Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America Closing Date Announced—Magic Kingdom’s Largest Transformation Underway
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is preparing for a historic shift as Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will close on July 6, 2025, marking the end of these classic attractions. This closure clears the way for two major new additions: a Cars-themed expansion called Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land. Disney describes this as “the largest transformation in Magic Kingdom’s history,” signaling a bold new era for the park.
Introducing Piston Peak National Park
Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes of the Rocky Mountains and America’s national parks, Piston Peak National Park will immerse guests in a wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, roaring rivers, and dramatic geysers. This fictional park continues the storytelling tradition that has defined Liberty Square and Frontierland since the Magic Kingdom’s debut.
Guests will find themselves exploring a rustic visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, and winding trails, all set within the world of Disney and Pixar’s Cars. Imagineers are employing “Parkitecture,” an architectural style developed by the National Park Service, to blend buildings naturally into the surrounding environment. Natural tree barriers will separate the new off-road rally ride from neighboring areas, while rugged peaks and geysers will tie into existing landmarks like Grizzly Hall and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
BREAKING: Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will have their final day of operation on July 6 to make way for the Cars-themed area and Villains Land at Walt Disney World.
Disney says the new additions represent the largest transformation in Magic Kingdom’s history. pic.twitter.com/m0HAYYa3V0
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) June 3, 2025
Honoring Frontierland’s Storytelling Legacy
The journey through Liberty Square and Frontierland has long offered guests a passage through American history and imagination, from the colonial influences of Liberty Square to the wild adventures of Frontierland, including Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Piston Peak National Park aims to carry forward these narratives with its unique blend of rugged wilderness and thrilling racing.
Alongside the Cars expansion, Disney is crafting Villains Land—the first area devoted entirely to Disney’s iconic villains. Set to open around 2030 or 2031, this land will feature two major attractions, dining, shopping, and immersive experiences, presenting the darker side of Disney storytelling on an unprecedented scale.
Farewell to the Rivers of America
With the closure of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America beginning July 7, guests will say goodbye to the serene Liberty Square Riverboat and the waterways that have been a cornerstone of Magic Kingdom’s charm. The Walt Disney World Railroad will remain operational but will shuttle only between Main Street and Fantasyland stations during the construction phase.
Magic Kingdom visitors can also look forward to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopening next year with new enhancements, the debut of Disney Starlight on July 20, and the arrival of The Beak and Barrel—promising fresh entertainment and dining options.
A New Chapter Begins
This sweeping transformation represents Disney’s commitment to evolving immersive storytelling and theme park innovation. As Piston Peak National Park and Villains Land take shape, Magic Kingdom will offer new adventures that respect its rich past while captivating new generations.
Guests are encouraged to visit Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America before their final day on July 6, making this summer a special farewell to these classic Magic Kingdom experiences.
Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for ongoing updates as this exciting chapter unfolds. The magic at Magic Kingdom is entering a thrilling new phase.
