The skyline of Magic Kingdom is officially changing. As the massive transformation of Frontierland moves into high gear this January 2026, Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is wasting no time in clearing the way for the park’s next E-ticket attraction. A newly filed permit reveals that construction is now targeting the historic edges of the former Rivers of America, specifically the site of the long-defunct Mike Fink Keel Boats landing.
This filing is the latest signal that the “quiet” era of the riverfront is over, as the rugged, off-road world of Piston Peak begins to take physical shape.
The Permit: Bridging Liberty Square and Piston Peak
According to recent reports from WDWNT, the new permit covers the area previously occupied by the Mike Fink Keel Boats landing in Liberty Square. While the permit is listed as “General Construction,” its placement at the threshold of the new Cars-themed expansion is highly strategic.
As Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America are drained and filled to make way for the mountainous terrain of Piston Peak, this landing serves as a vital staging area. It is expected to serve as a transition zone, physically and thematically connecting the colonial history of Liberty Square with the high-octane, national park-inspired setting of the new Frontierland.
Piston Peak: A New Icon for the Skyline
As Inside the Magic has tracked throughout late 2025, the removal of the Rivers of America has paved the way for a massive geological feature: Piston Peak. This new mountain will serve as the anchor for two major attractions:
- A High-Stakes Off-Road Race: A thrill ride utilizing advanced ride vehicle technology to simulate all-terrain racing through canyons and over peaks.
- A Family Adventure: A smaller-scale experience that keeps the younger “racers” in mind.
The “Piston Peak” rockwork is designed to be a visual masterpiece, standing as a sibling to Big Thunder Mountain. By the middle of 2026, the steel skeleton of this peak is expected to be a dominant feature of the park’s western horizon.
What to Expect During Your 2026 Visit
With construction walls now stretching from the back of Big Thunder Mountain all the way to the edge of Liberty Square, navigating this side of the park requires patience.
- Sightlines: Expect to see cranes and scaffolding where the Liberty Belle Riverboat once cruised.
- Noise and Traffic: The “Mike Fink” permit suggests that utility work and foundation pouring will be audible near Columbia Harbour House and the Haunted Mansion.
Conclusion: Trading Nostalgia for Horsepower
The filing of this latest permit confirms that the Cars expansion is no longer in the “planning” phase—it is in the “foundation” phase. While the loss of the peaceful Rivers of America remains a bittersweet point for Disney purists, the arrival of Piston Peak promises to bring a level of kinetic energy and excitement that Frontierland hasn’t seen in decades.
