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Disneyland Resort
Insider Guide to Frontierland at Disneyland Park
July 23, 2025
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Explore the wild west in Frontierland at Disneyland Park! Get insider tips on rides, dining, and more from the Disneyland experts at Get Away Today.

Welcome down to Frontierland—a must-see area inside Disneyland Park at the Disneyland Resort in California! Each land within the park offers its own immersive theme, unique attractions, and unforgettable moments for guests of all ages.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Frontierland, exploring its can't-miss rides, entertainment, dining, and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Whether you're a first-time guest or a seasoned pro, we hope this guide offers something new to discover in this beloved area of Disneyland Resort.

Big Thunder Mountain Train Car in motion

Frontierland in Disneyland Park

It’s the Wild West in Frontierland, home to some rip-roarin’, good ole’ fashioned fun! You’ll want to gather your loved ones ‘round for some big thrills as you set back into yesteryear.

When entering Disneyland from Main Street, Frontierland is on the west side, just to the left of the castle and right next to Adventureland. This makes an easy starting point for your morning if you’d like to visit any of these attractions or as a gateway to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Frontierland Attractions

There are four attractions in Frontierland in Disneyland Park. These include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Frontierland Shootin' Exposition, Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia.

Here’s a breakdown of each in more depth below.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (40" inches / 102 cm)

This is the only ride that offers Lightning Lane in Frontierland.

This is one runaway train you want to be on. You’ll go through a mine, race through red rock mountains, encounter an infamous mountain goat and so much more.

You must be 40” to ride and child swap is available if you have kids not tall enough to ride. This is a really good attraction to ride earlier in the morning, with or without Lightning Lane.

It’s also really fun to ride at night with epic views of Batuu in neighboring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We recommend doing both day and nighttime rides if possible!

Pitched wooden roof with painted sign for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Frontierland Shootin' Exposition (Any Height)

Frontierland Shootin' Exposition (Any Height)

Take a literal shot at the Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition—where you’ll shoot a .54 caliber Hawkins buffalo rifle. Don’t worry, you’ll be aiming at 100 targets with a laser.

When you hit one of the targets, you’ll know with celebratory music, lights and the occasional special effect.

This is one of a very small percentage of attractions at Disneyland that requires a minimal additional charge. You can purchase credits for less than a dollar. Each credit gets you around 25 shots, so be sure to take your best aim!

Sign for the Shootin' exposition in Frontierland in Disneyland

Mark Twain Riverboat and Sailing Ship Columbia (Any Height)

Although quite different vessels, typically only one of these beauties will sail during a season. The Mark Twain Riverboat is just like the ones you’d see on the Mississippi. And occasionally, you’ll find Tiana from Princess and the Frog onboard.

The Sailing Ship Columbia is a 3-masted 18th century replica. Be sure to check the official Disneyland app to find out which ship is accepting passengers during your vacation. Keep in mind that while the ships are sailing, the last disembarkment is normally in the afternoon.

Mark Twain Riverboat sailing down the river at Disneyland

Character Meet & Greets

You can find Princess Tiana greeting guests near the water’s edge in Frontierland. And sometimes, if you’re lucky enough, you may even get to ride alongside her on Mark Twain’s Riverboat.

Frontierland Dining

Churros near Big Thunder Mountain

Being able to grab a churro from the stand near Big Thunder Mountain is one of the joys of life. Traditional and a rotating seasonal churro are on the menu at this popular stop in Frontierland.

Popcorn near Mark Twain Riverboat

Disneyland Park’s famous popcorn can be found next to the dock where you’ll catch the Mark Twain Riverboat. You can also find souvenir popcorn buckets and bottled beverages at this location.

Pretzel near Big Thunder Mountain

If you get a hankerin’ for a pretzel, look no further than the pretzel cart near Big Thunder Mountain towards the entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You’ll find Mickey soft pretzels with or without a side of cheese dip, as well as cinnamon pretzels with the option to add cream cheese dip on the menu.

Rancho del Zocalo (Quick Service)

Everything on the menu will make you glad you chose Rancho del Zocalo for a tasty lunch or dinner in Frontierland. This quick service location serves up delicious Mexican platters, kids meals and a la carte items in one of the most beautiful settings.

Rancho del Zocalo has a traditional menu year round and also frequently serves rotating seasonal items. Enjoy your meal al fresco underneath brightly colored lanterns and surrounded by authentic Mexican tiles.

River Belle Terrace (Reservations Recommended)

You’ll find Southern hospitality and home cookin’ at the River Belle Terrace. Ribs, pulled pork, mac & cheese and so much more can all be ordered up at the River Belle Terrace. Although casual, the restaurant offers table service and reservations are recommended. You can make reservations online or using the Disneyland app.

The River Belle Terrace is also one of a handful of locations that usually offers Fantasmic! Dining packages as well.

Ship to Shore Marketplace (Quick Service)

In between the dock for the Mark Twain Riverboat and Big Thunder Mountain, you’ll find Ship to Shore Marketplace.

Snacks like whole fruit, pickles, chips and cheese are available any time of day. During breakfast hours, you’ll also find breakfast chimichangas. Later in the day, you can order chimichangas, giant turkey legs and corn on the cob.

Stage Door Café (Quick Service)

The pickiest of eaters will find a safe haven at the Stage Door Cafe where favorites like chicken fingers, hand-dipped corn dogs and house-made funnel cakes are found in abundance. You can normally find a seasonal funnel cake on the menu as well.

And better yet, any of these tasty delights can be mobile ordered using the official Disneyland app.

Stage Door Cafe at Disneyland

The Golden Horseshoe (Quick Service)

A hearty, quick menu is just one reason people come to the Golden Horseshoe. House-made cookie sundaes and more can all be ordered at this iconic Disneyland restaurant. There is ample air conditioned seating downstairs and up. And although you’re in Frontierland, this part of the Wild West accepts mobile ordering using your smartphone.

The Golden Horseshoe at Disneyland

Frontierland Shopping

Need to pick up a thing or two down full of wild west nostalgia? These are the shopping pitstops in Frontierland.

Bonanza Outfitters

Look the part by grabbing a special spirit jersey, hat or accessory from Bonanza Outfitters. You’ll find options for men, women and children alike at this Frontierland shop.

Pioneer Mercantile

Patterned after an actual mercantile, you’ll find everything from housewares to apparel to Mickey Ears and everything in between. It’s a great spot to search for the perfect souvenir to remember your time in Frontierland.

Westward Ho Trading Company

This may be one of the most authentic shops in all of Frontierland, because cash isn’t the only tender they’ll accept. You can barter your own official Disney pin in exchange for another from a Disney Cast Member. Or, if you just want to start your pin trading collection, you can purchase pins, lanyards and other souvenirs in this log building.

Frontierland Tips

If you are watching the first Fantasmic! showing of the night, you’ll likely want to stay in your seat for a few minutes after the show. If there are fireworks, or another nighttime show in the park, it’s often projected onto water screens on Rivers of America. The music is also piped in and your view from your Fantasmic! spot will be the perfect place to enjoy a second show without trying to get to Sleeping Beauty Castle or Main Street, U.S.A..

Although not typically highlighted as an attraction, the oldest of all Disneyland attractions can be found in Frontierland. In fact, it is estimated to be between 55 - 70 million years old. You can find a giant stump of petrified wood from the Pike Petrified Forest in Colorado.

It’s been part of the park since 1957, when Lily Disney gifted it to Disneyland® after Walt purchased it and tried to have it at their home. It is a fun piece of Disney trivia, so be sure to find it on your next vacation.

Please note, the above Frontierland information may be incomplete, seasonal, and/or subject to change at any time.

Book Your Disneyland Vacation

Whether you’re conquering classic attractions or discovering new favorites, every Disney fan knows Get Away Today is a key part of any Disneyland vacation. We’d love to help you plan the perfect visit!

Our team at Get Away Today is here to help! Browse our Disneyland vacation deals online or call 855-GET-AWAY for personalized assistance.

Insider Guide to Frontierland at Disneyland Park || Get Away Today

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