Big Thunder Ranch Frontierland area at Disneyland near Big Thunder Mountain, a re-creation of an 1880s working horse ranch, which included a petting area, ranch house, stable, and outdoor restaurant, opened on June 27, 1986. The Disneyland livestock had always been kept in the Pony Farm behind the Magic Kingdom, out of the sight of guests. Here, guests could now see and pet some of the horses, goats, and sheep, watch a blacksmith or harness-maker at work, and visit the ranch house. For several years, Mickey Moo, a cow with a Mickey Mouse-shaped mark on her back, was a highlight of a visit to Big Thunder Ranch. The ranch closed in February 1996, to make way for a medieval village for a Hunchback of Notre Dame show which closed on April 18, 1998. From 1998 to 2004, the area was used for corporate gatherings. On April 2, 2004 it reopened as Little Patch of Heaven to promote Home on the Range, and then returned to its original name. It is scheduled to close on Jan. 10, 2016, to make way for a new Star Wars-themed land.
