Magic Kingdom ParkNews

We’ve Got New Info on Disney’s Permanent Removal of Tom Sawyer Island

Big changes are coming to Magic Kingdom, and they’re guaranteed to shake things up for longtime fans of the park.

Disney is moving forward with plans to bring a Cars-themed expansion to Frontierland, adding new attractions and experiences inspired by the hit Pixar franchise. But with progress comes sacrifice—Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will soon be closing to make room for this new development.

The Cars project was announced at the D23 Expo, and Disney quickly filed construction permits in August 2024. Since then, the process has hit a few bumps. The South Florida Water Management District requested more information regarding environmental impacts, delaying progress slightly. Disney filed updated documents in January 2025, aiming to keep construction on track for early groundbreaking this year.

Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America have been part of Magic Kingdom since it opened in 1971, offering a peaceful retreat from the park’s busier attractions. Generations of guests have enjoyed exploring the island’s caves and floating down the river on the Liberty Belle riverboat. However, as visitor interest has declined over the years, Disney has opted to retire these attractions in favor of more modern experiences.

The upcoming Cars land will introduce two major attractions, including an off-road racing ride that promises high-speed thrills and immersive storytelling. Themed to bring Radiator Springs to life in a new way, the land will incorporate elements of Frontierland’s rustic charm with the colorful world of Lightning McQueen and friends.

While Disney has not confirmed an official opening date, early 2025 is when construction is expected to begin. Alongside the Cars expansion, Disney is also introducing new shows and entertainment options to enhance the guest experience in 2025, ensuring there’s always something fresh to enjoy at Magic Kingdom.

Fans have mixed feelings about the changes—some are excited for the new additions, while others are sad to see beloved attractions disappear. But one thing is certain: Magic Kingdom continues to evolve, blending nostalgia with exciting new chapters for future generations of parkgoers. Stay tuned for more updates as Disney releases further details about what’s coming next.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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