial unless and until Disney confirms our reporting.
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!