A Frontier of Infinite Detail


Frontierland at Disneyland Paris (just like every other area of that park) is full of incredible details that work together to weave a rich storytelling tapestry. We've seen many of those in the past few weeks here on the blog, but as we wrap up our exploration of Frontierland, I have a few more favorites to share with you.

Pictured above is the Frontierland dedication plaque, the sort of thing you don't typically see much of in Disney Parks. It's mounted just inside the land, after you pass through Fort Comstock. Be sure to click on the photo to read the inscription... in English or French; your choice.

Walking through Frontierland, there are so many little moments like the well pictured below. The land would have been pretty spectacular with just the main attractions and other facilities, but it's small details like this and the horse and wagon tracks in the ground, that fill in the gaps and make Thunder Mesa feel like a real place.


Popcorn wagons get the story treatment, too. Check out the props and the reference to the Thunder Mesa Mercantile. There's even a little gauchito turning the crank inside to "make the popcorn."


The Mexican culture we saw at Fuente del Oro carries over to the nearby guest restrooms, with the same sort of adobe construction. As always, I really appreciate a level of storytelling detail that even reaches the point of the identifying signs for the men's and women's restrooms.


Just like Main Street before it, Frontierland at Disneyland Paris displays a variety of period-appropriate ads, including this one for the Thunder Mesa Barber Shop where you can get a shave and a haircut for two bits (that's 25 cents to you and me).


There's even a touch of Hidden Disney in a corner of Frontierland. Beneath the sign for Huntington Mill is a reference to a Jack O'Ferges. Well, it turns out Jack Ferges is one of the legends of Imagineering, who happened to work in the model shop at WDI around the time Tony Baxter and several other members of the Disneyland Paris design team got started with the company. This is their tribute to one of their early mentors.

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