Splash Mountain Was Just the Start—Disney Is Coming for More Classics

Walt Disney World is heading into a new era, and it’s happening much faster than many fans expected. Attractions that once felt permanent are closing, and lands that were once cherished cornerstones of the park are being completely reimagined. The resort’s nostalgic charm is traded for something newer, louder, and undeniably more branded.

While some welcome the updates as a breath of fresh air, others feel like the soul of the parks is slipping away.

Frontierland: A Land in Transition

Nowhere is Disney’s transformation more apparent than in Frontierland, where a series of significant changes have reshaped the entire area:

• Splash Mountain
  Closed in January 2023 and reopened in June 2024 as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The new version brought fresh music and storytelling, but longtime fans still mourn the loss of the original ride that helped define the land.

• Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
  Closed in mid-2024 and replaced by McKim’s Mile House, a Disney Vacation Club lounge that opened in March 2025. The rustic fun of the arcade has given way to upscale relaxation.

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  Temporarily closed for refurbishment since January 2025. It’s expected to reopen in 2026, but Frontierland has lost one of its final remaining icons in the meantime.

• Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America
  Permanently closed on July 6, 2025. Along with them, Harper’s Mill, the Liberty Belle steamboat, and the peaceful raft rides quietly disappeared. Construction walls for a new project appeared just days later.

These closures mark a dramatic shift for the land, hinting that Disney isn’t finished yet.

Welcome to Piston Peak

Taking Frontierland’s place is Piston Peak National Park, a Cars-themed land inspired by Planes: Fire & Rescue. Disney is swapping out the old-time frontier aesthetic for roaring engines, mountain trails, and family-friendly attractions centered around Ranger HQ.

Two new rides are planned: an off-road rally-style attraction and an interactive exploration trail. This bold shift is part of Magic Kingdom’s biggest expansion in years.

The Overhaul Doesn’t Stop There

Magic Kingdom’s overhaul is just one piece of a bigger puzzle. Over at Hollywood Studios, a Muppets retheming is taking over Rock’n’Coaster, and an entire Monsters, Inc. area is replacing Grand Avenue.

Animal Kingdom is saying goodbye to DinoLand U.S.A., with Tropical Americas on the way. This new land will feature rides based on Encanto and Indiana Jones, offering a new cultural twist but continuing the IP-heavy trend.

What Classics Could Be Next?

With so much changing, fans are worrying about what else could disappear. Carousel of Progress and PeopleMover still have loyal followings, but they don’t match Disney’s current focus on fast-paced thrills and recognizable franchises. Even the updated Country Bear Jamboree isn’t guaranteed to stick around.

Nostalgia just doesn’t carry the weight it used to, leaving some of Disney’s most classic experiences in doubt. It’s quite possible Disney will remove more classic attractions to make room for new experiences like Villains Land and other IP-heavy attractions.