Magic Kingdom appears to be moving quickly with a significant expansion project inside Frontierland.
Magic Kingdom Playing No Games as More Walls Go up at Former Rivers of America
Stepping up to the drained Rivers of America, it’s almost impossible not to feel a pang of disbelief. Where the Liberty Square Riverboat once glided, there’s now a stretch of exposed riverbed, concrete blocks, and construction walls. Disney fans who remember lazy afternoons cruising past Tom Sawyer Island might feel a mix of nostalgia and shock—this iconic scene is disappearing before their eyes.
But beyond the initial surprise, there’s a bigger story unfolding. Disney isn’t just closing a ride or draining a river—they’re preparing to completely reimagine this space with an exciting new addition that promises to reshape Frontierland.
Even from the perimeter, the scale of the work is impressive. Beige scrims and walls have been expanded, scaffolding rises near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and remnants of the old riverboat track peek out from the riverbed. For guests curious about what’s next—or how to safely view the changes—here’s everything you need to know.
What’s New at the Rivers of America
The construction walls now stretch from the pier almost to the bridge, covering more of the drained river than ever before. The metal scrims that were once scattered across the former riverbed have been removed, revealing sections of concrete and old riverboat track, including areas near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure that were recently removed entirely.
The state of the area surrounding Rivers of America is genuinely an embarrassment. Construction walls EVERYWHERE, spots where you can see directly to the construction site, and most of all a sweltering hot Haunted Mansion queue with no airflow
The state of the area surrounding Rivers of America is genuinely an embarrassment.
Construction walls EVERYWHERE, spots where you can see directly to the construction site, and most of all a sweltering hot Haunted Mansion queue with no airflow
— BeastCoasters (@BeastCoasters) September 7, 2025
Disney permanently closed both the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island in June. Over the following weeks, the river was drained and approximately 2,000 fish were relocated to Seven Seas Lagoon, reflecting Disney’s careful approach to environmental and animal safety. All of this groundwork sets the stage for a new Cars-themed expansion in Frontierland—a massive addition that promises to transform the guest experience in this part of the park.
How to Experience the Area Now
Even amid heavy construction, visitors can still enjoy unique perspectives of the transformation:
-
Viewing Spots: The end of the pier provides the clearest views of the riverbed and construction progress.
-
Timing Tips: Early mornings or late evenings are best to avoid peak crowds in Frontierland.
-
Photo Opportunities: Elevated walkways and Main Street vantage points allow for unobstructed shots of the drained river.
While rides are closed, there’s still plenty for fans to observe, from structural changes to the scale of the expansion.
Insider Hacks for Sneaky Views
Frequent guests and locals know a few tricks to get closer to the action:
-
Aunt Polly’s Edge: Peek at the concrete blocks and remaining riverboat tracks from near Tom Sawyer Island.
-
Alternate Paths: Some walkways and scaffolding edges allow visitors to see the construction safely without violating restricted areas.
-
Social Sneak Peeks: Early morning visitors often share behind-the-scenes progress on TikTok and Instagram before official Disney announcements.
Fans have described the drained river as surreal, a rare chance to witness a major Disney project in progress.
Why Magic Kingdom Fans Are Talking About This
The closure of the Liberty Square Riverboat and draining of the river is more than just a logistical change—it’s an emotional milestone. Many guests share fond memories of riverboat rides and quiet strolls along the water, making this transformation feel bittersweet.
Online, hashtags like #RiversOfAmerica and #FrontierlandExpansion are trending, showing the blend of excitement and nostalgia in the Disney community. With careful planning, fish relocation, and the massive scope of construction, Disney is clearly signaling that Frontierland is entering a bold new era—one that fans will want to see unfold firsthand.
Source: WDWNT
