The Next Big Expansion at Disney World Will Change Everything

Big changes are coming to Magic Kingdom as Disney prepares to transform part of Frontierland into an immersive Cars-themed land. This ambitious expansion will introduce new attractions, entertainment, and experiences, but it also means saying goodbye to some long-standing park features. The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat are all set to close to make way for this major overhaul.

A New Era for Frontierland

Disney has long been working on refreshing different areas of its parks, and this project signals one of the biggest shifts in Magic Kingdom’s history. While many assumed the Cars expansion would be placed “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” alongside the planned Villains Land, Disney later clarified that it would actually take over a section of Frontierland.

Concept art has already generated a mix of excitement and nostalgia, as longtime visitors prepare for a reimagined version of the park’s classic Western-inspired area.

Attractions That Will Be Retired

To create space for this expansion, several iconic attractions will be permanently removed:

• Rivers of America – A staple of Magic Kingdom since its opening in 1971, this waterway will be drained to allow for new pathways and infrastructure. The change will alter the landscape of Liberty Square and Frontierland, making way for Cars Land’s bustling atmosphere.
• Liberty Square Riverboat – With Rivers of America being removed, the Liberty Belle riverboat will no longer have a route to navigate. This beloved attraction, which has offered a peaceful cruise around Tom Sawyer Island for decades, will sail for the last time before the transition begins.
• Tom Sawyer Island and Rafts – This secluded island, inspired by Mark Twain’s stories, has been a hidden gem within the park. However, with the closure of Rivers of America, the rafts that transport guests to and from the island will also be retired, and the island itself will be repurposed for the Cars expansion.
• Aunt Polly’s – This seasonal quick-service dining location on Tom Sawyer Island will also be permanently closed. While it hasn’t operated regularly in years, its official removal marks another step in Magic Kingdom’s evolution.

What’s Coming Next?

While the removal of these classic attractions is bittersweet, the future of Magic Kingdom looks bright with the addition of Cars Land. The new expansion will feature at least two major attractions, including one centered around off-road racing. Guests can expect to step into Radiator Springs, with themed dining, character meet-and-greets, and immersive storytelling that blends the charm of the Old West with the high-speed thrills of the Cars franchise.

Alongside the Cars expansion, Magic Kingdom is also set to introduce Villains Land, an entirely new area dedicated to Disney’s most notorious antagonists. This area is expected to rival Universal’s upcoming Dark Universe, ensuring that Disney remains competitive in the ever-evolving theme park landscape.

A Bold Step for Magic Kingdom

Change is never easy, especially when it involves beloved attractions that have been part of Disney World for generations. However, Disney’s commitment to keeping the parks fresh and engaging means constantly evolving experiences for guests. With construction beginning in 2025, fans have a limited time to experience these classic Frontierland attractions before they become a part of Disney history.

While some may mourn the loss of the serene river cruises and the quiet escape of Tom Sawyer Island, the excitement surrounding Cars Land suggests that Disney is steering Magic Kingdom in a thrilling new direction. Stay tuned for more updates as Disney unveils further details about this transformative project.