Magic Kingdom guests have seen their fair share of change over the years, but few transformations have been as shocking—or as fast—as what’s happening right now in Frontierland. Overnight, Disney has cleared out hundreds of trees, leaving what was once a lush green escape looking more like a construction site than the park’s iconic western frontier.
A Peaceful Corner Turned Construction Zone
The clearing stretches across Tom Sawyer Island and the surrounding Rivers of America, where trees once created dense shade and framed quiet paths and bridges. Now, those same areas are completely exposed, replaced by bare ground and heavy machinery. Guests walking through Frontierland have been stunned to see new sightlines that haven’t been visible since the 1970s, describing the area as “empty” and “unrecognizable.”
This sudden shift isn’t just another round of landscaping. It marks a major step in Disney’s demolition and expansion process. Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America officially closed earlier this year, and since then, crews have drained the river, dismantled the island’s caves, and cleared away decades-old structures.
The End of an Era
For many longtime fans, watching the heart of Frontierland being stripped away feels like the end of a chapter. What used to be one of the park’s most peaceful areas—where guests could explore winding trails and escape the crowds—is now a zone of dirt and noise. Even those familiar with Disney’s constant evolution say this one hits differently. The sense of wilderness and adventure that defined Frontierland for generations seems to have disappeared overnight.
Yet Disney’s approach has always been about clearing the way for the future, even when that future looks messy in the meantime. The once-wooded island now looks ready for something massive, and that’s exactly what’s coming next.
The Next Big Thing for Magic Kingdom
Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will soon make way for two entirely new lands: Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land. Together, they’ll transform the entire western edge of Magic Kingdom. Piston Peak will draw inspiration from Planes: Fire & Rescue, bringing guests into a mountain landscape filled with canyons, lookout towers, and nods to the Cars universe. Meanwhile, Villains Land will finally give fans a darker, more mischievous side of Disney to explore—a long-requested addition that’s expected to become one of the park’s biggest draws.
Expansion Across Walt Disney World Parks
This isn’t the only change happening at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom recently debuted Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, replacing Splash Mountain. EPCOT’s long-awaited transformation continues, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also preparing for another expansion, and even the resorts are seeing major upgrades.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which borders the construction site, remains closed for a major reimagining, setting the stage for a new storyline that will connect to the two new lands. While it’s hard for fans to see so much green space vanish, Disney’s pattern is clear: every major clearing leads to something equally major being built.
Frontierland’s days as a quiet slice of Americana may be over—but in its place, Magic Kingdom is preparing to enter a bold new era, one that promises adventure, mystery, and plenty of surprises.
