Credit: Ian Carroll, FlickrFew corners of Walt Disney World evoke as much deep-seated nostalgia as the enchanting stretch of Magic Kingdom that once showcased Tom Sawyer Island. For generations, visitors embarked on a charming journey across the tranquil Rivers of America on a quaint little raft, transporting them to a picturesque island filled with meandering caves, intricate bridges, and hidden pathways that offered a delightful sense of adventure, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the main park.
As families roamed the serene landscape at their leisure, they were often accompanied by the gentle sound of the Liberty Belle, a majestic steamboat, gliding gracefully by, adding to the island’s atmospheric charm. The iconic Aunt Polly’s, a small seasonal eatery nestled within this woodland paradise, delighted guests with its offerings of creamy root beer floats and delectable pulled pork sliders, inviting those who made the lovely journey across the water to savor a taste of nostalgia.
However, this cherished chapter in the history of Magic Kingdom came to a definitive close in July 2025. The transformation of this beloved area is now accelerating at a remarkable pace. Newly filed construction permits indicate that Walt Disney Imagineering is actively advancing the development of Piston Peak National Park, set to rise on the very site where Aunt Polly’s once welcomed guests with its rustic charm. As the past gives way to new adventures, the excitement for what’s to come continues to build among Disney enthusiasts and park-goers alike.
What the New Permit Actually Says About Construction
Walt Disney Imagineering filed a Notice of Commencement on July 1 calling for general construction at the former address of Aunt Polly’s, listed as 4975C Caribbean Way. The permit names Phillips, listed under its former name of Phillips and Jordan, as the construction contractor. Phillips specializes in civil and power infrastructure work, suggesting this particular phase of construction is likely tied to the planned river and water features within Piston Peak rather than a major themed building.
Still, a permit filing at the specific former site of Aunt Polly’s confirms that construction is actively moving into that section of the island, filling in another piece of what will eventually become one of the most ambitious expansions in Magic Kingdom’s history.
What Aunt Polly’s Was, and Why Fans Miss It
For guests unfamiliar with what stood on that site, Aunt Polly’s was one of the more charming and unusual dining experiences at any Disney park. Operating as a seasonal quick-service window, it was only open during the busiest stretches of the year, including spring break and the Christmas holiday week, which made it something of a rare find for guests who happened to visit during those windows.
Getting there required boarding one of the rafts that ferried guests across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island, a small journey that already felt like part of the experience before guests had even ordered anything. Once on the island, Aunt Polly’s offered outdoor covered patio seating with views of the Liberty Belle as it made its way around the river, a setting that felt genuinely unlike anything else at Walt Disney World. The menu ran toward simple comfort food, including pulled pork sliders, pretzel sticks, and a root beer float that had become something of a signature for return visitors.
Aunt Polly’s closed permanently on July 7, 2025, along with the rest of Tom Sawyer Island, when the Rivers of America and Liberty Square Riverboat ceased operations ahead of the Piston Peak construction work. The building was subsequently demolished in 2025 as part of the broader land clearing for the new Cars-themed area.
What Piston Peak National Park Will Be
The land going in on the former Tom Sawyer Island site is being described as part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom, a statement that underscores just how significant this project is for the park’s long-term identity.
Piston Peak National Park is set in a fictional wilderness environment inspired by the Rocky Mountain region and the American frontier, placing it naturally within the storytelling arc that already connects Liberty Square and Frontierland. The land will feature towering trees, snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, roaring rivers, and geysers, designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape through a style of architecture called Parkitecture, developed by the National Park Service for structures that blend naturally into their environment.
Two attractions are planned for the land. The first is an off-road rally race ride, and the second is a family-friendly attraction. The land also introduces a new original character, Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore, inspired by the classic Disney cartoon character Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore, who will anchor the storytelling alongside the familiar Cars universe characters guests already know.
Beyond Piston Peak, construction is also underway on the other side of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, where Disney is developing an entirely new land inspired by Disney Villains, complete with two major attractions, dining, and shopping.
For guests who have been watching this corner of Magic Kingdom evolve since Tom Sawyer Island went dark, this new permit filing is the latest confirmation that the transformation is moving steadily forward, building toward a version of the park that will look quite different from anything guests have experienced before.
