This summer, Walt Disney World Resort began significant construction at Magic Kingdom Park, marking the official end of the Rivers of America as we know it. The beloved waterway that once surrounded Tom Sawyer Island is now undergoing demolition as part of the larger transformation in Frontierland, which will eventually feature the Piston Peak National Park area, inspired by Cars (2006).
Over the weekend, Disney Parks fans on social media got an exclusive glimpse at the ongoing demolition work. Several photos from a Walt Disney World Resort guest revealed that crews have begun the process of silt removal in the area once occupied by the Rivers of America. The photos, shared by X (formerly known as Twitter) user @bioreconstruct, show continuing work in the riverbed near Tom Sawyer Island.
Current work in the demolition of Rivers of America is removing silt from the river bed.
Current work in the demolition of Rivers of America is removing silt from the river bed. pic.twitter.com/JfU52X9e2f
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 13, 2025
One image shows equipment staged in the water, covered by a tan tarp-like material designed to blend with the surrounding landscape.
Views of silt removal and some staging at former Rivers of America.
Views of silt removal and some staging at former Rivers of America. pic.twitter.com/VmEIfPyEeD
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 13, 2025
The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat closed permanently on July 7, 2025. The closure of these attractions will make room for two Cars-themed attractions and the surrounding Piston Peak National Park, a new part of Frontierland inspired by America's national parks. The new area will include a rally race thrill ride, a family-friendly attraction, and familiar features, such as barrel bridges, all while retaining parts of the existing Rivers of America landscape.
Crews had already begun clearing the area before the closures in July 2025. In June, they cleared thousands of trees along the border of Magic Kingdom Park to prepare for the creation of a staging area and trailer office complex. This lot will serve as a hub for both the Piston Peak National Park project and the development of a new Disney Villains land slated to be built “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.”
Once the Frontierland and Liberty Square attractions closed, construction walls went up, signaling the beginning of the extensive work underway. For weeks, Disney drained the Rivers of America, and heavy rain forced them to repeat the process multiple times. Crews are now working to remove the old Liberty Square Riverboat tracks and to install scaffolding, which will support high construction walls designed to shield ongoing work from Magic Kingdom Park guests.
Scaffolding in progress along the walkway at former Rivers of America. Likely a support structure for tall construction fencing rising from the river bed.
Scaffolding in progress along the walkway at former Rivers of America. Likely a support structure for tall construction fencing rising from the river bed. pic.twitter.com/6XlsAxFUC4
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 13, 2025
These structures are designed to block the ongoing work from guest view. One image captured a completed barrier surrounding the Haunted Mansion queue, which will likely be a model for the fencing that will soon surround the entire Rivers of America area.
Former Rivers of America near the where the Liberty Belle riverboat used to dock. Arrow at scaffolding backing tall supports of a construction fence along the queue of The Haunted Mansion.
Former Rivers of America near the where the Liberty Belle riverboat used to dock.
Arrow at scaffolding backing tall supports of a construction fence along the queue of The Haunted Mansion. pic.twitter.com/md1ZMBSvdv— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 13, 2025
Disney Park guests should expect more of these barriers to be built throughout the area as the work continues.
Walt Disney World Resort has not announced a grand opening date for Piston Peak National Park or the Disney Villains land at the Magic Kingdom.
Have you visited Magic Kingdom Park since the Frontierland construction began? Share your experience with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
