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5d ago

Magic Kingdom to Close Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America July 6 for Cars-Themed Expansion

Construction starts in July, kicking off a multi-year overhaul that uses ‘Parkitecture’ to blend Cars into Frontierland before extending the transformation into a separate Villains Land

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad stands across the water, beyond a map of Tom Sawyer Island.
Disney Parks
Image
Credit: Edited by Inside the Magic

Overview

  • Disney confirmed that Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will cease operations on July 6, 2025, to clear space for Piston Peak National Park.
  • Piston Peak National Park will immerse guests in a Rocky Mountain–inspired “Cars” world featuring a high-speed off-road rally and a family-friendly attraction housed in rustic lodges.
  • Imagineers will employ ‘Parkitecture’ design, natural barriers and sound buffers to hide Cars elements from key sightlines and maintain Magic Kingdom’s existing ambiance.
  • The Frontierland redevelopment begins in July 2025, with Piston Peak expected to open around 2028 and a Villains Land scheduled to follow as part of the park’s biggest expansion ever.
  • Adding four new attractions is projected to drive up Lightning Lane pass prices and serves as Disney’s strategic response to Universal’s Epic Universe.