Here’s the latest from Disney World’s Magic Kingdom:
Closure Date Confirmed
Disney has officially announced that Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will permanently close on July 7, 2025. These timeless Frontierland features have long connected Liberty Square and the waterway—Rivers of America opened in 1971 with paddlewheelers, and Tom Sawyer Island has been a guest favorite since 1973 .
Introducing Piston Peak National Park
In place of these Classics, “Piston Peak National Park”—a Cars-themed land—will take root starting July 7, 2025. Here’s what we know:
Inspired by Pixar’s Cars and American national parks (think Rockies, waterfalls, geysers
Features rustic Parkitecture design: a Ranger HQ, visitor lodge, nature trails, and environmental storytelling.
Two new attractions:
A rally-race adventure through mountainous terrain, built with motocross-inspired ride vehicles.
A family-friendly ride tailored for younger guests
Introduction of a new character: Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore, inspired by a 1950s Disney ranger cartoon.
Piston Peak will be the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history and aims to preserve the natural vibe of Frontierland while injecting new adventure .
Other Park Updates
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away – A brand-new nighttime parade launching July 20, 2025, featuring glowing floats with beloved characters like Peter Pan, Frozen, and Moana .
The Beak and Barrel – A new Pirates of the Caribbean–themed lounge will open later in 2025 in Adventureland .
Villains Land – Construction is beginning on a separate land themed to Disney Villains, set to include major attractions, dining, and retail
Context & Community Reaction
This marks a major transformation for Magic Kingdom, as Frontierland loses some of its most iconic elements. Fans have expressed mixed feelings—while many mourn the loss of classic attractions, others are excited by the fresh, immersive experiences inspired by Cars .
Some are sad to see Riverboats and Tom Sawyer’s charm go.
Others appreciate that the new land aims to preserve natural elements and storytelling.
A sense of anticipation surrounds how the new attractions and parade will balance nostalgia and innovation.
Final Thoughts
Disney’s bold move to phase out legendary Frontierland elements is bittersweet, but the debut of Piston Peak National Park offers a fresh, narrative-rich experience rooted in both natural beauty and Pixar magic. For guests, 2025 becomes Year Zero—your last chance to savor the classics before the next chapter of Magic Kingdom begins.
Let me know if you’d like a deep dive into ride specifics, construction previews, or crowd tips for visiting during the transition!
