Big changes are underway at Magic Kingdom Park, and with them, one of the park’s most patriotic corners is disappearing before guests’ eyes. As construction progresses, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are gone, leaving only puddles, mud, and a handful of exposed structures.
The transformation began after Walt Disney World Resort announced at D23 Expo 2024 that Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Rivers of America would be replaced by a Cars (2006)-themed area. The new land, Piston Peak National Park, will feature a high-energy rally race ride, a family-friendly attraction, and a landscape inspired by America’s national parks. Some existing Frontierland details will remain, including select water features and the iconic barrel bridge.
Last month, the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island welcomed their final guests. Almost immediately afterward, Disney walled off the area and began draining the Rivers of America. Crews have been hard at work ever since, removing props and set pieces from the island. Some of those items were saved for the Walt Disney Archives, while others were discarded.
Farewell, Rivers of America. Thanks for the memories. 🫡
This is not the only change to the Magic Kingdom skyline. Even before the final rides closed, crews bulldozed hundreds of trees behind Frontierland to make way for temporary trailers and staging areas. These sites will support both Piston Peak National Park and the Disney Villains land set to rise “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.”
Now, construction equipment has rolled into the drained riverbed. According to WDWNT, the Rivers of America has been reduced to a few puddles surrounding the former Liberty Square Riverboat track. The outlet observed that birds were hunting the last remaining fish in shallow waters.
While Tom Sawyer Island has been closed to guests, some structures remain visible. The old mill building remains, as do the raft docks where guests once boarded boats to reach the island.
The drained river has also exposed less picturesque details. Support beams and unpainted rockwork are now visible under the bridge leading to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
More concerning, a mesh barrier separating the Rivers of America from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure appears to have collapsed during the Piston Peak National Park construction. Footprints in the mud suggest that Walt Disney Imagineers are onsite investigating the issue.
Walt Disney World Resort has not announced an official opening date for Piston Peak National Park or the Disney Villains land at Magic Kingdom Park.
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort’s decision to replace the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island with Piston Peak National Park? Share your thoughts with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
As a Retired Veteran, HELL NO!!!
I am not as excited as I use to be. Alot of my younger day’s attractions are being destroyed. It is like losing a part of your past, but Disney exec really doesn’t give a Da** anyway. Been going to Disney parks for a long time, now? I just don’t know.