When the Magic Kingdom opened at Walt Disney World Resort, there were six distinct lands — Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Liberty Square. Those six lands are still what make the Magic Kingdom the heart of Disney World, but they have changed a fair bit since 1971.
Last year, Disney announced some MAJOR changes were coming to Frontierland, and guests are still upset about what is coming. Petitions have been signed, and fans of The Most Magical Place on Earth have been vocal, but Disney is moving forward with its plans.
Related: Disney Schedules Frontierland Demolition, Days Remain To Experience Original Magic Kingdom Land
Next month, construction is expected to begin on the new Cars Land area, which will be known as Piston Peak when it opens. To make way for the new area, Tom Sawyer Island will be demolished, and the Rivers of America will be filled in, which also means saying goodbye to the Liberty Square Riverboat.
However, this is not the only construction currently taking place in Frontierland.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for a major refurbishment in January of this year, and the ride is not scheduled to open until sometime in 2026. New track has been laid down, and even bigger changes are on the way.
Related: Pandemic Closure Update: Disney World Change Happening on June 30
With so much set to change in the iconic land, some might think most of Frontierland is not worth visiting. But Disney is always thinking of ways to add some magic to all corners of its parks, and that is exactly what they did.
Guests headed to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, located next to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, were shocked and delighted to see a band playing! The group is called Nola and Eighth Notes, and they were singing some of our favorite tunes from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog.
There’s a fun new New Orleans streetmosphere band that made its debut yesterday at the Magic Kingdom called Nola and the Eighth Notes. They perform outside Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and perform songs from “The Princess and the Frog” and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Attraction. @WaltDisneyWorld @DisneyParks
— ThrillGeek (@thrillgeek) June 30, 2025
Related: Big Thunder Mountain Takes HUGE Step During Refurbishment!
We do not know how long Nola and the Eighth will be playing at Frontierland or how many times per day they will perform. But we do know that you might be able to find them in a few spots or follow their performance.
Visitors noted that the band started playing outside Grizzly Hall and gradually made their way over to Big Thunder Mountain and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
So, if you feel like singing, dancing, and going down the bayou, then you’ll definitely want to check out Nola and the Eighth Notes!
Will you be grooving along with Nola and the Eighth Notes when you visit Frontierland? Are you glad Disney is adding more entertainment to the theme park? Are you excited about the upcoming Cars Land, or are you upset about the closure of Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat? Share your thoughts on all things Frontierland with us in the comments!
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