Big changes are on the horizon for Magic Kingdom Park as Walt Disney World Resort has officially filed permits to demolish parts of the original Frontierland. This marks the beginning of a major overhaul of one of the park’s oldest lands, as the resort prepares for one of its most significant expansions yet.
At the D23 Expo 2024, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed that the upcoming overhaul of Frontierland will bring two new Cars (2006) themed attractions to Magic Kingdom Park. The expansion, Piston Peak National Park, will take over much of the Rivers of America area, introducing a thrilling roadster race ride and a family-friendly attraction with an all-new character, Ranger Autobahn Woodlore. The concept art also suggests that the new area will preserve parts of the Rivers of America’s scenic beauty while connecting to the future Disney Villains land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.”
As part of this major transformation, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close permanently on July 7, 2025, with each’s final day of operation set for July 6. With the closures just weeks away, Walt Disney World Resort has officially filed a demolition permit for Tom Sawyer Island.
On June 25, 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a “Notice of Commencement” for construction and demolition work in the Tom Sawyer Island area. The filed permits list NorthStar Contracting Group, Inc. for the work, which will include demolition, infrastructure preparation, and utility modifications. The permit is valid for a year.
Earlier today, Walt Disney Imagineering filed permits for demolition, infrastructure prep, and utility work on Tom Sawyer Island.
July 6 is the last day to experience Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle at Magic Kingdom.
Earlier today, Walt Disney Imagineering filed permits for demolition, infrastructure prep, and utility work on Tom Sawyer Island.
July 6 is the last day to experience Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle at Magic Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/qls7CnyhuW
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) June 25, 2025
To accommodate guests who want one last ride on the Liberty Square Riverboat or a final visit to Tom Sawyer Island, Disney has extended the riverboat’s hours to 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Tom Sawyer Island is open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. most days, but guests are advised to check the My Disney Experience app or Walt Disney World Resort website for up-to-date hours before planning their visits.
While the opening dates for Piston Peak National Park and the nearby Disney Villains land have yet to be announced, Walt Disney World Resort’s website promises they will be “the largest expansion in history at Magic Kingdom.” Frontierland has already undergone some changes over the last few years, such as the retheming of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the Country Bear Musical Jamboree revamp, and the closure of the original Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade to make way for a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) lounge. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also undergoing a year-long refurbishment, with plans to debut some “new magic” when it reopens next year.
Do you have a favorite memory from Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom Park? Share it with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
