The last month of its lifespan begins now.
The winds of change are stirring at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Beginning next month, two beloved classics—Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America—will close permanently on July 7, making way for a bold new era that brings fresh storytelling and expansive theming to Frontierland.
Originally opened on October 1, 1971, the Rivers of America has been a defining feature of Liberty Square and Frontierland for over five decades. The slow-moving waterway guided the Liberty Belle Riverboat past memorable scenes and offered postcard-perfect views of Haunted Mansion, Grizzly Hall, and the still-shuttered Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Its companion, Tom Sawyer Island, opened on May 20, 1973, inviting guests into a hands-on environment of caves, forts, and frontier fun that could be explored freely.
Though often overlooked due to their short wait times—typically five to ten minutes—these attractions served as timeless reminders of the park’s original, slower-paced storytelling. For many, their closure represents more than just the loss of real estate. It’s a shift in the Magic Kingdom’s identity.
Yet, exciting new adventures are on the horizon. Disney has unveiled plans for Piston Peak National Park, a brand-new land inspired by the Cars universe, which will debut as part of a massive expansion—the largest in Magic Kingdom’s history. The design is rooted in authentic “Parkitecture,” echoing the National Park Service’s emphasis on blending buildings into their natural surroundings. Lodges, ranger stations, and wooded trails will make guests feel like they’ve stepped straight into a high-country wilderness.
This immersive new destination will include two original attractions: a thrilling ride through mountainous terrain and a second, all-ages adventure. Towering peaks and erupting geysers will serve as dynamic set pieces, while a thoughtfully planted tree line will preserve the transition between this new development and surrounding areas like Liberty Square and Frontierland.
The move marks the first-ever Cars-themed land at Walt Disney World. The experience will draw from the spirit of adventure found in the Planes and Cars films, especially the rugged beauty of America’s national parks. Imagineers are working to ensure the transition between the new and the classic feels natural—both visually and thematically.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, framed the expansion within a broader vision during last year’s Horizons presentation at D23 Expo 2024: “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.”
This ambitious project doesn’t stop at Piston Peak. Disney is also planning a Villains Land, set to rise just beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Combined, these projects are expected to introduce four new attractions, offering a fresh blend of thrills, storytelling, and original worlds that expand what Magic Kingdom can be.
While the closure of long-standing attractions is always a tough pill to swallow, updated concept art and thoughtful announcements have softened some concerns. Still, fans continue to express mixed feelings, especially over the trend of favoring established characters over original, atmosphere-driven environments.
One chapter of Magic Kingdom’s story may be coming to a close, but another is already being written—one filled with soaring mountains, roaring engines, and wide open roads ahead.
How do you feel about these attractions’ numbered days? Let us know in the comments down below!
