NEWS: Sudden Permanent Closure Hits Frontierland Spot in Magic Kingdom

Well, we had an inkling it would happen soon, and now, it’s finally here. Though we did expect a *little* more fanfare for such an iconic spot in Magic Kingdom.

Right across from Country Bear Musical Jamboree in Frontierland, there was a unique merchandise spot called Big Al’s. This was an outdoor merchandise spot that was larger than just a kiosk, making it a design you don’t really see anywhere else. The store was removed from the Magic Kingdom map back in March, and now, this spot has officially closed.

When we walked into Magic Kingdom today, we headed straight to Frontierland, and sure enough, Big Al’s has closed its metaphorical doors.

Disney had filed a permit for Westward Ho, Big Al’s, and the Frontierland churro cart back in February, which was the first indication that something was about to change. Then, in March, on the digital My Disney Experience App, while Westward Ho and Big Al’s were still represented, the little buildings that represented them physically were no longer there.

And now, a few months later, the physical building is still there, but there’s no more shopping to be done. Additionally, the Big Al’s page on the Disney World website has been completely wiped — it’s like it was never even there!

Screenshot from the Disney World website

Back in March when the changes happened in My Disney Experience, Cast Members at Big Al’s told us that they knew the closure was coming, but weren’t sure when. To prepare, they had begun moving merchandise into Frontier Trading Post. Keep in mind that Westward Ho is also on the chopping block, though again, no closure date has been announced.

It’s very possible Big Al’s will stay standing, and just be rethemed to a merchandise location that fits more with the upcoming Piston Peak land, so we may not lose this spot forever! We do feel bad for Al, though, so we plan to go visit him in Country Bear Musical Jamboree on our next trip to make sure he’s still feeling the love.