Magic Kingdom looks very different these days, and not in the “new coat of paint” kind of way. Disney isn’t just fixing cracks in the pavement or swapping out a parade float—it’s literally reshaping parts of the park from the ground up. Guests walking in this year are finding an entirely different reality than the one they remember, and it’s going to stay that way for a while.
Goodbye to Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island
One of the biggest changes comes with the draining of the Rivers of America. For decades, families floated past Liberty Square on the Liberty Belle Riverboat or let their kids burn energy on Tom Sawyer Island’s caves and rope bridges. Now, both the river and the island have been permanently shut down.
This isn’t just a seasonal pause—it’s the end of an era. In their place, Disney is building Piston Peak National Park, based on Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014). The project is ambitious and won’t open until at least 2028, which means guests are left staring at construction fences where peaceful water views once stood.
Tomorrowland Takes a Hit Too
If that news wasn’t enough, Tomorrowland is also losing one of its signature attractions. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin has gone dark for a lengthy refurbishment. Disney hasn’t given a return date, but considering how popular the ride is, the downtime suggests more than just a quick tune-up. Guests hoping to face off against Zurg in the coming months are going to be disappointed.
Even the Roads Are a Work Zone
The disruption doesn’t stop inside the park gates. Around Magic Kingdom’s entrance, construction is reshaping roads like Floridian Way, the main route near Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Lane closures are already in place, and that means guests relying on buses, rideshares, or their own cars may face delays just trying to get to the park.
For families rushing to make early breakfast reservations or squeezing in one more fireworks night, the traffic changes add another layer of stress to a vacation that’s supposed to be carefree.
What It Means Right Now
On paper, Disney’s vision for the future sounds exciting—new lands, refreshed attractions, and smoother resort areas. But at the moment, the experience feels messy. Peaceful corners of Magic Kingdom are gone, beloved rides are shuttered, and travel routes are disrupted.
The payoff could be huge when everything is complete, but for now, guests need patience and flexibility. Magic Kingdom is still magical—it just comes with a lot more construction walls and detours than anyone hoped for.
