Big Al’s and Westward Ho Closing at Magic Kingdom: Demolition Permits Filed

If you’ve been keeping an eye on Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland lately, you may have noticed something odd: Big Al’s and Westward Ho have quietly vanished from the My Disney Experience digital map. That’s not a glitch. Permits filed for Big Al’s Magic Kingdom demolition 2026 confirm that these two beloved Frontierland kiosks — along with a nearby Churro Wagon Cart — are on their way out. Here’s everything we know about what’s happening and what’s coming next.

Quick Summary

• Big Al’s and Westward Ho have been removed from the My Disney Experience digital map
• Both locations are still physically open and operating as of early March 2026
• Notices of Commencement were filed for both kiosks and a nearby Churro Wagon Cart
• Buena Vista Construction Company (Disney’s in-house crew) is listed as the contractor
• The demolitions are expected to clear space for the upcoming Cars Land expansion at Magic Kingdom

Big Al’s and Westward Ho Disappear from the Magic Kingdom Map

Spotting a location disappear from the My Disney Experience app is one of the earliest signals Disney fans have learned to watch. When Big Al’s and Westward Ho both dropped off the digital map at the same time, it was clear something was coming.

Both spots are still open as of this writing — you can still grab a souvenir or a snack from either location. But the writing is on the wall. Disney rarely pulls locations from the app without a reason, and that reason almost always ends with a demolition crew showing up. If you want to make one last stop at either of these spots, now is the time.

Demolition Permits Filed for Big Al’s Magic Kingdom 2026

Here’s what makes this more than just speculation: Notices of Commencement have been filed for Big Al’s, Westward Ho, and a Churro Wagon Cart in the same Frontierland area. The contractor listed is Buena Vista Construction Company — Disney’s own in-house construction crew.

When Disney is using its own people, you know this isn’t a cosmetic refresh. These are demolition permits, and they signal that all three kiosks are coming down. The notices were filed last month, which means the clock is already ticking on these structures.

What’s Being Built in Their Place?

The demolition of these three Frontierland kiosks is believed to be tied to the Cars Land expansion coming to Magic Kingdom. Disney has been planning a major transformation of the area, and clearing these structures is consistent with staging, pathway realignment, or construction access for that project.

Cars Land is one of the most anticipated new lands heading to Walt Disney World. If demolition work is already beginning, that’s an encouraging sign for the timeline. Disney tends to move fast once permits are filed and the construction crew is assigned.

What Were Big Al’s and Westward Ho?

Big Al’s was a small merchandise kiosk in Frontierland, named after the beloved character from the Country Bear Jamboree. For longtime Disney fans, it carried sentimental weight — a nod to one of the park’s classic, original attractions. Westward Ho was a quick-service snack location in the same area, serving churros and other grab-and-go items.

Casual guests may not have thought twice about these spots, but they were part of Frontierland’s character for years. Their loss won’t feel dramatic day-to-day, but it’s another reminder that Magic Kingdom is in the middle of a significant transformation.

What This Means for Your Next Magic Kingdom Visit

If you have a trip coming up and Big Al’s is on your list, go soon. There’s no official closing date announced, but once a Notice of Commencement is filed and the crew is confirmed, closures can happen quickly. The same goes for Westward Ho — if you want that Frontierland churro experience, don’t put it off.

The good news? Everything happening here points to something bigger and better coming to this corner of the park. Cars Land at Magic Kingdom would be a massive addition for families and Pixar fans, and if these kiosks are making way for that, it’s a trade most guests will welcome.

Final Thoughts on Big Al’s Magic Kingdom Demolition 2026

The disappearance of Big Al’s and Westward Ho from the My Disney Experience map — backed by real demolition permits from Buena Vista Construction Company — confirms that Frontierland is changing. Both spots are still open for now, but their days are numbered. Grab one last souvenir, snag a final churro, and say your goodbyes. If the result is a full Cars Land experience at Magic Kingdom, the vast majority of Disney fans will agree it was worth it. Stay with DisMornings for updates as construction moves forward.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!