The Death of Disney’s Frontierland Continues With Removal of Original Steam Train Tracks
Disney Parks fans are watching as Frontierland undergoes one of the most dramatic transformations in Magic Kingdom Park history. Once a quiet corner of the park filled with rivers, islands, and rustic pathways, the land now looks unrecognizable. Attractions have vanished, the Rivers of America is drained, and now even the historic Walt Disney World Railroad is being altered as construction marches forward.
In July, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat were shut down permanently for the construction of Piston Peak National Park, a brand-new section of Frontierland themed to Cars (2006). Walt Disney World Resort says the new area will highlight the grandeur of America’s national parks and feature both a thrilling rally race ride and a family-friendly attraction.
Since the Rivers of America was drained, crews have dismantled props from Tom Sawyer Island, pulled some Liberty Belle tracks from the riverbed, and erected scaffolding around the former Frontierland riverwalk. Outside the park’s borders, hundreds of trees have been removed to create space for staging areas, construction offices, and storage lots.
On-the-ground views only tell part of the story. Aerial photographer @bioreconstruct has been documenting the construction on X (formerly Twitter), offering Disney Parks fans a bird’s-eye view of the sweeping changes at the Magic Kingdom.
Aerial photo of what will become a Piston Peak attraction. Former Rivers of America. The waterfront is currently lined partly with fence, and partly open to view. Open areas have scaffolding that will soon support fencing.
Aerial photo of what will become a Piston Peak attraction. Former Rivers of America.
The waterfront is currently lined partly with fence, and partly open to view. Open areas have scaffolding that will soon support fencing. pic.twitter.com/mtqfrkEF9J— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 21, 2025
According to the photographer, sections of the Walt Disney World Railroad have been pulled up near Frontierland as work continues on Piston Peak and the neighboring Disney Villains land planned “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” The railroad is still operating, but only in a limited shuttle mode between Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.
In this aerial photo: 1 Magic Kingdom steam train tracks removed. Possibly will be a re-routing around the Villains land. 2 Service bridge lowered for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad trains. The access between the attraction and the service building.
In this aerial photo:
1 Magic Kingdom steam train tracks removed. Possibly will be a re-routing around the Villains land.
2 Service bridge lowered for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad trains. The access between the attraction and the service building. pic.twitter.com/8zKBvAPjlp— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 21, 2025
Another photo shows the drained Rivers of America and the former Tom Sawyer Island with demolition equipment hidden from guest view:
Aerial photo of the demolition of Rivers of America. This area to become a Piston Peak attraction. A Northstar truck is parked in the riverbed, out of view of guests. Northstar is a company that does demolition.
Aerial photo of the demolition of Rivers of America. This area to become a Piston Peak attraction.
A Northstar truck is parked in the riverbed, out of view of guests. Northstar is a company that does demolition. pic.twitter.com/2ql6U5fpZf
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 21, 2025
Walt Disney World Resort has not yet confirmed opening dates for either Piston Peak National Park or the Disney Villains land coming to the Magic Kingdom. Stay tuned to Disney Dining for updates as the project continues.
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort’s decision to replace the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island with Piston Peak National Park? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
