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Credit: Michael HueyYou’ll likely be surprised the next time you step into Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
Magic Kingdom has always been the emotional center of Walt Disney World. Lately, though, the park’s look has shifted fast.
Longstanding landmarks have come down, classic paths have changed, and a few fan-favorite attractions are taking extended naps. If your last visit was recent, you might still be surprised by how different things feel right now.
Let’s take a look at the most recent changes to Magic Kingdom.
Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Riverboat — Gone for Good
The biggest shake-up is along the water.
Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat have closed permanently, and the Rivers of America has been drained, almost entirely at this point. Where guests once drifted past Fort Langhorn or rang the island’s bell, you’ll now spot construction activity and bare riverbed. The ripple effect is real: the Walt Disney World Railroad is currently running a modified route, operating only part of its usual loop while work progresses in that corridor.
The change clears space for what’s next, but it also removes a peaceful corner of the park that many families counted on for a breather.
Adventureland’s Entrance Sign and Theming Removed
Over in Adventureland, the land’s iconic entry sign and much of the surrounding theming have been taken down. We’re talking the carved masks, totems, oars — even the little details you’d only notice after your hundredth walk under the arch. What remains is the bare frame and visible attachment points. This looks like a fast-turn refurb or a full rebuild of the entry structure, but either way, it’s jarring to arrive without that familiar “adventure starts here” moment.
Tomorrowland: Buzz Down, Cool Ship Walled Off
Tomorrowland is in the middle of its own refresh. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is closed for an extended reimagining, with a return slated for next year. Expect new ride vehicles, upgraded targeting, and a spruced-up pre-boarding experience when it comes back online. Meanwhile, the Cool Ship snack kiosk — which sat near Astro Orbiter and served quick treats between Space Mountain and the PeopleMover — has been demolished, and the area is now wrapped in a large construction wall. The combo makes that corner of Tomorrowland feel tighter, and it removes an easy snack stop that many guests relied on.
Big Thunder Mountain: The Long Refurb Roll
Frontierland’s headliner, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, remains under refurbishment and isn’t expected to reopen until 2026. This is a major project — think full track replacement, prolonged crane work, and months of systems testing before trains start thundering again. The good news: recent construction milestones point to heavy lifting being done and the ride entering test phases. The better news: Disney has teased “new magic” when it returns. For now, though, the land’s energy is different without its signature coaster pulling trains through the buttes.
What This Means for Your Day at Magic Kingdom
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Expect new routes and views. With the Rivers of America draining and that section of the railroad altered, you’ll navigate Frontierland and Liberty Square a bit differently than you’re used to.
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Plan for pockets of construction. Adventureland’s entrance, the Tomorrowland wall around Cool Ship, and the Big Thunder work zone create a few visual bottlenecks and tighter walkways.
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Rebalance your ride plan. With Big Thunder and Buzz down, standby waits can swell elsewhere. Lean on people-eaters like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, work in shows for AC breaks, and save the headliners you can for later in the evening when lines ease.
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Look for the upside. While the removals sting, the short-term pain usually leads to better flow and fresher experiences. If you’re a photos-and-details person, this is also prime time to document Magic Kingdom in transition.