Credit: Inside the MagicMagic Kingdom is in the middle of a transformation. With Frontierland already being reshaped to make room for the upcoming Piston Peak National Park expansion, longtime fans are noticing that more familiar spaces are starting to disappear. From the closure of Tom Sawyer Island earlier this year to the major overhaul planned for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, it feels like no corner of the park is safe from change.
Now, another closure has sparked conversation and concern among Disney fans—this time at the Rivers of America boardwalk.
A Sudden and Mysterious Closure
According to reports from Blog Mickey, the boardwalk that runs along the former Rivers of America was unexpectedly blocked off to guests. Unlike typical Disney closures that are marked by construction walls or clear signage, this one was staffed by Cast Members and managers keeping guests out of the area. Visitors arriving that morning noticed vehicles inside the drained Rivers of America basin, and while those were later moved out of view, the boardwalk closure remained in place.
At first, Disney gave no reason for the closure, leaving many wondering if this was a temporary situation or the beginning of a permanent removal. Later, ropes were added to more formally block access, but no explanation has been provided.
Strange Activity in the Basin
The report also shared that unusual activity was observed around the drained river. Cast Members were seen huddled along the boardwalk, and crews were working to manage water drainage from the Tom’s Landing area. Wildlife had to be cleaned out of the basin after storms left only small pools of water behind. Pumps were reportedly installed to help keep the river dry, as daily Florida thunderstorms threatened to refill it.
These developments raise questions about whether Disney is preparing the area for more extensive construction work connected to the Cars-themed Piston Peak project. Originally, the plan was to keep the boardwalk open during construction, but something appears to have changed.
What It Could Mean for the Future
With the boardwalk closed indefinitely and no official word from Disney, speculation is running wild. Could the boardwalk be demolished to make way for new pathways or expansion areas? Is this part of a larger plan to fully reshape the Rivers of America footprint?
Fans are keeping a close eye on the situation, especially since Disney has already shown it’s willing to make big, sweeping changes to Magic Kingdom. What once seemed like minor adjustments are now adding up to a significant reimagining of the park’s layout and attractions.
For now, the boardwalk closure remains one of Magic Kingdom’s more mysterious moves. Until Disney offers an official statement, guests are left to wonder whether they’ve seen the last of this familiar riverside walkway.
Every Attraction Currently Closed at Magic Kingdom
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Rivers of America (boardwalk area): Closed for an indefinite period of time, while Rivers of America is drained totally and turned into Piston Peak.
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Liberty Belle Riverboat: Also closed permanently as part of the expansions coming to Magic Kingdom.
- Tom Sawyer Island: Closed permanently to make way for the new lands, including Piston Peak and Disney Villains Land.
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Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (refurbishment): Closed for a lengthy refurbishment that is expected to last the remainder of this year and into next.
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (reimagining prep work): Has been closed for nearly the entire year. Big Thunder Mountain is not expected to reopen until 2026, but Disney has not confirmed a reopening date at this point.