Credit: Inside the MagicWalt Disney World Resort is pressing full steam ahead with the construction of Piston Peak National Park at the Magic Kingdom. Ironically, though, in addition to the demolition of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, the latest stage in the project included the removal of Walt Disney World Railroad tracks from the perimeter of Frontierland.
In July, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat closed permanently to make way for the Cars (2006)-themed Piston Peak National Park. The new section of Frontierland will be inspired by the landscape of America’s national parks and feature two rides: a thrilling rally race and a family-friendly experience.
In the months since the closure, crews have removed several props from Tom Sawyer Island (for archiving or destroying), drained the Rivers of America, and begun removing the Liberty Belle tracks from the riverbed. Scaffolding around the former riverwalk suggests that towering construction walls will soon block Disney Park guests from watching the demolition.
Crews have also cleared hundreds, if not thousands, of trees outside Magic Kingdom Park. The emptied land houses an equipment staging lot, a temporary office trailer complex, and the footprint of another ongoing project: the Disney Villains land that will live “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” As part of this construction, the Walt Disney World Railroad now operates in shuttle mode, only traveling back and forth between Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.
According to WDWNT, crews have hauled large concrete blocks, metal pipes, and construction equipment into the emptied riverbed. Most of the Liberty Belle track has yet to be removed, but one section is blocked by a large beige tarp. Water has also been drained from part of the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure landscape that was once partially connected to the Rivers of America.
On Sunday, X (formerly known as Twitter) user @bioreconstruct shared several aerial photos showing the progress of the Rivers of America demolition at Magic Kingdom Park. One image shows that crews have apparently removed part of the Walt Disney World Railroad track:
In this aerial photo: 1 Magic Kingdom steam train tracks removed. Possibly will be a re-routing around the Villains land. 2 Service bridge lowered for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad trains. The access between the attraction and the service building.
In this aerial photo:
1 Magic Kingdom steam train tracks removed. Possibly will be a re-routing around the Villains land.
2 Service bridge lowered for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad trains. The access between the attraction and the service building. pic.twitter.com/8zKBvAPjlp— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 21, 2025
Another picture shows the drained Rivers of America, the former Tom Sawyer Island, and a truck from a demolition company hidden from Disney Park guests:
Aerial photo of the demolition of Rivers of America. This area to become a Piston Peak attraction. A Northstar truck is parked in the riverbed, out of view of guests. Northstar is a company that does demolition.
Aerial photo of the demolition of Rivers of America. This area to become a Piston Peak attraction.
A Northstar truck is parked in the riverbed, out of view of guests. Northstar is a company that does demolition. pic.twitter.com/2ql6U5fpZf
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 21, 2025
Finally, take a general glimpse at what Magic Kingdom Park guests can’t see from ground level:
Aerial photo of what will become a Piston Peak attraction. Former Rivers of America. The waterfront is currently lined partly with fence, and partly open to view. Open areas have scaffolding that will soon support fencing.
Aerial photo of what will become a Piston Peak attraction. Former Rivers of America.
The waterfront is currently lined partly with fence, and partly open to view. Open areas have scaffolding that will soon support fencing. pic.twitter.com/mtqfrkEF9J— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) September 21, 2025
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t announced a grand opening date for Piston Peak National Park or the Disney Villains land coming to the Magic Kingdom. Stay tuned to Inside the Magic for updates!
What Cars characters should Disney include in Piston Peak National Park at the Magic Kingdom? Share your ideas with Inside the Magic in the comments!