While visiting Magic Kingdom today, we decided to stop in and check out the ongoing work to drain and demolish the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Walt Disney World began draining the Rivers of America earlier this month and faced a few setbacks along the way due to afternoon storms refilling the river basin. Now, crews are working on getting the last bit of water out of the basin as they prepare for the next phase of work. Speaking of the next phase of work, Walt Disney World is beginning the process of making sure it’s difficult to see.

Rivers of America Nearly Dry, Construction Wall Installation Work Begins

As BlogMickey.com previously reported, Walt Disney World needed to clear the majority of the mud from the river basin before they could begin the installation of construction walls. With much of the mud along the boardwalk area cleared, and crews working on draining the last bit of the remaining standing water, Disney has begun the process of installing scaffolding to block views of the next phase of work: demolition.

We’ll start on the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure side of the boardwalk. As you can see in the photos below, new scaffolding has been installed along the dry basin, indicating that work is beginning to construct a wall to block views of the former Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.

Drained Rivers of America riverbed with ongoing scaffolding constrcution near a wooden boardwalk
Drained Rivers of America riverbed with ongoing scaffolding constrcution near a wooden boardwalk
Drained Rivers of America riverbed with ongoing scaffolding constrcution near a wooden boardwalk
Drained Rivers of America riverbed with ongoing scaffolding constrcution near a wooden boardwalk
Drained Rivers of America riverbed with ongoing scaffolding constrcution near a wooden boardwalk
Drained Rivers of America with scaffolding, trees, and partly cloudy sky, indicating ongoing park expansion
Drained Rivers of America with exposed ride track. A lush Tom Sawyer Island sits on the other side of the drained river basin
View from a wooden boardwalk of a drained Rivers of America with exposed ride track. A lush Tom Sawyer Island sits on the other side of the drained river basin
Drained Rivers of America with exposed ride track. A lush Tom Sawyer Island sits on the other side of the drained river basin

I was taking photos of the drained Rivers of America when I heard a stomach growl. I was pretty sure it wasn’t mine, and when I looked around, I saw Shaker from the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. He was a bit hungry now that his source of fish has dried up.

Shaker, a character from the Country Bear Jamboree, looks over a drained river with a lush island in the background
Drained Rivers of America with exposed ride track. A lush Tom Sawyer Island sits on the other side of the drained river basin and Liberty Square is visible in the distance
Drained Rivers of America with exposed ride track. A partial view of The Haunted Mansion is visible in the distance
Drained Rivers of America with exposed ride track
Scaffolding and construction area in the dried Rivers of America, with wooden pathways, lush greenery, and ongoing work. Photo captures the development of new attractions
Metal scaffolding piled up under a wooden boardwalk, ready to be installed during overnight work in the dried Rivers of America

Here’s a closer look at the first bit of track cut. It seems like the track was cut as more of an access point than anything else, but we imagine all of the track will be removed as part of the demolition phase.

Dried riverbed with a curved metal track with a peice cut out
A close view of a metal track that has been cut. It is supported by a concrete pad underneath it in the drained Rivers of America

Finally, we saw crews continuing to work on draining stubborn parts of the river basin.

Three construction workers stand in mud, manually placing a draining hose into a small amount of water in the mostly drained Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom
A wide view of the drained Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom with industrial water pumps and construction workers in the distance. Surrounded by lush trees

For everything we know about the Cars-themed expansion to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, check out our dedicated project page below!

Piston Peak National Park at Magic Kingdom
Check out the latest news, photos, and concept art for the Cars-themed expansion in Magic Kingdom called Piston Peak National Park
blogmickey.com

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!

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