Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island Will Close on July 7
Disney announced today that they will be expanding their new Cars Land into the rest of Frontierland. They also announced the closure of attractions around Rivers of America ahead of demolition for the new Cars ride.
Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close on July 7, 2025 to make way for Bob Iger’s IP dump.
It all feels like an overreaction to Epic Universe, but I digress.
Here is what the Disney Parks Blog said,
“As work revs into high gear this summer, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close beginning July 7. Imagineers are also hard at work beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad bringing to life the first-ever land inspired by the Disney Villains with two major attractions, dining and shopping all on an incredibly twisted grand scale.
But that’s not all happening at the Magic Kingdom. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen next year with new magic…”
Unlike Disneyland, the new land will replace the iconic Frontierland.
Disney argues that Cars Land is the same as Frontierland because of the “wilderness.”
They are adding this “National Park” to try to tie into the “wilderness” aspect that Frontierland was made to reflect. Disney is doubling down on adding IP, by taking out the rest of Frontierland, too.
“Since the early days of Magic Kingdom, adventurous guests have traveled across space and time as they pass from Liberty Square to Frontierland. Starting with architectural influences from upstate New York and colonial America in Liberty Square, before traveling to a bear-y fun concert in the North Woods, a stop by New Orleans at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and ending in the Arizona bluffs at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
At the heart of all these stories are heroic characters with a belief in themselves that helped forge a path to their dreams. To continue this journey in great American storytelling, Piston Peak National Park will be part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom.”
It does feel like they are trying to keep some of the aspects of Tom Sawyer Island alive,
“Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar “Cars” universe.”
It sounds similar to what is available on the island, which not many visit. I get changing it.
They did add water, but moved it to where the walkway is now.
I don’t know how this is going to go. Let’s hope this isn’t all shut down for several years because Disney is notoriously slow to build new things.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!