One Missing Element Finally Returns to Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom

Frontierland feels a bit different with two popular attractions under refurbishment. After several months of closure, this element finally returns to the Magic Kingdom.

Coming this Summer

At Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Frontierland seems almost like a ghost town. Earlier this year, Country Bear Jamboree closed for a much-needed refurbishment. This attraction is set to reopen this summer.

Construction walls are now down and we get our first glimpse of the new attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Frontierland. This attraction is to open this summer while we still await an actual opening date.

Later this summer Frontierland will be abuzz with activity, but for the time being Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of the biggest draws for crowds in this land.

Tom Sawyer Island

One often overlooked attraction in Frontierland is Tom Sawyer Island. You have probably walked past Tom Sawyer Landing many times on your way to Big Thunder Railroad and noticed a few log rafts.

This is one of my (Donna) favorite ways to break away from the heavy crowds at the Magic Kingdom. Enjoy a self-guided tour that allows Guests to step into the pages of the classic tales of Tom Sawyer.

You can stay on Tom Sawyer Island as long or as short as you would like. However, keep in mind that Tom Sawyer Island closes at 6:00 pm most park days (be sure to check attraction hours on Character Locator).

Now Returning

The Barrel Bridge is a fun element that has been missing from Tom Sawyer Island for some time. It was closed to guests for some time and finally removed back in June 2023.

Barrel Bridge has returned to Tom Sawyer Island.

With being removed for several months, we feared that it may not return. Thankfully yesterday the Barrel Bridge returned. At this time it is still closed off to guests, but we are glad to see it return. Hopefully, guests will be trying to cross this floating bridge soon once again.

What do you think of this element returning? Do you enjoy a few of the less crowded locations of the Disney Parks? Will you visit during your next trip to Magic Kingdom? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.