Time To Say Goodbye: Disney Begins To Demolish Original Frontierland at Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World Resort has officially begun transforming the original Frontierland area at Magic Kingdom Park, and it all starts with the filing of new permits for demolition and infrastructure work.
During the D23 Expo 2024, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed that Walt Disney Imagineering is working on two new Cars (2006) themed attractions to take over much of Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland. The area, called Piston Peak National Park, will feature a roadster race ride and a family-friendly attraction introducing an all-new character, Ranger Autobahn Woodlore. The area will maintain some of the existing natural landscape, including some of the Rivers of America. It will eventually connect to the Disney Villains land under construction, “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.”
The transformation of Frontierland will lead to the closure of some classic Magic Kingdom Park attractions. Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat, which have both been part of the Walt Disney World Resort experience for decades, will officially close on July 7, 2025, with their final day of operation being July 6. Days before the attractions shut down, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a permit to demolish Tom Sawyer Island.
Earlier this month, Disney filed a “Notice of Commencement” for construction work in the Tom Sawyer Island area. The permit, which includes demolition, infrastructure preparation, and utility modifications, was filed with NorthStar Contracting Group, Inc. and is set to expire in 2026. From theme park reporter @ScottGustin on X (formerly Twitter):
Earlier today, Walt Disney Imagineering filed permits for demolition, infrastructure prep, and utility work on Tom Sawyer Island.
July 6 is the last day to experience Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle at Magic Kingdom.
Earlier today, Walt Disney Imagineering filed permits for demolition, infrastructure prep, and utility work on Tom Sawyer Island.
July 6 is the last day to experience Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle at Magic Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/qls7CnyhuW
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) June 25, 2025
The Liberty Square Riverboat’s hours have been extended to allow Disney Park guests to experience it one last time before it closes for good. The boat now operates from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, giving Magic Kingdom Park visitors an extra hour to enjoy the scenic ride along the Rivers of America. Tom Sawyer Island is usually open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., but guests are encouraged to check the hours on the My Disney Experience app or the Walt Disney World Resort website to plan their final visits.
While there is no official announcement yet about when Piston Peak National Park and Disney Villains land will open, the changes are part of what Walt Disney World Resort calls “the largest expansion in history at Magic Kingdom.” This overhaul follows several other recent changes in Frontierland, such as the transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the reopening of the refreshed Country Bear Musical Jamboree, and the closure of the original Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade to make way for a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) lounge. A year-long refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also underway, promising “new magic” when the coaster reopens next year.
Is Piston Peak National Park a worthy replacement for Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
