Frontierland Archives

Shootin’ Galleries

March 10, 2014 by Jack Spence

Shooting galleries have been a part of county fairs, carnivals, boardwalks, and amusement parks for more than 200 years, and Disney Parks are no exception to this tradition. Here's a look at the history of such shooting galleries around the Disney Parks.

15 Comments

If I Ruled the World – Part One

August 24, 2011 by Jack Spence

Recently, Mike Scopa wrote a great four-part blog titled “My Fixit List.” In these articles, he discussed ten things at Walt Disney World that he believes have been neglected and need attention. His blogs got me to thinking, what would I do if I ruled the World – Walt Disney World, that is. If I … Continue reading "If I Ruled the World – Part One"

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Country Bear Jamboree – Part Two

October 28, 2010 by Jack Spence

Yesterday I presented you with a history of Country Bear Jamboree. Now let’s take a look at the individual stars of the show. Henry is the Master of Ceremonies for Country Bear Jamboree. He wears a dickey, high-starched collar, bow tie, and top hat. This gives him a formal look appropriate for hosting such a … Continue reading "Country Bear Jamboree – Part Two"

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Country Bear Jamboree – Part One

October 27, 2010 by Jack Spence

Our story about Country Bear Jamboree begins with the 1960 Winter Olympics held in Squaw Valley, California. Walt Disney had been selected as the Chairman of Pageantry and John Hench was chosen to design the Olympic Torch. This first picture is of a plaque attached to one of the official Olympic flagpoles at Squaw Valley. … Continue reading "Country Bear Jamboree – Part One"

9 Comments

Pecos Bill — Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

September 11, 2010 by Jack Spence

Hi all, Before I discuss Pecos Bill – Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, I need to let you know of a change in the way you will be posting comments. Because we have been getting a lot of junk email, we have had to implement a new procedure. After sharing your thoughts, there is one … Continue reading "Pecos Bill — Tall Tale Inn and Cafe"

40 Comments

Splash Mountain Part Two

July 1, 2010 by Jack Spence

We all know that Song of the South and Splash Mountain were based on the characters of Joel Chandler Harris. But most of us don’t know the background story that the Imagineers gave this fabled mountain. Legend has it that deep in the “New-nited States of Georgia,” live critters that walk and talk in the … Continue reading "Splash Mountain Part Two"

31 Comments

Splash Mountain Part One

June 30, 2010 by Jack Spence

As I so often do, I must start today’s blog back at Disneyland. And to begin the story of Splash Mountain, I must first discuss the Carousel of Progress. By 1970, this transplant from the New York World’s Fair was experiencing a decline in attendance. General Electric, the attraction’s sponsor, felt that the majority of … Continue reading "Splash Mountain Part One"

36 Comments

Have a Seat in Walt Disney World – Part 1

January 9, 2010 by Jack Spence

Anyone who has ever visited a theme park knows that it doesn’t take very long before your feet begin to hurt and your back begins to ache. Most of us just don’t spend that much time walking — and standing — anymore. We often tucker out quickly. So it’s no surprise that Disney has placed … Continue reading "Have a Seat in Walt Disney World – Part 1"

44 Comments

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

July 15, 2009 by Jack Spence

Hang on to them hats and glasses cuz this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness. In reality, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad isn’t the most thrilling coaster in the world. In fact, it only reaches a top speed of somewhere between 24-30 miles per hour. By today’s standards, that’s pretty tame. Yet this ride is … Continue reading "Big Thunder Mountain Railroad"

66 Comments

Disneyland Paris – Frontierland — Part 4 — Phantom Manor

February 21, 2009 by Jack Spence

Phantom Manor is Disneyland Paris’ version of the Haunted Mansion. It is neither better than nor inferior to its cousins around the world. It’s simply different. And these differences make it very intriguing for those of us familiar with the original version. Phantom Manor has a more complete storyline than the Haunted Mansion. It goes … Continue reading "Disneyland Paris – Frontierland — Part 4 — Phantom Manor"

8 Comments