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Credit: Allen Castillo, FlickrFrontierland has always been one of those places in Magic Kingdom where time seemed to stand still.
But now, in a move that feels both exciting and bittersweet, Disney is officially steering Frontierland in a brand-new direction. And if the latest plans pan out, it’s safe to say the “Old West” we once knew is gone for good.
This isn’t just a rumor anymore. Disney has confirmed some sweeping changes that are about to hit this corner of Magic Kingdom. With new concept art, closures, and Imagineering chatter out in the open, one thing is clear: the frontier is being rewritten—and this time, it’s running on four wheels.
Frontierland Is in Major Transition
If you’ve visited the parks recently, you may have already felt the shift. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which replaced Splash Mountain, opened to guests last year, bringing the charm of New Orleans and the world of The Princess and the Frog into Frontierland. The Country Bear Jamboree was next on the list, with a full musical overhaul that replaced the classic bear band’s original setlist with a new country-style lineup of Disney songs.
But perhaps the most jarring change is coming next. On July 6, three longtime staples of the land—Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Rivers of America—will operate for the final time. As of July 7, they’re closed permanently. That’s more than just a simple ride swap; it’s the removal of the heart of classic Frontierland.
These attractions, especially Rivers of America and the island, represented a slower, more peaceful way to enjoy the park. Whether you were floating by Big Thunder Mountain on the Liberty Belle or exploring the caves and forts on the island, these were spots where guests could disconnect, breathe, and take in the ambiance. And now, they’re being paved over—literally and thematically.
From Wilderness Trails to Piston Peak
What’s replacing them? A brand-new land called Piston Peak, inspired by Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014), a spin-off of the Cars franchise. The idea might sound strange at first—after all, Planes isn’t exactly a cultural icon—but when you dig into it, the new theme starts to make more sense. Piston Peak is styled after America’s great national parks, like Yellowstone and Yosemite, and leans heavily into outdoor adventure. That’s a thread that ties back to Frontierland’s roots… but through a very different lens.
Instead of pioneers and steamboats, guests will find ranger lodges, repurposed car parts, and attractions loaded with Pixar charm. There will be two new rides anchoring the area: one high-speed off-road rally and one family-friendly attraction. Both will load from elaborately themed buildings—Visitor’s Lodge and Ranger Lodge—designed to look like vehicles could roll right up to the front desk.
According to Imagineering updates, even the architecture will be playful. Buildings will feature low-set windows (so “cars” could see out), wide entrances for vehicle-sized “guests,” and clever uses of old signs, tires, and wagon wheels. It’s meant to immerse you in a version of the wilderness where the Cars universe intersects with national park nostalgia.
A New Theme Emerges—And It’s Not the Old West
The final nail in the coffin of the “Old West” vibe comes with the reveal of the new thematic concept. According to a planning map shared by The DBC Pod, the new overarching story for this land is “Chasing your dream in the American wilderness and writing your own folktale.”
New theme of Frontierland is “chasing your dream in the American wilderness and writing your own folktale.”
And the areas that will be represented pic.twitter.com/ktCVj9Dzyl
— TheDBCPod (@TheDBCPod) June 3, 2025
It’s a beautiful idea—one that captures the essence of exploration and personal storytelling. But it also makes something very clear: this is no longer the same Frontierland. This is not a land about cowboys, gold miners, or 1800s Americana. It’s about something newer, more flexible, and undeniably Pixar-branded.
That means beloved characters like Pecos Bill, Davy Crockett, and other nods to American folklore are essentially being retired. The slow rhythm of the river, the hand-painted signs, the saloons and sheriff’s offices—they’re being replaced with new, shiny, IP-forward experiences.
Fans Are Split on the Change
For younger guests, the change will likely be welcome. Cars is still a huge hit with families, and the idea of racing through rugged terrain with Lightning McQueen or Dusty Crophopper will be thrilling. The land promises to be immersive, packed with detail, and visually stunning.
But longtime Disney fans—especially those who grew up with the parks—are feeling the loss. Frontierland was one of the last corners of Magic Kingdom where Walt Disney’s original vision of celebrating Americana was still alive and well. It wasn’t flashy, but it was heartfelt. And now that spirit is slowly being erased.
There’s also concern about the broader shift happening in Disney parks. Replacing original attractions with IP-heavy lands has become the norm, and some guests worry that the parks are losing their charm in the process. It’s not just about what’s coming—it’s about what’s going away.
What About the Rest of Frontierland?
As of now, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the revamped Country Bear Musical Jamboree are staying put. That means a sliver of the original Frontierland will remain. But when surrounded by Pixar-inspired park lodges and race-themed attractions, how long will those older experiences feel like they still belong?
It’s possible that we’re witnessing the beginning of a slow, complete rebrand. If Piston Peak succeeds, Disney could continue to expand the theme and reimagine more areas of the land. Even Big Thunder, once considered untouchable, may one day be absorbed into a different storyline altogether.
A Goodbye to a Simpler Time
So yes, the Old West feels officially dead at Disney World. And while the new land might be colorful, exciting, and wildly popular, it will never recapture the feeling of walking through a frontier town plucked out of time. You won’t hear the clanging of spurs or the echo of a distant harmonica. You won’t ride a paddleboat past a sleepy outpost or hunt for hidden caves on an island across the river.
Instead, you’ll rev your engine, race past waterfalls, and chase dreams in a very different kind of wilderness.
The magic isn’t necessarily gone—it’s just been repackaged. And for some, that’s enough. For others, the sun is setting on something truly special.