Things look a lot different on the old Tom Sawyer Island in the Magic Kingdom. Many of the trees have been removed as Disney continues to demolish Tom Sawyer Island to make way for Piston Peak. This has opened up some crazy views around Frontierland.
The always great DC Baker captured some great pictures of the missing trees. Check out those new views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Haunted Mansion!
The Rivers of America are just a ditch now. It’s hard to believe this used to be one of the most scenic spots in the Magic Kingdom and all of Disney World. Guests should enjoy (or possibly cry over) these unique and very strange views while they can. Piston Peak will completely alter the landscape, but it too should block views across Frontierland to Liberty Square.
Disney demolished Fort Langhorn and the island’s caves just about one month ago. Now, with the trees coming down, we may start to see the project shift from demo to construction in the near future. Of course, a lot of earth needs to be moved and reshaped to accommodate Piston Peak before any concrete can be poured.
The cartoon concept art Disney released shows the transformation yet to come. The art depicts a lot of trees and water features, which we hope helps soften the loss of the Rivers of America.
Disney has said Piston Peak will be designed so the land’s primary attraction (the offroad rally race) won’t ruin the sights and sounds of Frontierland and Liberty Square.
When will Piston Peak open? Disney hasn’t officially announced a date at this time. But, with this much work left as we near the end of 2025, we think it’ll at least be a few years.
