Disney has finally announced a closing date for the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom. Disney says the three will close beginning July 7, 2025 as work begins to change the area into a new Cars-themed land called Piston Peak National Park.
Disney also released new cartoon concept art to show how Piston Peak will fit into the theme of Frontierland. The first thing we noticed is Disney is planning to keep the boardwalks in Frontierland that allow guests to bypass the parade route. We also noticed there’s more water features depicted in this new art than there was in the original concepts, suggesting Disney is responding to fan criticism.
Speaking of fan criticism, Disney appears to be responding directly to those who are concerned Cars attractions will feel out of place in Frontierland. Disney explains below what visitors should expect in Piston Peak, and how they’ll make the new land fit into its surroundings.
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. To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.
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From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.
We appreciate that it appears Disney heard the many complaints against this project and adapted to try and meet fans in the middle. We’ll still lament the loss of the Rivers of America, but we’re much more excited about Piston Peak now that Disney is committing to maintaining sightlines and making water features a focal point.
An opening date for Piston Peak hasn’t been announced at this time.
