Walt Disney World Resort just tore down hundreds, if not thousands, of trees outside the Magic Kingdom, forever changing the landscape for Disney Park guests. This update comes days before Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat close forever, making way for two new Cars (2006) attractions in Frontierland.
Walt Disney Imagineering first announced the reimagining at D23 Expo 2024. It comes amid a years-long overhaul in Frontierland, which saw Splash Mountain transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the closure of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade for a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) lounge, and the premiere of the refreshed Country Bear Musical Jamboree. In January, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster also closed for a year-long refurbishment to add “new magic” to the decades-old attraction.
Earlier this year, Walt Disney World Resort revealed that the Cars area in Frontierland would be called Piston Peak National Park, referencing a real location in Pixar’s Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014). Inspired by the natural beauty of America’s national parks, the area will feature nods to the original Frontierland area, including barrel bridges, water features, and parts of the Rivers of America. Walt Disney Imagineers have promised to keep sightlines in mind while building the expansive area, featuring a thrilling rally race ride and another family-friendly attraction.
Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Rivers of America will close permanently this weekend ahead of the construction. Days before the closures, crews have cut down hundreds of trees behind Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park.
According to WDWNT, the cleared area is visible from the Walt Disney World Monorail. The land is near the canal off the Seven Seas Lagoon where the Electrical Water Pageant floats are stored, and runs along the backside of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Several excavators, piles of logs, and other construction vehicles were spotted in the area. Crews appeared to be laying down gravel, which will eventually cover the land. It’s important to note that this area won’t be part of the Piston Peak National Park expansion; instead, it will serve as a storage area for construction equipment when it’s not needed inside Magic Kingdom Park.
Walt Disney Imagineers are simultaneously beginning construction on a Disney Villains land, set to expand the landscape of Magic Kingdom Park “beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” This area may also stage equipment for that project, though Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t confirmed anything.
Walt Disney World Resort has yet to announce an opening date for Piston Peak National Park or the Disney Villains land at Magic Kingdom Park. Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close permanently on July 7; the last day to experience both attractions is July 6, 2025.
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort’s decision to replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat with Piston Peak National Park? Share your opinion with Inside the Magic in the comments!
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