As work continues to turn the former Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom into Piston Peak National Park from the world of Pixar’s Cars, two more long-standing staples of Frontierland are next on the chopping block.
Westward Ho and Big Al’s Closing
Sources have informed us that both Big Al’s and Westward Ho are set to close in the near future to allow for further demolition and construction related to the Cars area. Permits were filed for these changes just a few weeks ago, but their futures remained uncertain at that time.
Big Al’s has sold merchandise such as coonskin caps and cowboy hats over the years, as well as less thematic items such as bubble wands in more recent times. The shop is themed to have been Al’s cabin, which he later turned into a shop to bank on the success of the Country Bears. It became Big Al’s in 1989 during the existence of the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown.
This kiosk was a ticket booth when Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, before becoming a wood carving location. If it is demolished, the last remaining former ride ticket booths in the park would be the current Disney Vacation Club kiosk in Tomorrowland and a portion of the Memento Mori facade in Liberty Square.
Westward Ho is a snack stand serving frozen lemonade, cold brew, and snacks such as mini corn dogs.
The nearby ice cream, churro, and popcorn carts will be relocated elsewhere in Frontierland when construction begins in this area.
The construction walls surrounding the future Piston Peak area will be moved forward into the existing riverwalk area. A pedestrian pathway will be temporarily installed along the promenade for parade viewing and movement during the few years of expected construction.
We were also told that Cast Member jobs will not be negatively impacted by the closures, and they will remain in the Frontierland area.
Have you visited either Big Al’s or Westward Ho? Will you miss them? Let us know on social media.
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