More Trees Bulldozed as Magic Kingdom Guests Watch, Original Park Landscape Erased

Walt Disney World Resort is pushing forward with historic changes to the Magic Kingdom, ensuring that the 53-year-old theme park will never be the same. On Wednesday, crews cleared even more land on the outskirts of the original Central Florida Disney park. This construction update comes just a week after workers bulldozed hundreds, if not thousands, of trees in the area.

On Sunday, the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island had their final day of operations in Frontierland. One day later, Walt Disney Imagineers and construction crews were spotted on and around Tom Sawyer Island, surveying the area for demolition.

Earlier this month, construction workers bulldozed trees and poured gravel in an area just outside Magic Kingdom Park, preparing a staging area for construction equipment when it’s not in use in Frontierland.

After decades at the Magic Kingdom, Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America closed to make way for Piston Peak National Park, inspired by the Cars (2006) universe.

Inspired by the natural beauty of American National Parks, the area will feature several original features, including barrel bridges and part of the Rivers of America. It will also be home to two attractions: a family-friendly ride and a thrilling rally race.

Concept art for Piston Peak National Park suggests that it will connect to another upcoming addition to Magic Kingdom Park, a Disney Villains land “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” Walt Disney Imagineering first announced this expansion at D23 Expo 2024, promising the area would feature all-new attractions, dining locations, and entertainment offerings.

After bulldozing trees for the Frontierland overhaul, construction crews have reportedly focused on clearing space for the Disney Villains land. On Wednesday, July 9, BlogMickey spotted workers clearing land in an area North of Rivers of America where Disney had already filed permits for construction.

Crews appear to be focused on clearing land for a construction trailer complex and more equipment staging lots, which Walt Disney World Resort filed permits for earlier this year. However, based on the location of the construction, it appears that the land could eventually be part of the Disney Villains land. At the very least, it might become a backstage location for Disney cast members working there.

The new land is set to expand the footprint of Magic Kingdom Park, necessitating the rerouting of the Walt Disney World Railroad for the next few years. Walt Disney World Resort has yet to announce grand opening dates for the Disney Villains land or Piston Peak National Park at the Magic Kingdom.

Have you noticed any construction around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Inside the Magic in the comments!