Major changes are underway around Magic Kingdom Park as bulldozers and construction crews move into position for what Walt Disney World Resort calls its largest expansion in park history. With new lands announced at D23 Expo 2024 and fresh permits now approved by local authorities, the transformation surrounding Frontierland and the areas just beyond it has officially begun.
A Closer Look at Magic Kingdom’s Expanding Footprint
The groundwork for the expansion started in 2024, when Walt Disney World Resort confirmed two major additions coming to Magic Kingdom Park. First is Piston Peak National Park, a new part of Frontierland inspired by Pixar’s Cars (2006) and themed to resemble America’s national parks. The expansion features two attractions: one designed for families and another billed as a high-speed, rally-style racing experience. To make way for the new area, Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Rivers of America were permanently closed.
The second addition is the long-awaited Disney Villains land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” While details remain under wraps, Disney has teased that the new area will include attractions, entertainment, dining, shopping, and character meet-and-greets.
Authorities Approve New Multi-Acre Development
The latest jump forward in construction came when the South Florida Water Management District approved Walt Disney World Resort’s permit for a 12.5-acre expansion near Magic Kingdom Park at a site known as STOLport. The permit allows for the construction of new office buildings, parking facilities, sidewalks, and utilities, as well as modifications to existing retention ponds. The approval, valid for five years, supports the behind-the-scenes development needed to bring Piston Peak National Park and Disney Villains land to life.
Plans show at least two permanent office buildings for Walt Disney Imagineering, replacing previous temporary trailers. The STOLport area, situated just south of Magic Kingdom, already features access roads created during construction for Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, which is set to open in 2027.
Bulldozers Clear the Way Around Magic Kingdom
Construction crews have been visible in the Magic Kingdom Park area since early summer 2025. Bulldozers have cleared hundreds of trees for staging areas and temporary office complexes. Workers drained the Rivers of America and flattened Tom Sawyer Island in preparation for Piston Peak National Park. Scaffolding and construction walls now stretch across what once served as Frontierland’s waterfront.
The Walt Disney World Railroad currently operates only between Main Street, U.S.A., and Fantasyland while work blocks access to the full track. Aerial footage from @bioreconstruct on X (formerly Twitter) shows Magic Kingdom Park in its current state:
Aerial video of construction in Magic Kingdom.
Former Tom Sawyer Island near Frontierland will be Piston Peak National Park.
Larger former island next to Big Thunder Mountain and beyond to be Villains land.
Also seen are construction staging areas near roads.
Aerial video of construction in Magic Kingdom.
Former Tom Sawyer Island near Frontierland will be Piston Peak National Park.
Larger former island next to Big Thunder Mountain and beyond to be Villains land.
Also seen are construction staging areas near roads. pic.twitter.com/Fjz8JD69kr— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 1, 2025
Walt Disney World Resort has not announced opening dates for Piston Peak National Park or the Disney Villains land coming to the Magic Kingdom.
Are you excited about the Disney Villains land and Piston Peak National Park? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
