Disney confirms the permanent closure of three Magic Kingdom touchstones, clearing space for a Pixar‑themed Piston Peak National Park and a rumored Villains Land.
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is about to lose three of its calmest corners. On July 7, the legendary Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, and the surrounding Rivers of America waterway will sail, raft, and ripple for the last time, making way for a brand‑new expansion that puts Pixar’s motorized landscapes—and maybe some notorious Disney baddies—center stage.
Three Magic Kingdom classics to close forever as new land rises near Frontierland
For many parkgoers, these attractions are the antidote to long lines and adrenaline‑packed coasters. Since 1971, the Riverboat’s steam whistle has echoed across Liberty Square, Tom Sawyer Island has invited kids to clamber through caves with no screens in sight, and Rivers of America has framed photo‑perfect views of “frontier” Florida.
Who hasn’t paused here to catch their breath? Yet Disney says the space is essential for an “immersive, story‑driven expansion” tied to Cars and Planes: Fire & Rescue. Below is a quick snapshot of what we’re losing:
| Attraction | Year opened | Final operating day |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty Square Riverboat | 1971 | July 7, 2025 |
| Tom Sawyer Island | 1973 | July 7, 2025 |
| Rivers of America | 1971 | July 7, 2025 |
So, if that old‑time selfie on the Riverboat deck is still on your bucket list, the clock is ticking!
What Piston Peak National Park promises and why it matters for future visitors to Disney World
Concept art teases towering pines, roaring geysers, and off‑road adventures starring Lightning McQueen and Dusty Cropper. Expect cutting‑edge projection technology, trackless ride vehicles, and cabins that blend handcrafted lodge design with Pixar humor. Disney also hints that a separate Villains Land—think high‑tech thrills, themed dining, and wickedly exclusive merch—could appear later in the decade.
Thousands of construction jobs are projected, although current guests will see walls and detours first. Here you have a timeline, key tips, and nostalgia fixes before the July 7 deadline for Magic Kingdom fans:
- Plan a morning visit: crowds spike after noon.
- Use the Liberty Square Riverboat as a serene shortcut during parades.
- Capture sunset photos along Rivers of America—lighting is magical.
Nostalgia bows to progress
After July 7, these “slow‑down” moments vanish, so strategize now if you crave one last raft ride across Tom Sawyer Island. Feeling sentimental? You’re not alone—long‑time Passholders are already organizing “final voyage” meet‑ups on fan forums.
Change is the price of staying “most magical.” While bidding goodbye stings, fresh stories keep future generations dreaming. Pack your camera, book that park reservation, and savor every whistle, splash, and creaking plank before the curtain falls.