Disney Builds Barriers Overnight, Blocks Guests Out of Frontierland Area at Magic Kingdom
Guests strolling through Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park are finding the historic land increasingly hard to navigate, as Walt Disney World Resort seals off yet another stretch of pathway to make room for its next big expansion.
The Vision Behind the Construction
The project dates back to D23 Expo 2024, when Walt Disney World Resort revealed plans for two significant Magic Kingdom additions: a Disney Villains land positioned “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad” and Piston Peak National Park, carved out of Frontierland itself. That second project forced the 2025 closure of the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat to clear space for construction.
Piston Peak National Park blends the scenic look of America’s national parks with the world of Cars. The land will house two new attractions, both named during D23 Expo 2026: Cars Ridge Run Rally, a racing-themed ride, and Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along, a family-friendly attraction debuting a new audio-animatronic character, Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore.
No opening date has been set for Piston Peak National Park, but construction has picked up noticeably in recent months, including the recent closures of the Westward Ho Refreshments and Big Al’s kiosks to accommodate the buildout.
Boardwalk Now Fully Blocked
According to a WDWNT report from September 2, the wooden boardwalk running through Frontierland is now completely inaccessible. Half of the pathway had already been closed since early July, but construction walls have since expanded to cover the entire walkway.
The barriers now stretch continuously along the former Rivers of America, connecting Liberty Square all the way to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad on Frontierland’s far side. Signage on the walls nods to nearby attractions, including one reading “This Here’s The Wildest Ride In The Wilderness!”
While the boardwalk is currently off-limits, it isn’t gone for good — Disney plans to fold it into Piston Peak National Park once the new land debuts. Still, Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t offered any timeline for when guests might be able to walk that path again.
Have you noticed any other changes at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!
