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Credit: Michael HueyFor decades, there’s been a quiet corner of Magic Kingdom that felt frozen in time. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t packed with thrill rides or nighttime spectaculars. But it was special. For many longtime Disney fans, it represented a little slice of old-school park charm—the kind of place where you could actually slow down for a minute.
That peaceful spot has now changed forever. Construction walls, heavy equipment, and piles of debris have replaced what once stood as a beloved piece of park history.
What was once a cozy, nostalgic escape is officially being cleared out as Disney pushes forward with a massive expansion.
The structure in question was Aunt Polly’s, a small quick-service restaurant known for its beautiful river views and porch seating. While the restaurant hasn’t been operational for years, it remained a fan-favorite landmark. Demolition crews have now torn the building down entirely, leaving behind nothing but rubble and construction fencing.
A Beloved Landmark Lost
If you’ve spent any time exploring Magic Kingdom’s quieter spaces, chances are you’ve at least walked past Aunt Polly’s. Even when it wasn’t open, guests loved peeking through the porch railings and imagining what the place must have been like decades ago. It carried that old Disney charm—the kind of charm that’s hard to recreate in newer lands.
The decision to demolish it didn’t exactly come out of nowhere. The area officially closed earlier this summer, and piece by piece, its features began to disappear. First, the famous “Tom (hearts) Becky” fence was removed. Then fences and scrims went up, blocking nearly every view. It was clear something big was on the horizon.
A Massive Transformation
This isn’t just a small refresh—it’s a full-scale transformation. Rivers of America has been surrounded by construction walls, and other iconic details have already been taken down, including Superstition Bridge. Harper’s Mill is still standing for now, but everything around it is shifting rapidly.
The space once known for its rustic wooden pathways and slow-paced exploration is making way for something completely new. Disney isn’t just updating a location; it’s rewriting the entire identity of this corner of the park.
Piston Peak Is on the Way
When the dust settles, this spot will become home to the Cars-inspired Piston Peak National Park. The new land will draw inspiration from the Rocky Mountains and feature a rally race attraction alongside a family-friendly ride. It’s part of a much larger transformation in Frontierland, with Disney blending its classic outdoor aesthetic with a modern franchise.
Reactions have been mixed. Some fans are excited to see something fresh and dynamic come to this side of the park. Others are heartbroken, feeling like a quiet piece of history is being bulldozed to make room for something louder and shinier.
Nostalgia Meets Progress
For many guests, Aunt Polly’s wasn’t just a building. It symbolized a slower version of Disney World—the kind that didn’t revolve around schedules, Lightning Lane bookings, or racing from one attraction to the next. It was the kind of place where memories were made without needing anything fancy.
But as the park evolves, these quiet corners are becoming fewer and farther between. Aunt Polly’s may be gone, but its demolition signals something bigger: a new era for Frontierland. Whether that’s exciting or bittersweet depends entirely on who you ask.