Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort is in the midst of an extraordinary transformation—its largest in more than five decades. Beyond the familiar sights of Liberty Square and Frontierland, something new is taking shape, reshaping the park’s storytelling frontier into an entirely new adventure.
Over the summer of 2025, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island were quietly closed to guests. Since then, the waterways have been drained and cleared, the Liberty Square Riverboat docked indefinitely, and work has begun on what will soon become Piston Peak National Park—an all-new land inspired by the Pixar Cars universe and the natural beauty of America’s national parks.
Aerial photography shared by Bioreconstruct on X (@bioreconstruct) offers a glimpse into this ambitious undertaking. The once-tranquil riverbed has become a massive construction zone, with heavy equipment reshaping the terrain. Photos and short video clips show work progressing on both Piston Peak National Park and an adjacent Villains-themed area planned for the northern portion of the former Rivers of America site.
“Aerial photos of the North island of former Rivers of America. Villains land is planned for this area,” reads one update.
The reimagined space draws inspiration from the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains and the heritage of the National Park Service’s “Parkitecture” style. Lodges, ranger stations, and pathways will be designed to feel like part of the wilderness itself, immersing guests in the story from the moment they step inside. Towering trees and rugged peaks will help maintain the sense of discovery, ensuring that the land feels secluded even as it borders Frontierland and Liberty Square.
At its core, Piston Peak National Park will feature two new attractions. The first—a major E-ticket adventure—will share some spirit with Radiator Springs Racers while offering an entirely new storyline and ride experience. The second, a family-friendly attraction, remains largely under wraps but promises an accessible adventure for younger guests.
Concept art suggests the new area will stretch across the eastern edge of Frontierland, nestled beside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and extending toward Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Strategic landscaping will hide automotive elements, keeping the setting grounded in the illusion of a rugged, natural world.
Although Disney has not announced an official debut date, many expect the project to take several years, with 2028 viewed by industry insiders as a realistic target. With each passing month, Magic Kingdom continues to evolve—bridging the past and future of Disney storytelling as Imagineers craft a brand-new chapter for generations to explore.
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