Frontierland is entering a period of major change. While large-scale projects are still in development, Walt Disney World has started rolling out the first phase of its transformation plans for the area.
The update comes as part of Disney’s broader investment in its parks, following years of operational shifts and evolving guest expectations. Magic Kingdom is now poised for expansion, and Frontierland—long one of its most static lands—is finally in motion.
This summer, one small but notable change marks the beginning: a former candy shop is reopening with a new identity.
A Familiar Space Finds New Purpose at Magic Kingdom
The modest storefront was previously home to a rotation of packaged treats and seasonal snacks. Now, it’s being reimagined as an apparel space, with Walt Disney World stating the new shop will specialize in “a variety of hats.” While Disney hasn’t provided a formal opening date, it emphasized that the store is coming “soon.”
There’s more to the reveal than the official release. As Blog Mickey reported, the filename of Disney’s press image strongly suggests the store will be operated by Chapel Hats, a boutique retailer already known to Disney Springs visitors. The brand is recognized for its stylish, often vintage-inspired headwear, from structured fedoras to travel-friendly wide brims—a fitting match for Frontierland’s turn-of-the-century Americana.
Though subtle, the change reflects a wider trend across Disney’s parks: refining guest experiences while quietly building toward larger plans.
What Comes Next for Frontierland?
The hat shop is just the first signal of Frontierland’s larger reinvention. Already, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is undergoing a full retrack—a major effort for one of the park’s flagship rides. While the ride’s theme and layout will remain unchanged, the update ensures long-term functionality and smoother performance, with reopening scheduled for 2026.
Much bigger changes are looming nearby.
Starting this July, Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will temporarily close to make room for an entirely new land themed to the fictional national park, Piston Peak. The addition marks the Cars franchise’s first appearance in Magic Kingdom and signals a pivot toward IP integration on the park’s western edge.
The Villains-themed land, one of the most talked-about announcements from the last D23 Expo, is also in development. While no construction date has been shared, concept art hints at towering cliffs, eerie lighting, and dark, fantasy-style architecture. Rumors of a new mountain coaster persist, adding fuel to fan speculation about what role classic villains like Maleficent or Hades could play.
And there’s more coming after sunset. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, a new nighttime parade, will debut later this summer. Blending original music, updated technology, and characters from Disney and Pixar’s broader universe, the show marks the park’s first new nighttime parade in years and represents a renewed focus on the Magic Kingdom’s entertainment offering.
These changes, both small and sweeping, show how Disney is gradually reshaping the park without erasing what made it iconic.
Frontierland may still look familiar, but step by step, its future is already unfolding.
Are you excited about the changes in Frontierland?
