Timber Peak Saloon
Prelude
The essence of Disney parks and resorts has always been a sense of exploration and an immersion in your adventures. They also incorporate rich backstories that develop the narrative of your adventure, to provide context and clarity. The one commonality that the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Disney's Wilderness Lodge have is that spirit of adventure. For our new bar surrounding a S.E.A. character, we have chosen Barnabas T. Bullion, owner of the Big Thunder Mining Company. Throughout our narrative, we will explore his character development and interactions with other S.E.A. member Jason Chandler, explorers such as Ezekiel Moreland of the Wilderness Lodge, and most notably the relationship with his daughter Abigail. As you progress through the narrative, and ultimately see the final product, you'll be able to understand Bullion's motivation behind the bar/local meeting place, how it connects with the Big Thunder Mountain attraction, S.E.A., and Bullion's innate, yet sometimes hidden, compassion for his daughter Abigail.
The Wildest Ride in to The Wilderness
Timber Peak Saloon Origins
The year is 1882, in the mountains of the Arizona Territory. Barnabas T. Bullion, a greedy and stubborn businessman, continues to mine in the Big Thunder Mountain Region despite several cave-ins due to what locals call a "supernatural" presence in the mountains. The tiny town of Tumbleweed neighbors the mountain range, where Bullion has taken residence for the past several years, as he feels it is his birth-right and entitlement to find the gold out west. Growing up with an East Coast fortune, Bullion made the journey west to find gold and increase his fortune.
Along for his endeavors has been his daughter, Abigail Bullion. A young, restless, and rebellious woman, Abigail has gone on several adventures in the Big Thunder Mountain landscape, sometimes teaming up with cautionary miner, Jason Chandler. Chandler, while having respect for Barnabas (nickname Barney), has always warned the greedy businessman of the supernatural forces that haunt Big Thunder, making it dangerous for the miners, and recommending to Bullion that he move to a different mountain range. Stubborn and persistent, Barney consistently denied Chandler's recommendations, while simultaneously having to deal with his rambunctious daughter, who would, with the help of Chandler, attempt to steal her father's gold, and give it to the poor citizens of Tumbleweed.
After decades of searching for gold, and the appearances of a runaway mine train roaring through the desert landscape, Barney Bullion had developed high stress and needed a change of scenery. While a ruthless businessman, he did have a soft spot for his daughter, Abigail, and always wanted the best for her, especially after her mother passed away. Being the only parental figure in her life, and wanting her away from the harsh environments of Big Thunder, Barney asked his daughter if she would like to take a trip north with him to build a new vacation estate.
Being close to Jason Chandler, Abigail asked Chandler if he could come along on the journey so she didn't have to constantly talk with her father, and Chandler, aspiring to expand and develop his secret society, the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, decided to take the trek north through the untamed wilderness. Chandler also took this journey to avoid having to interfere with the spirits of Big Thunder, something he had always professed while on the mining job.
The trio of explorers set off from the northern Arizona border on horseback with a goal of reaching the Grand Tetons, as a new estate location. However, early on in the trip, Barney's motivation for the trip swayed back to his greedy personality, and rather than looking out for his daughter, spent most of the days making Chandler search for new areas to mine for gold. This frustrated Chandler and alienated Abigail, who wish she never made the journey with her father.
Reaching the basins of present-day Utah, they arrived at a small frontier town of Arches in the snowy winter, where the native town folk greeted the travelers with hospitality. One of the townsmen was Reginald Rosenfield, who greeted the trio and invited them to his local meeting place in the town. Walking inside the expansive space, Chandler was impressed by how it brought everyone together, and recommended to Bullion that he would help him build and construct his estate, as long as there is a local meeting place for S.E.A. Even Bullion was impressed by the design of the town meeting place, and made a deal with Chandler that they would build a local meeting place for the Society of Explorers and Adventurers in the same vein as the local meeting place in Arches, Utah. They thanked Rosenfield for the hospitality, however when they went to stay the night, Bullion realized that Abigail had run away.
Suddenly overcome with remorse and grief, Bullion set off with Chandler on horseback through the Utah canyons and mountain ranges, searching for Abigail. Bullion remembered that Abigail's favorite spots were high above the ground below, and gazing at the vista below. So Bullion climbed to the tallest mountain in the region in search for his daughter. Eventually, on top of the mountain, Abigail was sitting with an easel and paint, turned it around, and showed her father a portrait of him coming to find her. Bullion realized he had been distance with his daughter, and asked for forgiveness and was remorseful. He promised that while he may go back down to Big Thunder, he will always find the time to spend with Abigail. She forgave him and they continued on their journey north.
United States Map
Bullion's Travel from Tumbleweed, AZ to Yellowstone, WY
Reaching into the mountains of Wyoming, the trio came across a towering lodge next to a spring with a geyser, neighboring a large lake. Approaching the large atrium, they were greeted by the founder of the property, an elderly Colonel Ezekiel Moreland. Sitting in a rocking chair by a large fireplace in the main concourse, Colonel Moreland greeted the travelers and introduced them to his daughter Genevieve and her companion, an Austrian artist, Frederich Alonzo Gustaf. They toured Silver Creek Springs and fell in love with the land just as Ezekiel Moreland did in the early 1800s. Growing older and passing of his land to his daughter, Bullion, being the businessman that he is, however with a newfound softer side, asked Ezekiel if he could help maintain and expand his land with new additions and a local gathering place on property. Ezekiel was happy to make the agreement with Bullion and soon work began on an expansion of the property.
After a few years of work, the Cooper Creek Cabins were built for members of S.E.A. as well as the local meeting place for the organization. The local meeting place was given the name Timber Peak. It featured a fine assortment of beverages and food for the S.E.A. members, as well as a second level for a game room, and a private S.E.A. lounge, along with a balcony wrapping around its exterior for the inhabitants to admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. To elicit the new amicable relationship with Bullion and his daughter, the first decoration he added to his local meeting place, was the painting Abigail drew of him trying to find her in the Utah mountains. This painting meant something special to him, as it was the moment he realized that while you can't take the persistence of adventure and exploration out of him, he should reconcile and nurture the relationship with his only daughter.
Abigail's Painting of Barnabas T. Bullion in Utah
Furthermore, as part of the construction agreement, Colonel Ezekiel Moreland and his family were all inducted into the S.E.A. community by Jason Chandler, as well as Abigail Bullion, who took up a permanent resident in Silver Creek Springs, having fallen in love with the atmosphere. She was quoted regarding how there is much to explore in the American Northwest without the risk that was bestowed upon everyone at Big Thunder. Furthermore, Jason Chandler sent out letters to other members of S.E.A., in particular Lord Henry Mystic, who in 1880, attempted to build a secret meeting place for members in the rain-forest, however over the years it was taken by natural elements. Now with the new location in Silver Creek Springs, several of the S.E.A. members soon flocked to the wilderness and the community grew and prospered, and the Boulder Ridge Villas and Wilderness Lodge Resort opened in the later 1920s.
Over the years, Barnabas T. Bullion still travels back down to Tumbleweed for business, and Jason Chandler, who decided to also stay in the Cooper Creek Cabins, would write letters to Bullion when he was in Tumbleweed, slightly jabbing at his colleague for his persistence in digging up gold he shouldn't tamper with. Ultimately though, the local meeting place served as a reminder and acknowledgement for Bullion that there is more to life than gold, and somethings in life, you can't put a price-tag on. Timber Peak, the meeting place for S.E.A. and a local gathering location, still stands and is open to guests today at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
Location - Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort
Timber Peak Saloon will be located in between Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort and the adjacent Boulder Ridge Villas (The Wilderness Lodge DVC Villas). There is a covered walkway right starting at the Buttons and Bells Arcade attached to the main lobby and traveling all the way to the lobby of the Villas.
The bar will be located to the right of that in the open area to the right of the covered walkway. This is an ideal location because it is also close to the bus stop for quick and easy transportation.
In addition, as we will see in the exterior and interior description, Timber Peak's color pallet is a blend of both the Wilderness Lodge green and brown exterior, with a hint of the villas dark red roof colors, making it a transition piece between the resort and the villas. both in location and thematically.
Timber Peak Saloon - Exterior Description
The quaint, two-story Timber Peak Saloon is a seamless blend of the architectural designs of both the Wilderness Lodge and Boulder Ridge Villas. It also is reminiscent of a small town saloon, typical in the American Frontier, which ties it back to the local meeting place location that Bullion stumbled upon in his travels through Utah, and is also a subtle call-back to the greater Frontierland/Big Thunder Mountain Railroad archetype of a saloon.
Timber Peak Saloon - Interior Description
Using the Bullion family fortune and gold profits that Barnabas had inherited and found, the interior of Timber Peak keeps a rustic vibe, but also adds a sophisticated touch as well. The wood panelings blends in with the cabin atmosphere of the Wilderness Lodge, while the more vibrant olive green furnishings offer a unique atmospheric location within the resort, while still keeping true to the overall Wilderness Lodge theme.
Barnabus T. Bullion outside of the Timber Peak Saloon (circa 1882)
Inside Timber Peak Saloon there are two floors.
The first floor includes the bar area, majority of the seating locations, restrooms, as well as a corner for live western music to be played on select nights. As you take the stairs up to the second floor, you can walk out onto a balcony that wraps around the majority of the saloon, providing grand vistas of both the resort and villas. Moreover, on the second floor, there is additional seating for the food/beverage area, and two private rooms that can be used by the guests.
There is a Billiards room on the second floor, continuing the rustic theme in its design, equipped with a billiards table and an assortment of other games.
There is also an elaborate S.E.A. private meeting room next to the billiards room, which was used by Jason Chandler, Barnabas T. Bullion, and several other S.E.A. members who would visit Timber Peaks for secret meetings in the American Wilderness.
The Society of Explorers and Adventurers Secret Meeting Room
Timber Peak Saloon - Elevation Chart
Timber Peak Saloon has an elevation of 37 ft above sea level and rises two stories in the air (at a height of approximately 23 feet tall).
Timber Peak Food Menu
Appetizers/Bar Menu
Pork Chili - $5.25 ----- Served in a Frybread bowl - $7.50
Vegetarian Chili - $5.25 ----- Served in a Frybread bowl - $7.50
Homemade TNT Salsa with Sweet Potato, Tortilla, and Frybread Chips - $9.50
Thunder Mountain Golden Onion Rings - $9.50
Nachoes - loaded with white queso, shreaded Jalapeño Cheese, tomato, refried beans, and sour cream $9.50
Steam Train Salad served with Bacon, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, chicken, and Jalapeno Ranch dressing --- $9.50
Frybread topping Trio - BBQ Pork, Refriend Beans, and Geyser Guacamole $5.25
Lunch/Dinner
Tumbleweed Trout - served with a sweet corn, peppers, and tomato Salsa. - 19.50
Rainbow Ridge Citrus Fire Grilled Chicken - 1/2 Chicken seasoned in a Savory Marinade of Cumin, Garlic, Cilantro, Lemon and Lime served with Mexican Rice and Refried Beans - 16.50
Big Thunder Burger - TNT Salsa, Lettuce, Pickle, Tomato, Bacon, Onion Rings, Jalapeños, and Pepper Jack Cheese.
Chandler's Switchback Nachoes - loaded with white queso, BBQ shredded pork, shreaded Jalapeño Cheese, tomato, black beans, refried beans, sour cream, geyser guacamole, and queso fresco. $17.50
Sizzling Southwest Fajitia - Choose from Chicken, Steak, BBQ Pork, or Fish, with fresh 5 fresh tortillas, tomatoes, onion, lettuce, black beans, refried beans, sour cream, geyser guacamole, and shredded cheese to build your own Fajitias. $20.50
The Bullion Family Sizzling Southwest Fajitia Dinner - Choose from unlimited Chicken, Steak, BBQ Pork, or Fish, with fresh fresh tortillas, tomatoes, onion, lettuce, black beans, refried beans, sour cream, geyser guacamole, and shredded cheese, quesco fresco, green and red peppers, and red cabbage to build your own Fajitias. - 32.50 per person
Steam Train Salad - served with Bacon, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, BBQ Pork, cucumbers, Jalapenos, and Jalapeno Ranch dressing --- $14.50
Kid's Menu
Thunder Mesa Golden Nuggets - Corn Dog Nuggets or Chicken Nuggets served with fruit (Grapes, Apples or Strawberries) and a vegetable (carrots, side salad, or mashed potatoes). - $13.50
Railroad Wheel Macaroni and Cheese - Mac and Cheese in the shape of train wheels served with fruit (Grapes, Apples or Strawberries) and a vegetable (carrots or mashed potatoes).- $11.50
Cowboy Cheese Pizza - A Small cheese pizza in the shape of a cowboy hat served with fruit (Grapes, Apples or Strawberries) and a vegetable (carrots, side salad, or mashed potatoes) - $15.50
Desserts
Peanut Butter Frybread with Grape pie topping a la mode - 7.45
Carmel Corn Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping - 8.45
Goldmine Chocolate Cake - Chocolate cake topped with dulce de leche - 8.25
Gluten Free Berry Crumble - 9.45
Goat's Dessert Trio - Go Out with a Bang! Choose any two desserts served with 3 strawberry filled, chocolate covered cannoli "dynamite") 14.45
Kid's Desserts
Cowboy Chocolate Cake - A Small vanilla cake in the shape Mickey Ears with a frosting cowboy hat.
Gold and Dirt - A take on the Classic "Worms and Dirt" with candy chocolate gold nuggets, chocolate pudding, and oreo crumbles.
Timber Peak Saloon - Beverage Menu
Mixed Drinks/Liquors/Spirits
Thunder Mesa - Whiskey with cherries for garnish, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. $12.99
Old Faithful - a classic old fashioned. Bourbon Whiskey with two dashes of bitters, simple syrup, and an orange slice. $13.99
Nature's Wonderland - bombay sapphire gin, cherry brandy, lemon juice, and choice of soda mix. $11.99
Moreland - Galliano Liqueur, Cointreau Liqueur, orange juice, and a dash of creme. $11.99
Rainbow Ridge - bourbon, mint sprigs, rainbow syrup. $10.99
Teepee Cocktail - Dewar's White Label Blended Scotch Whisky, cooled darjeeling tea, orange juice, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, sugar, and soda water. $12.99
Steamroller - 23 year old DeKuyper Strawbwerry Schnapps, apple juice. $14.99
"Fire in the hole" - Tequila Cazafores Blanco, grapefruit soda, lime juice, club soda. $12.99
Bullion's Last Resort - Dry Sherry Wine, martini rosso, orange bitters. $12.99
Redstone - bombay sapphire gin, cherry brandy, lime juice, sloe gin, grenadine, creme de cassis liqueur. $13.99
Grand Valley - Sour apple liqueur, pure vodka, apple juice, fresh lime juice. $12.99
The Conestoga Wagon - martini bianco, chambord liqueur, pineapple juice. $11.99
Albert's Delight - sloe gin, apricot brandy, bacardi dark rum, lemon juice, grenedine. $12.99
Backstory - When Lord Henry Mystic first arrived at Timber Peak after an invitation from Jason Chandler, his monkey, Albert, ended up drinking a concoction that was on the bar table. Soon, Albert was the happiest monkey around.
The Explorer - southern comfort liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice. $11.99
Cowboy Up! - Mckenna Bourbon, sugar syrup, orange peel, and angostura bitters. $11.99
Beer on Tap
Coors, Coors Light, Bud Light, Miller, Sam Adams Seasonal, Narragansett
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Genevieve's Pink Lemonade
Soda Geyser
- Choice of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Iced Tea, Soda Water.
Custom Bar Glasses
Additional Timber Peak Saloon Facts
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Hidden Easter Eggs:
The original concept for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was inspired by the Disney film
The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, starring John Davidson. On select nights, a live music band of the same name will play, with the name being a tribute to the inspiration for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
The horseshoe in the bar is right-side up. On the ride, before you enter the bat room mine section at the beginning of the attraction, there is an upside-down horseshoe, which superstitious people think is bad luck. When Barnabas T. Bullion built his new saloon, he made sure any horseshoes inside were right-side up.
Timber Peak's founding date was September 23rd, same as the opening day of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom.
The famous saying "Hang on to your hats and glasses" can be seen as you walk towards the rest rooms on the first floor.
Holiday Overlays
Disney's Wilderness Lodge is one of the most decorated resorts during the holiday season, and Timber Peak Saloon will follow suit with the greater resort area. During the Christmas Season, the Saloon will feature various decorations including wreathes, garland, and lights, to add to the holiday cheer. There will be special holiday menu items that are only available from November till the beginning of January.
Some prominent menu items are Peppermint Vodka drinks, Egg Nog (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as well as a variety of mixed beverages with a dash of seasonal delight, such as festive bar glasses and elaborate decoration displays.
Timber Peak Saloon Information and Statistics
Hours: 11:30 AM - 1:30 AM
Capacity: 86
Bartenders: 6
Servers: 9
Cooks/Chef: 5
Attendance per night: Slow Season 250/High Season 500
Dining Plan?: Yes, Quick Service Credit
No Reservations and No MyMagic+ Pre-Ordering
Custom Cakes for Celebrations? Yes, Call 407-WDW-DINE
Phone: 407-234-9396
Address: 902 Timberline Dr, Orlando, FL 32830
Conclusion
The Timber Peak Saloon hopes to offer an adult location in the vein of Trader Sam's at one of the more romantic and secluded resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort. The saloon also ties together and expands several of the intertwined Disney story-lines in their parks and resorts, tying the S.E.A. mythology with the explorers who founded the Wilderness Lodge, as well as giving a greater character development to Barnabas T. Bullion.
Thank you for reading Team Mystic's presentation!
