It has recently been announced, that a large portion of Disneyland’s Frontierland, including Big Thunder Ranch BBQ and petting zoo, and Walt Disney’s historic Circle D Corral are being demolished to build the new Star Wars land.  Considering Disney has purchased new land, California Adventure has 2.1 million undeveloped square feet, and the fact that there are other options like using Toontown and its adjacent backstage areas, this is a complete travesty.  We are asking that Star Wars land be built in another area of the park, or on another piece of Disney owned land.

Disneyland park is unique in that it is the original Disney park, and the only one walked in by Walt Disney.  So many of its original attractions and personal touches have been removed.  What’s left should be considered precious and preserved!  His Circle D Corral is the first part of the park to be created.  It was a working ranch before Walt even purchased the property.  He had a great love of horses and would ride on horseback to survey his new land.  Circle D is where he would go after the park was developed to find tranquility, and it was very special to him.  On the grounds is the Pope House, a 1920’s bungalow and the only remaining building from the original orange grove/pony farm property.  It is a treasured piece of Disney history and set up with antique furniture to showcase how it would have looked when the Popes lived in the house. Also on the grounds are Walt Disney’s original barn and harness room.  According to a Circle D cast member, the Pope House is slated to be gutted and moved, and all other historic buildings destroyed.  In addition to this, countless mature trees, the old train tunnels, and the most serene landscaping on the property will be lost as well. 

The removal of Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, petting zoo, and Jamboree will result in the loss of a huge chunk of Frontierland.  Walt was very nostalgic and patriotic, with a great love of nature and the old west.  This area, I believe, was the heart of Disneyland for him, and I know he would not want to see it go.  The whole area was once part of the expansive and beautiful Nature’s Wonderland.   While that attraction is gone, some of its features remain, like the natural arch, which is now part of the Big Thunder Ranch landscape.  The Big Thunder Ranch BBQ retains the old west charm and celebration of Americana that Walt always intended for the area to have.  It is a special place and has become a favorite for guests.  Many consider it to have the best food in the park, with all you can eat barbecue, and fresh baked family style desserts.  The food, relaxed experience and ambiance is unparalleled.  A Halloween carnival, crafts, visits by Santa, and charming vintage décor and music make the Big Thunder area the most magical in the park during autumn and the holidays for many guests.

Walt Disney said “Disneyland would be a world of Americans, past and present, seen through the eyes of my imagination- a place of warmth and nostalgia, of illusion and color and delight.”  Frontierland represents the warmth and nostalgia.  If the Disney Company decides to find a new location for Star Wars land, they have the opportunity to create something very special.  Disneyland park could maintain all the history and beauty it currently has, plus add this exciting new expansion.  And that could make for a spectacular park.   Please join in signing the petition to Bob Iger, CEO of the  Walt Disney Company, to keep Frontierland and Circle D intact, and plan a new location to develop this new project.