Magic Kingdom guests are getting a much clearer look at the scale of Disney's plans for Frontierland. What started with several major closures has now moved into another phase, with construction walls reaching familiar locations and everyday offerings finding new homes.
Disney is preparing this side of the park for two major additions, and the work required to get there will take time. Several longtime attractions have already closed, another location is heading toward demolition, and more changes are expected along a popular walkway.
For anyone visiting Magic Kingdom soon, Frontierland may not look exactly the way they remember it.
Two Major Projects Are Coming to Magic Kingdom
Much of the construction connects to Disney's plans for Piston Peak National Park, a major Frontierland expansion inspired by the world of Cars (2006).
Disney plans to transform the former Rivers of America area into a new wilderness setting inspired by America's national parks. New attractions and environments will take over a section of Magic Kingdom that previously centered around the river.
And Piston Peak isn't the only major project planned for this side of the park.
Disney is also developing Villains Land beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The expansion will finally give Disney's classic villains their own permanent land at Magic Kingdom.
Together, these projects will significantly expand the park. Getting them built, however, requires Disney to rethink large sections of the existing Frontierland area.
Guests have already seen the biggest examples of that process.
Disney Has Already Removed Frontierland Classics
The first major losses came in July 2025.
Rivers of America permanently closed as Disney prepared the area for its future. The closure also ended the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island.
The Liberty Belle had carried guests around the river for decades, offering a slower way to experience Frontierland and Liberty Square. Tom Sawyer Island provided an entirely different experience, allowing visitors to explore trails, caves, bridges, and other areas at their own pace.
With those attractions closed, Disney gained substantial space for its upcoming expansion.
Construction has since continued spreading beyond the former river area. Now, another familiar Frontierland location has been blocked from guests.
Construction Walls Have Reached Westward Ho
Westward Ho permanently closed in June 2026, and the former location now sits behind construction walls.
The structure is expected to eventually be demolished as Disney continues to prepare the surrounding area for Piston Peak National Park.
Guests will also notice walls extending into the nearby space that previously housed popcorn stands. Rather than remove those offerings entirely, Disney has relocated them to other spots around Frontierland.
Meanwhile, most of the boardwalk remains available to guests.
That won't necessarily remain the case throughout construction. Walls are expected to move farther into the riverwalk area as work progresses eventually. A temporary pedestrian route is also expected along the promenade to maintain guest movement and provide an area for viewing the parade.
With construction expected to continue for an extended period, Disney will likely continue to adjust how guests move through this section of Magic Kingdom.
Churros and Popcorn Haven't Disappeared
Anyone searching for a familiar Frontierland snack won't have to go far, although the locations have changed.
The churro stand has moved near Frontier Trading Post.
Disney has also relocated the popcorn stands to two different areas. Guests can find one near the Disney Vacation Club kiosk, while another is now positioned near Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe.
These aren't major attraction closures, but they matter for guests navigating Frontierland. Construction is no longer limited to areas where Disney has permanently closed attractions. It is now affecting smaller spaces and operations that visitors encounter as they simply walk through the land.
As walls continue moving, more temporary relocations could follow.
A Different Frontierland Is Taking Shape
Magic Kingdom's Frontierland transformation won't happen overnight.
In just over a year, guests have already watched Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat disappear. Westward Ho has now joined the list of permanent closures and sits behind walls awaiting demolition.
At the same time, Disney has relocated nearby snack stands, and additional changes are expected around the riverwalk as construction advances.
Most of the boardwalk remains accessible right now, giving guests a way through the area while Disney works nearby. Still, the growing construction footprint makes the future increasingly visible.
Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land will eventually bring major new experiences to Magic Kingdom. Until those projects arrive, Frontierland will remain in transition, and guests should expect its pathways, familiar stops, and overall layout to continue evolving.
