Magic Kingdom is known for its timeless charm — the kind of place where the same sights, sounds, and smells can bring back decades of memories. But right now, the park is in the middle of a transformation that’s hard to miss. Beloved icons are vanishing, rides are closing, and entire sections are shifting before guests’ eyes.
For longtime visitors, it’s a startling reminder that even the most “permanent” parts of Magic Kingdom aren’t immune to change.
Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat: Gone for Good
The most dramatic change so far? The closure and removal of the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat. The waterway has been drained, leaving behind exposed riverbed and active construction zones.
It’s more than just an aesthetic change — the removal has even forced the Walt Disney World Railroad to run a modified route that skips its normal loop around Frontierland. These closures are clearing space for future Cars-themed and Disney Villains lands, but for now, they leave a void where peaceful boat rides and shaded island trails once offered a slower-paced escape from the park’s bustle.
Adventureland Loses Its Iconic Entrance
Another emotional blow for fans came in early August when the main Adventureland entrance sign was removed. Gone, too, are the carved masks, totems, and oars that flanked the entryway, along with the Abu Fab 50 statue. What remains is the bare wooden frame — complete with visible holes and worn spots where the decorative elements were attached.
While Disney hasn’t confirmed whether this is simply a refurbishment or a complete redesign, the scale of the removal has guests wondering if a new-look entrance is coming soon.
Tomorrowland in Transition
Tomorrowland has joined the list of lands undergoing big changes. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is now closed for an extended reimagining. When it reopens next year, guests can expect updated ride vehicles, enhanced targeting systems, and a new pre-show character named “Buddy” to help sharpen blaster skills before the ride begins.
Nearby, the Cool Ship snack kiosk has been closed indefinitely, with a construction wall surrounding the site. For now, that corner of Tomorrowland feels emptier, and guests will have to look elsewhere for a quick snack between rides.
Big Thunder Mountain’s Long Refurbishment
Over in Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad remains closed for what’s shaping up to be one of the largest refurbishments in its history. Disney has replaced the ride’s track and is moving into the testing phase. The reopening isn’t expected until 2026, but Disney has teased that “new magic” will be added to the attraction when it returns — possibly inspired by the explosive finale scene found in Disneyland Paris’ version of the ride.
The Park Is Changing — and Fast
These closures and removals are part of a broader reimagining of Magic Kingdom. While some are quick refurbishments, others are paving the way for multi-year projects that will dramatically alter the park’s landscape.
For visitors, it means more construction walls, longer detours, and the temporary absence of experiences that have been part of Magic Kingdom’s identity for decades. For Disney, it’s an opportunity to keep the park evolving — even if it means saying goodbye to a few beloved icons along the way.
