The Frontierland overhaul at Magic Kingdom Park is about to claim another casualty, and this time the evidence is hiding in plain sight on Walt Disney World Resort’s own website.
The Clock Is Ticking for Westward Ho
Walt Disney World Resort‘s official website currently lists no operating hours for the Westward Ho Quick-Service dining kiosk beyond June 22, 2026. When Big Al’s merchandise kiosk went dark on the website a few weeks ago, construction walls appeared around the building the very same day. Westward Ho appears to be following the same trajectory.
The kiosk is still open and serving Magic Kingdom Park guests for now, but its days in Frontierland are clearly numbered. Walt Disney World Resort has not made any public announcement about the closure, consistent with how it has handled previous Frontierland eliminations tied to the Piston Peak National Park construction project.
Thankfully, the Candied Bacon Skewer — one of Westward Ho’s most popular exclusive offerings — has already been relocated to Golden Oak Outpost, another Quick-Service kiosk in Frontierland. The frozen lemonade, potato chips, and Coca-Cola beverages that round out the Westward Ho menu are standard Disney park fare available at other locations throughout the Magic Kingdom.
How Frontierland Got Here
The transformation of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park has been building since Walt Disney Imagineering unveiled Piston Peak National Park at D23 Expo 2024. The Cars (2006)-inspired expansion draws from the visual landscapes of America’s national park system and will introduce two brand-new attractions to Magic Kingdom: a rally race thrill ride and a family-friendly experience, both distinct from anything in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park.
To make room for the new land, Walt Disney World Resort said goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island, the Rivers of America, and the Liberty Square Riverboat last July. The island was bulldozed and the waterway drained, clearing the footprint for the Pixar-themed expansion now under construction.
The changes haven’t been limited to demolition. The Haunted Mansion facade is currently being expanded as part of the broader Frontierland and Liberty Square overhaul, which also includes a separate Disney Villains land expansion planned for the area beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad itself recently reopened after a year-plus refurbishment that included a complete track replacement and multiple new scenes. The Walt Disney World Railroad, meanwhile, is operating in shuttle mode between Main Street, U.S.A., and Fantasyland only, bypassing Frontierland Station entirely.
Big Al’s was the most recent confirmed closure, with planning documents listing the kiosk as part of the Piston Peak demolition footprint. Those same documents included Westward Ho, which means its fate has been effectively sealed for some time. June 22 appears to be when the Magic Kingdom catches up to what the paperwork already said.
Do you think Piston Peak National Park fits into Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
