Big changes are coming to Magic Kingdom!

©Disney

A major Magic Kingdom expansion is going on, and several classic attractions are getting big updates. As we eagerly await updates, we’ve been keeping an eye on construction changes throughout the park. Thanks to new aerial photos, we can see exactly what’s going on in Frontierland!

Magic Kingdom is currently expanding to add a brand new Cars-inspired land to Frontierland! The new area will be called Piston Peak, and it’s replacing Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, which closed in July. Work quickly began on changes to the area, and thanks to bioreconstruct on X, we have new updates! 

@bioreconstruct on X

These photos were taken on October 12th, 2025, and show a very drained Rivers of America. The river first started draining in August, roughly a month after closing. You can already see the track that the Liberty Belle ran on.

@bioreconstruct on X

Tom Sawyer Island’s buildings are still intact, and the lush greenery hasn’t been removed yet. There are several machines visibly like an excavator, which is used to move dirt, dig, and more. You can also see the back of the walls that are currently lining Frontierland.

@bioreconstruct on X

In a few wider shots, you can see how Piston Peak will be situated in Frontierland, near Big Thunder Mountain and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Big Thunder Mountain has been closed for the entirety of 2025 and will stay closed until early 2026 for a major refurbishment. Disney has teased that “new magic” will be coming to the attraction and even released some concept art that ties Piston Peak and the attraction together.

@bioreconstruct on X

Bierconstruct also got some pictures of the area beyond Big Thunder Mountain where the new Villains Land will be built. Disney has stayed pretty quiet regarding Villains Land, but we do know that it will feature new attractions, dining options, and more. The land has been cleared, but there hasn’t been much progress since the September update.

@bioreconstruct on X

Disney has yet to share opening timelines for Piston Peak or Villains Land, but it’s clear there’s quite a bit of work to go. We are seriously excited to see these updates and are hoping for a relatively quick timeline because we aren’t the biggest fans of the construction walls. (Is anyone a fan of the walls?) As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates.

Piston Peak — Cars Land Expansion Coming to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

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What are your thoughts on the updates? Tell us in the comments!