Credit: Inside the MagicMagic Kingdom has erected more walls around one of its lands to keep guests out of that zone as more experiences and rides are being built.
Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom Get More Walls Ahead of Revamp
In a surprising move, Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America has been drained, signaling the end of an era for one of Disney World’s most iconic features. This change is part of a significant transformation in Frontierland, making way for the new Cars-themed land, Piston Peak National Park. The area will feature attractions inspired by America’s national parks and the Disney-Pixar “Cars” universe.
The draining of the river has led to the permanent closure of Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat, which had been staples of the park since its opening in 1971. Disney announced that these attractions closed on July 7, 2025, to prepare for the new developments.
What’s Happening Now: Drained Rivers and Expanding Walls
As of late September 2025, construction walls and scrims have expanded around the Rivers of America, particularly in Liberty Square and Frontierland. These walls now extend along the Frontierland boardwalk, nearly meeting existing barriers near the bridge. Notably, some of these walls are positioned within the former riverbed itself, indicating the scale of the transformation underway.
The state of the area surrounding Rivers of America is genuinely an embarrassment. Construction walls EVERYWHERE, spots where you can see directly to the construction site, and most of all a sweltering hot Haunted Mansion queue with no airflow
The state of the area surrounding Rivers of America is genuinely an embarrassment.
Construction walls EVERYWHERE, spots where you can see directly to the construction site, and most of all a sweltering hot Haunted Mansion queue with no airflow
— BeastCoasters (@BeastCoasters) September 7, 2025
How to Experience the Changes
While the area is under construction, visitors can still access the Frontierland boardwalk for views of the ongoing developments. However, the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island are permanently closed. Guests can anticipate the opening of Piston Peak National Park, which is expected to offer a new immersive experience inspired by the “Cars” universe.
Insider Tips: Navigating the Construction Zone
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Use the Boardwalk for Views: The Frontierland boardwalk remains open and offers the best vantage points for observing the construction.
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Stay Updated: Keep an eye on official Disney announcements for the latest information on attraction openings and closures.
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Plan for Detours: Be prepared for potential detours or changes in pathways as construction progresses.
Why This Matters to Fans
The transformation of the Rivers of America into Piston Peak National Park marks a significant shift in Magic Kingdom’s landscape. For many fans, the closure of Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat represents the end of cherished experiences. However, the introduction of Piston Peak National Park promises to bring a fresh and exciting addition to the park, blending Disney storytelling with the natural beauty of national parks.
As Magic Kingdom evolves, the changes around the Rivers of America reflect Disney’s commitment to innovation and storytelling. While some may miss the classic attractions, the upcoming Piston Peak National Park offers a new chapter in the park’s rich history.
Source: WDWNT