It used to be that you’d walk through Magic Kingdom and feel like you were stepping into timeless worlds. But now? You’re just as likely to feel like you’ve wandered onto the set of a Disney+ original.
Disney’s push for IP-driven attractions has reached full speed—and Magic Kingdom is the latest park to feel the impact. Over the next several years, some of the park’s most classic lands will be transformed or replaced entirely.
Let’s break down what’s happening… and what’s disappearing.
Goodbye, Frontierland
First up: Frontierland is getting a complete overhaul. Between 2028 and 2030, two brand-new lands will take over—Piston Peak, based on Planes: Fire & Rescue, and a long-awaited Villains Land.
In Piston Peak (2028–2029), guests can expect forested landscapes, a fire station-themed dining area, and an E-ticket ride where you join Dusty Crophopper on high-stakes firefighting missions. It’s very Cars-adjacent but takes you to the skies.
Villains Land (2029–2030) will cater to those who’ve always rooted for the bad guys. Think gothic architecture, fire and brimstone vibes, and a major attraction featuring Maleficent, Ursula, and Jafar. There’s also talk of a nighttime show exclusive to the land, marking a big shift in the park’s entertainment lineup.
Of course, to build something new, Disney has to tear some things down. Tom Sawyer Island? Closed. Liberty Belle? Docked. Rivers of America? Drained. And the Shootin’ Arcade? Retired. Construction walls already line the land—and this is just the beginning.
Tomorrowland’s Identity Crisis
Next up is Tomorrowland, which is slowly ditching its original sci-fi spirit in favor of familiar characters.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is slated for a massive refresh, with rumors about a tech-heavy overhaul. While Buzz is a classic, it’s definitely another IP attraction, especially with the 5th Toy Story movie in the works.
Then there’s TRON Lightcycle Run, which opened in 2023 and quickly became the new face of the land. It’s high-tech, sleek, and based on a decades-old Disney IP. And that seems to be the direction Tomorrowland is now following.
Carousel of Progress and PeopleMover are still holding on—but for how long?
Adventureland’s Pirate Takeover
Adventureland isn’t being left out either. On August 29, 2025, Disney will open a brand-new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern near the ride. The vibe is dimly lit, boozy, and filled with hidden treasures and Jack Sparrow Easter eggs. Think Trader Sam’s, but with a sword.
But that’s not all—rumors continue to swirl about a new pirate attraction coming to Adventureland. Some say it could expand the Pirates universe; others believe a totally new IP might set sail in the years ahead.
IP Everywhere—But at What Cost?
It’s no secret why Disney leans into IP. Characters drive merch, park attendance, and brand loyalty. But there’s something a little bittersweet about watching original attractions get phased out in favor of whatever’s trending at the box office.
Magic Kingdom used to stand apart as a place where the stories weren’t always based on movies. Now, it’s becoming the ultimate cross-promotion machine.
From Timeless to Temporary
Right now, Magic Kingdom feels like it’s under heavy renovation. Walls are up. Boats are out of the water. And entire lands are being redrawn. When this IP-driven transformation is done, the park will feel very different from what longtime fans remember.
Whether that change is magical or just marketable—that’s up for debate.
