Disney World Blocks Guest Access to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Location in Magic Kingdom
A sweeping transformation is underway at Magic Kingdom, as Frontierland prepares for the largest expansion in its history. Following the July 7 closure of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, Imagineers are now turning their attention to reshaping the land with ambitious new developments that will carry Disney’s storytelling into its next era.
The first step in this transition came with the permanent departure of two beloved experiences. Tom Sawyer Island, which opened in 1973, encouraged guests to wander through caves, bridges, and trails at their own pace, while the Rivers of America—dating back to the park’s opening day on October 1, 1971—served as the home of the Liberty Belle Riverboat and offered views of Liberty Square and Frontierland icons like the Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Both attractions represented a slower, exploratory side of the park, steeped in rustic Americana. Since the closures, the river has been fully drained, and the Liberty Belle’s track partially dismantled.
What rises in their place is nothing short of historic. Anchoring the reimagined space will be Piston Peak National Park, the first Cars-themed land at Walt Disney World. Inspired by the natural grandeur of frontier landscapes, the new land will showcase “Parkitecture”—the National Park Service design approach that blends human craftsmanship with the environment.
Guests can look forward to a visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, immersive trails, geysers, and towering mountain ranges. Two original attractions are also planned: a high-speed adventure through rugged terrain and a family-focused ride welcoming travelers of all ages.
This expansion will also stretch beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, where the highly anticipated Villains Land will come to life. In total, four new attractions are planned for the multi-phase project.
During the Horizons showcase, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro described the expansion’s thematic foundation: “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city.”
Of course, the latest changes to Frontierland arrive shortly after another major update: the debut of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which officially opened in late 2024. Taking over the space once home to Splash Mountain, the attraction continues the story of The Princess and the Frog and brings guests into the heart of a bayou celebration with Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis, and Mama Odie. Featuring original music, fan-favorite songs, and an immersive New Orleans-inspired setting, the attraction introduces new audio-animatronics and cultural authenticity achieved through close collaboration with creative advisors and the film’s original team.
The addition was paired with the opening of the Critter Co-Op merchandise location, which reflects the spirit of the Mardi Gras critters who formed their own shop. Guests can find apparel, plush, toys, and home décor inside—though as reported by WDWNT, the entrance has recently been partially blocked off, likely due to floor work. Construction walls stand over waist height, limiting guest flow in the area.
As the official Walt Disney World site describes: “Inspired by Tiana’s entrepreneurial spirit, the talented critters Tiana enlisted to play in the band at her Mardi Gras party started their own co-op—where all critters are welcome, and there’s no such thing as a wrong note!”
The listing continues, “Visit Critter Co-Op and shop for apparel, accessories, toys, plush, home décor, trading items and more from the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Collection—inspired by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. And while you’re there, look for the flyers about the variety of events these fun-loving critters host, including quilting, cooking and dancing lessons.”
Though some longtime visitors have expressed sadness over the loss of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, concept art and details of the expansion have offered reassurance that Imagineers are focused on preserving Frontierland’s atmosphere while welcoming new stories. The future of Magic Kingdom is already taking shape, with construction beginning immediately after the closures.
How do you feel about all the changes coming to Frontierland? Let us know in the comments down below!
