Walt Disney World Resort is doing its best to keep the ongoing transformation of Magic Kingdom Park under wraps. After nearly two months of construction and demolition, Disney is now working to shield the changes in Frontierland from Disney Park guests.
The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat all permanently closed in early July 2025, kicking off a large-scale project to overhaul Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland. Construction teams drained the rivers, and Walt Disney Imagineers started tearing down parts of Tom Sawyer Island in preparation to flatten the area.
At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney World Resort revealed that the Rivers of America and Liberty Square Riverboat would be replaced with two brand-new Cars (2006)-themed attractions. These attractions will be a part of Piston Peak National Park, a new Frontierland area inspired by the natural beauty of America’s national parks. Guests can expect a thrilling rally race ride, a family-friendly attraction, and new landscaping incorporating elements like barrel bridges and water features from the existing Rivers of America.
Last week, Disney Fanatic reported that crews had begun to remove the Liberty Square Riverboat track from the drained Rivers of America. However, Disney Parks fans might not be able to keep such a close eye on the ongoing demolition for much longer.
Posting to ruin Disney fans days
According to BlogMickey, Disney has started working to shield Magic Kingdom Park guests from the ongoing demolition. Crews have been spotted installing scaffolding around the riverbed, which will block the view of the construction zone from Frontierland and Liberty Square. The first pieces of scaffolding have been placed around the boardwalk near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but as construction progresses, more barricades are likely to be set up.
Outside the perimeter of Magic Kingdom, crews have bulldozed hundreds, if not thousands, of trees to create an equipment staging lot and trailer office complex. This area will serve as the base for the construction of both Piston Peak National Park and a new Disney Villains land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” Earlier this month, crews cleared more trees to prepare for the future Disney Villains area.
Walt Disney World Resort has yet to release an official opening date for Piston Peak National Park or the Disney Villains land at Magic Kingdom Park. Follow Disney Fanatic for updates on these and other Disney Park projects!
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort’s decision to cover up the Frontierland construction at Magic Kingdom Park? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
