Disney World Opening Day Attraction ‘Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade’ Closed Permanently.
For over five decades, the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade at Magic Kingdom offered guests a chance to test their marksmanship in a whimsical Wild West shootout. Sadly, as of June 23rd, 2024, the iconic attraction has closed its doors, holstering its virtual six-shooters for good.
Originally known as the Frontier Shooting Gallery when it debuted alongside Magic Kingdom in 1971, the arcade transported guests to a dusty 1850s Tombstone, Arizona. Stepping into the log cabin facade, visitors were greeted by a panorama of classic Western town buildings: a jail, a bank, a ramshackle hotel, and of course, a spooky Boot Hill cemetery. These weren’t just static backdrops; these were the targets! Dozens of animated figures, from mischievous saloon rats to startled vultures, sprang to life when hit with an infrared blast.
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For a dollar, guests received 35 shots (later changed to free play in 2021) to rack up points and compete for sharpshooter bragging rights. The competitive spirit wasn’t the only draw. The charm lay in the playful, tongue-in-cheek take on gunfighter cliches. Instead of outlaws, the targets were mischievous critters and goofy townsfolk. Shooting a cactus might make it bloom with a surprised yelp, while a well-placed shot at a tombstone might send a ghostly prospector tumbling out in a flurry of dust.
The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade wasn’t just a simple shooting gallery; it was a nostalgic wink to a bygone era of Saturday morning westerns. It offered a safe and silly way for families to engage in friendly competition and add a touch of lighthearted action to their Magic Kingdom adventure.
The closure of the arcade marks the end of an era for Magic Kingdom. It’s part of a larger trend in theme parks moving away from gun-themed attractions, opting for experiences that resonate more broadly with today’s audiences. To fill the void left by the departing gunslingers, a new Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge is planned for the spot. This lounge, themed around exploration and adventure, will no doubt offer its own unique charm.
However, for many Disney fans, a little piece of the Wild West magic has set off into the sunset. The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade may be gone, but the memories of virtual shootouts and goofy graveyard gags will likely stay holstered in the hearts of those who experienced its unique brand of frontier fun.
Ready! Aim! Fire!
Mosey on up to a rustic log cabin and fill yer hands with a replica .54-caliber Hawkins buffalo rifle. Against the southwestern landscape, a familiar sight comes into view: legendary Boot Hill in the famous frontier town of Tombstone, Arizona.
Using projectile-free infrared technology, take your best shot at a bevy of moving and stationary targets. The dusty setting provides a picture-perfect backdrop to test your marksmanship.
Additional Fee Required
Frontier Shootin’ Arcade requires a small fee to play.
Safe Shootin’
Rifles at the Frontier Shootin’ Arcade do not fire pellets or projectiles of any kind. Instead, each rifle fires an invisible beam of safe infrared light. When the infrared light from the rifle strikes a sensor on the target, a hit is signaled. So fire away!