Authorities Approve Multi-Acre Expansion at Magic Kingdom, Construction Already Started
Local authorities have approved a sweeping multi-acre expansion adjacent to Magic Kingdom Park. While Walt Disney World Resort has previewed new attractions and areas slated for the transformation of Frontierland, the most recent permit approval confirms the next phase of backstage development that will support the enormous, multi-year project.
A New Era Begins for Magic Kingdom Park
At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney World Resort announced Piston Peak National Park, a new addition to Frontierland inspired by Pixar’s Cars (2006) and themed after the dramatic landscapes of America’s national parks. The area is planned to include a family ride and a high-speed rally-style attraction. In preparation for the new land, Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Rivers of America were permanently closed.
Disney also confirmed plans to bring a long-requested Disney Villains land to Magic Kingdom Park. Positioned behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the land is expected to include multiple attractions, entertainment options, restaurants, retail locations, and specialty character experiences.
Authorities Approve 12.5-Acre Support Development
According to public filings, the South Florida Water Management District recently approved a permit for a 12.5-acre development in an area outside Magic Kingdom Park known as STOLport. This permit outlines the construction of at least two permanent office buildings for Walt Disney Imagineering, along with supporting infrastructure, such as utilities, sidewalks, and parking. It also authorizes modifications to two existing retention ponds, converting them into one wet detention pond and one dry detention pond.
The location previously housed temporary office trailers, but Disney now plans more durable facilities to support the ongoing construction projects at Magic Kingdom Park. Roads already connect the site to the future home of Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, scheduled to open in 2027.
Construction Activity Already Visible Around Magic Kingdom
Even before obtaining the latest approval, Walt Disney Imagineers had started work around Magic Kingdom Park. Bulldozers cleared large portions of land for equipment staging areas and temporary structures as early as summer 2025. As of the fall of 2025, the Rivers of America has been fully drained, and substantial portions of Tom Sawyer Island have been cleared. Construction walls and scaffolding now enclose the former waterfront in Frontierland and Liberty Square.
Due to the nearby construction, the Walt Disney World Railroad is only operating in shuttle mode between Main Street, U.S.A., and Fantasyland.
Aerial footage shared by @bioreconstruct on X (formerly Twitter) shows the current state of Magic Kingdom Park:
Aerial video of construction in Magic Kingdom.
Former Tom Sawyer Island near Frontierland will be Piston Peak National Park.
Larger former island next to Big Thunder Mountain and beyond to be Villains land.
Also seen are construction staging areas near roads.
Aerial video of construction in Magic Kingdom.
Former Tom Sawyer Island near Frontierland will be Piston Peak National Park.
Larger former island next to Big Thunder Mountain and beyond to be Villains land.
Also seen are construction staging areas near roads. pic.twitter.com/Fjz8JD69kr— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) December 1, 2025
Walt Disney World Resort has not provided opening dates for Piston Peak National Park or the Disney Villains land.
Which ongoing expansion project at Magic Kingdom Park are you most excited about? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
