Credit: DisneyA significant chapter in Magic Kingdom’s history closed in early July as Walt Disney World made way for its next considerable expansion. Beginning July 7, both Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America permanently closed, marking the end of two experiences that have been part of the park for decades.
The winding waterway of the Rivers of America has been part of Magic Kingdom since the park’s opening day on October 1, 1971. Serving as the scenic route for the Liberty Belle Riverboat and offering striking views of attractions such as the Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the river has long stood at the heart of Frontierland and Liberty Square.
Alongside it, Tom Sawyer Island, which opened on May 20, 1973, gave guests a rare chance to freely explore caves, trails, and bridges at their own pace. Together, the island and the river offered a hands-on, slower-paced experience rooted in rustic Americana. Since its July closure, the Rivers of America has been completely drained, with the Liberty Belle track partially removed.
With the closures, Imagineers will begin work on what Disney has described as the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. At the center of this transformation is a brand-new land: Piston Peak National Park, inspired by the world of Cars. Themed after a reimagined frontier landscape, the area will feature a visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, forest trails, and more, all crafted in the style of “Parkitecture,” the design approach used by the National Park Service to harmonize manmade structures with natural surroundings.
Towering mountains, erupting geysers, and immersive trails will define the new landscape, carefully bordered by tree lines to preserve the atmosphere of neighboring areas like Liberty Square. This new land will introduce two original attractions: one high-speed adventure through rugged terrain and another designed for families of all ages. Together, they will mark the first Cars-themed land at Walt Disney World.
In total, four new attractions are planned for the expansion, which will also include the long-anticipated Villains Land, set to rise beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro highlighted the land’s thematic vision during last year’s Horizons showcase: “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city.”
For many fans, the loss of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America has been difficult. The attractions typically held lower wait times—often only five to ten minutes—but their nostalgic charm and unique form of storytelling made them cornerstones of Frontierland. Some guests have voiced concerns about intellectual properties taking priority over original theming, though updated concept art for the new development has helped ease some of those worries.
Of course, the mass changes to Frontierland come not long after the Disney World land was upended with the replacement of Splash Mountain.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure made a big splash at Walt Disney World when it opened at Magic Kingdom in late 2024. Taking over the space once home to Splash Mountain, the new attraction continues Tiana’s story after the events of 2009’s The Princess and the Frog.
Guests join Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis, and even Mama Odie as they journey deep into the bayou, all while preparing for a one-of-a-kind celebration. Disney’s new immersive experience is filled with new audio-animatronics, original music alongside fan-favorite songs from the film, and a richly detailed setting inspired by New Orleans culture.
Imagineers worked with cultural advisors and members of the movie’s creative team to make sure the ride captures the heart of the Louisiana bayou, while also ushering in a major new chapter for Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.
That said, even with all the intention behind the attraction, there was (and still is) a vocal group of protestors who long for Splash Mountain—inspired by the controversial Song of the South (1946) movie—to return to Magic Kingdom.
Alongside the implementation of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney also opened the Critter Co-Op merchandise location, inspired by the New Orleans spirit of The Princess and the Frog movie. However, guests hoping to visit the Critter Co-Op in this late summer, early fall season, will be faced with blockages.
As reported by WDWNT, the Critter Co-Op entrance has been blocked off. The report speculates that floor work may be underway as the walls are over waist height, but not to the ceiling. The walls have taken up a large portion of the flow, which will limit guest flow at the location.
“Inspired by Tiana’s entrepreneurial spirit, the talented critters Tiana enlisted to play in the band at her Mardi Gras party started their own co-op—where all critters are welcome, and there’s no such thing as a wrong note!” the official Critter Co-Op description reads on the Walt Disney World website.
“Visit Critter Co-Op and shop for apparel, accessories, toys, plush, home décor, trading items and more from the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Collection—inspired by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” the synopsis continues. “And while you’re there, look for the flyers about the variety of events these fun-loving critters host, including quilting, cooking and dancing lessons.”
As the curtain falls on these classics, Magic Kingdom is preparing to embrace its future. Imagineers will break ground immediately after the closures, beginning the process of reshaping the landscape for a new generation of guests.
How do you feel about more work happening to an already overhauled land? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!