Walt Disney World Resort has taken another official step toward its largest Frontierland overhaul yet. According to a new construction permit, work is set to begin next month in an area just west of Magic Kingdom Park, as the company prepares for sweeping changes that will dramatically reshape the land.
As revealed at D23 Expo 2024, Frontierland will soon be home to two all-new attractions themed to Pixar’s Cars (2006), replacing the existing Tom Sawyer Island and large sections of the Rivers of America. This transformation marks the end of a major piece of the Magic Kingdom’s original layout, including the likely closure of the Liberty Square Riverboat.
In addition to Cars, Disney also confirmed that it’s moving forward with plans for a new Disney Villains-themed land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain.” This expansion will undoubtedly increase foot traffic in Frontierland and significantly extend the Magic Kingdom Park footprint.
Frontierland has already undergone significant changes in recent years. In 2024, Splash Mountain became Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and the Country Bear Jamboree received an overhaul into the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This year, the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade was converted into a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) lounge.
In January, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for its most extensive refurbishment ever. The classic coaster will be closed for at least a year while crews replace the track and add “new magic” to the beloved attraction. It’s expected to reopen in early 2026.
Disney is expected to hold off on demolishing Tom Sawyer Island and draining the Rivers of America until Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens. But behind the scenes, preparations are well underway. Earlier this year, the company received permission to drain the waterways and clear the land. Crews have already begun work west of the park.
The latest permit offers even more insight. It outlines a plan for a new trailer compound just outside Magic Kingdom Park, complete with a potable water connection. According to the filing, construction will begin in June 2025 and is expected to wrap up by May 2026, with a project budget of around $100,000.
So far, Walt Disney World Resort has not shared closing dates for Tom Sawyer Island or the Liberty Square Riverboat, nor has it confirmed opening dates for the Cars attractions or the Disney Villains expansion.
Which part of Frontierland will you miss the most: the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, or the Liberty Square Riverboat? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
