Magic Kingdom Isn’t Messing Around: Restricted Zones Continue To Grow
Out With the Old, in With the New
Magic Kingdom has put up more restrictive zones within Frontierland, showing just how fast Disney World is looking to be out with the old and in with the new.
Magic Kingdom Not Holding Back: More Restricted Zones Added
The first sight of the drained Rivers of America leaves even seasoned Disney fans stunned. Once bustling with boats, fish, and the gentle hum of guests, the area now resembles a construction zone straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. It’s hard to imagine that just months ago, the Liberty Square Riverboat glided gracefully along the water, carrying excited visitors through the heart of Magic Kingdom.
Disney rarely undertakes changes of this scale without sparking a frenzy among fans. Yet, many guests may not realize just how massive the ongoing transformation is—or what it means for the future of Frontierland. Behind the newly erected beige scrims and expanded walls, a bold plan is quietly reshaping this historic corner of the park.
Even with partial views, it’s clear: the beloved river is being erased, and the land is being prepped for something entirely new. For those wondering how to experience Magic Kingdom during these changes—or what’s coming next—here’s the full breakdown.
What’s Happening at Rivers of America
Construction walls have expanded around the Rivers of America, though views of the drained river remain partially visible. At Liberty Square, the walls now stop at the beginning of the Frontierland pier, with scaffolding closer to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The metal scrims that once covered parts of the former riverbed have been removed, revealing concrete blocks and remnants of the old riverboat track. Notably, the section closer to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was removed last month, signaling major structural changes.
The state of the area surrounding Rivers of America is genuinely an embarrassment. Construction walls EVERYWHERE, spots where you can see directly to the construction site, and most of all a sweltering hot Haunted Mansion queue with no airflow
The state of the area surrounding Rivers of America is genuinely an embarrassment.
Construction walls EVERYWHERE, spots where you can see directly to the construction site, and most of all a sweltering hot Haunted Mansion queue with no airflow
— BeastCoasters (@BeastCoasters) September 7, 2025
Disney officially closed the riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island in June, draining the river over the following weeks. Approximately 2,000 fish were carefully relocated to Seven Seas Lagoon. This careful attention to detail underscores Disney’s commitment to both safety and environmental care as the area undergoes its transformation into a Cars-themed expansion for Frontierland.
How to Experience the Area Now
For visitors, the current setup doesn’t mean missing out entirely. Here are some practical tips:
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Best Viewing Spots: The new walls end at the pier, providing a partial but safe vantage point to watch the progress.
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Timing Visits: Early mornings or late evenings are ideal to avoid peak crowds in Frontierland.
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Photography Hacks: Use elevated walkways or Main Street viewpoints for unobstructed photos of the drained river and construction progress.
Even without the attractions operating, fans can still appreciate the scale and ambition of Disney’s transformation.
Insider Tips & Hidden Secrets
Frequent visitors know that the best experiences often come from exploring overlooked areas:
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Aunt Polly’s Viewing: The area near Aunt Polly’s on Tom Sawyer Island offers a unique glimpse of concrete blocks and remnants of the riverboat track.
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Alternate Routes: Scaffolding allows for walking paths that give sneak peeks without entering restricted zones.
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Social Media Sneak Peeks: TikTok and Instagram posts from early morning visitors often reveal behind-the-scenes progress before Disney posts official updates.
Fans report that seeing the drained river firsthand is surreal, blending nostalgia with anticipation for the new Cars-themed area.
Why This Matters to Disney Fans
The closure of the Rivers of America and the permanent end of the Liberty Square Riverboat marks a historic shift. Longtime fans feel the emotional impact—memories of leisurely boat rides and scenic strolls along the river are being replaced by a high-energy, immersive Cars experience. Social media trends show hashtags like #RiversOfAmerica and #FrontierlandExpansion trending among Disney enthusiasts, reflecting both nostalgia and excitement.
Disney’s careful handling—from fish relocation to construction planning—demonstrates the scale and ambition of this project. For fans, it’s a bittersweet mix of loss and anticipation, making every visit to Magic Kingdom a chance to witness history in the making.
Source: WDWNT
