The countdown begins.
As Magic Kingdom continues to evolve for a new generation of explorers, guests will soon witness one of the most transformative changes in the park’s history. With construction set to begin this summer, Disney is bringing a new destination to life—a vibrant, naturalistic setting inspired by the Cars universe, known as Piston Peak National Park.
Nestled within a reimagined Frontierland, this new land will draw upon the scenic design principles of “Parkitecture”—a style pioneered by the National Park Service to harmonize manmade structures with the surrounding environment. From the Ranger HQ to the forest trails and a grand visitor lodge, Imagineers are carefully crafting each element to feel as though it’s been nestled among the pines and peaks for decades.
But with this new journey comes a farewell to two of Magic Kingdom’s oldest landmarks. On July 7, one month from now, Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will close permanently to make room for what Disney is calling the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. These attractions, part of the original storytelling spirit of Frontierland, have offered guests a chance to slow down, explore, and take in the scenic charm of the American frontier.
The Rivers of America—winding through Liberty Square and Frontierland since Magic Kingdom’s opening day in 1971—has long been a visual centerpiece, home to the Liberty Belle Riverboat and offering sweeping views of neighboring icons like Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Meanwhile, Tom Sawyer Island, which debuted on May 20, 1973, added an interactive touch where children could explore caves, cross rope bridges, and make their own adventures.
Although these attractions typically draw modest wait times—often under ten minutes—they hold a nostalgic place in many hearts. Their upcoming removal has sparked considerable concern from guests who value the park’s original charm, especially as more familiar characters and stories rooted in established IP begin to take center stage.
To help ease that transition, Disney has emphasized its commitment to thoughtful integration. A natural tree line will help preserve the visual harmony between Piston Peak and the rest of Frontierland, including Grizzly Hall and Liberty Square. Towering mountains and geysers will provide thrilling new backdrops for two upcoming attractions: a high-speed adventure through wild terrain and a family-friendly experience suitable for all ages.
This will be the first Cars-themed land at Walt Disney World, extending the storytelling of Pixar’s world of racing and resilience into a fully immersive environment. As Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, shared at last year’s Horizons showcase:
“The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success,” he said. “That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city.”
That broader vision includes more than just the reimagined Frontierland. Positioned beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Villains Land is still in development and will join Piston Peak as part of the new expansion, which is expected to bring even more new attractions to Magic Kingdom.
How do you feel about having only one month left of these attractions? Let us know in the comments down below!
