The countdown is on.
Rivers of America
In 2024, Disney shocked the theme park world when they announced that a new Cars-based expansion was coming to the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, replacing the entirety of the Rivers of America, including Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat AKA the Liberty Belle with construction beginning in 2025. Despite the ire of many fans and Disney traditionalists, Disney has now formally announced a closure date for the Rivers and its two attractions.
According to a June 2025 Disney Parks Blog post, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close beginning July 7th, meaning that the last day to experience these Magic Kingdom originals will be July 6th.
Rivers of America
In addition, July 7th will also bring changes to the Disneyland Railroad. To accommodate the construction of the Cars area — revealed by Disney to be titled Piston Peak National Park, an “awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers” — and the upcoming Villains Land, the iconic railroad will be rerouted for the foreseeable future.
All aboard!
Instead of circumnavigating the entire Magic Kingdom, the Walt Disney World Railroad will instead operate in “shuttle” mode, running back and forth between Main Street U.S.A. and Fantasyland while the Frontierland Station is closed. Disney will also be reversing some of the seating on the railroad cars, so guests can still face forward heading each way (or backwards, if they so choose).
Train station
We’re just about a month away from the closure of some of the Magic Kingdom’s iconic original elements as Disney World’s flagship theme park embarks on a controversial new future. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the Magic Kingdom’s changes.
5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know
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