Rumor Frontierland Shootin' arcade to close and replaced with DVC Member lounge

[MickeyLuv'r]

I also remember it being very good, but that was back in 1987 I believe (it would have been right after the rescue of baby jessica from the well. I remember seeing the rescue on news before heading out for our trip.)

However I don't really see western type themes having all that much broad appeal currently. Nor for that matter review type shows in general. It isn't just about placing IP, its about bringing in entertainment that has broad mass market appeal, either its original parks create Disney IP, or movie/other Disney owned IP. The wild west/frontier is just not as mainstream appealable theming as it once was. Kids today aren't playing cowboys and Indians, aren't building many forts in the woods, ect.

I just read (elsewhere) that the Hoop-Dee-Doo Show remains very popular. (Though I can't say this from any personal knowledge.) and someone else beat me to it in this thread.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I think the arcade was important as atmosphere as much as an “attraction”

The grist mill on Tom Sawyer island isn’t an overly popular attraction - but it is enjoyed by a few guests each day and provides atmosphere for the entire land.

 

[Jambo Dad]

The Diamond Horseshoe has been open for many years, serving the same menu as Liberty Tree Tavern.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/diamond-horseshoe/

True but it was mothballed for a number of years. I think the point should be that we have mixed emotions new attractions have not kept pace with attendance and hotel capacity. I don’t think we have used the shooting range since my son was little, but you just hate to keep losing things.

 

[eddie104]

I won’t be surprised to see shooting arcades at other parks to close in the coming years.

 

[JoeCamel]

I won’t be surprised to see shooting arcades at other parks to close in the coming years.

If they are an underperforming space? Yep

 

[jeanericuser001]

Well this attraction had its shot and lasted longer then most. Now its future is shot and soon will be replaced by a DVC lounge where some people who have secretly had too many shots can take a rest.

 

[John park hopper]

Another Disney original gone SAD

 

[larryz]

Both Tomorrowlands are in seriously rough shape - why can’t the DVC member lounge go where stitch was!?

Big holes in the floor.

 

[montyz81]

More devaluing the money you spend at Disney! Shame.

 

[JoeCamel]

More devaluing the money you spend at Disney! Shame.

But maximizing those sweet DVC dollars.....

 

[RichVIII]

We only went the past few times since the rumor was floated it would close and it was something nostalgic. My teen DD loved it and is a heck of a good shot.

Would I have been willing to put quarters in it? No.
Were we typically alone in the gallery? Yes.
Did I stand there and think about the maintenance and how compared to today’s arcades that this thing would probably be so boring to most kids? Absolutely.

 

[EagleScout610]

Well its 11pm. Magic Kingdom is closed and all I have to say to Frontierland Shootin' Arcade is-

 

[wdwmagic]

Construction Walls Go Up In Frontierland at Magic Kingdom​

Construction Walls Go Up In Frontierland at Magic Kingdom

Construction Walls Go Up In Frontierland at Magic Kingdom

www.wdwmagic.com

 

[monothingie]

 

[danlb_2000]

They could have left it open and allowed people to shoot at the DVC members.

 

[monothingie]

They could have left it open and allowed people to shoot at the DVC members.

In all honesty, we would rightfully deserve it too.

 

[ToTBellHop]

In all honesty, we would rightfully deserve it too.

I’ll be walking by you for my Coke Zero Sugar with vanilla and orange like

 

[EricsBiscuit]

In the last 8 years, where was the steady stream of people at it? Seriously I remember it being a fun draw when i went as a kid 30+ years ago. But in the last 8 years since we have been taking our kids, I didn’t think I have ever seen it really full. Sure you might see one or 2 kids, but I never saw anything close to a “steady stream.”

In addition outside of bass pro shops, I haven’t seen anything similar to this offering anywhere, which kinda speaks to its popularity/demand. Penny/quarter style arcades are a dying breed in general. And in the markets where arcade type setting still exist, like a Dave and Busters for example, none of them are marketing these types of laser gun type “games.” It was a great piece of tech when it was first built, but times move on. It’s 30+ years old, society’s view of kids “playing”‘with guns (for good or bad I am not judging) has changed, and the space can almost certainly be used for something else.

At the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, which takes up almost the entire OC convention center, there are many vendors who sell shooting arcades. They wouldn’t sell them if they didn’t make money. Also, if kids playing with guns is such a big deal, why are there countless video games which are full of violence and shooting? I’m not against them, but I’m just pointing out that “society” doesn’t seem to care much at all.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Same difference to me. Other than my first visit, I’ve walked by the shooting gallery every time. I’ll do the same with a DVC lounge.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I wish they would bring back the Diamond Horseshoe Review...I remember having to make reservations for it when I was a kid.... Or maybe some other Western Saloon themed live entertainment.... Oh, but there is no current Disney IP set in the Wild West.....darnit.... Placemaking no longer matters, just IP integration...

“Coming soon…Woody!

You hated Lightyear, but we promise the inspiration for the Woody toy did not have two moms! You’ll love it.”