Disney World's Upcoming Attraction Means Saying Goodbye To These Beloved Icons

All great things should change and evolve, and Disney is no stranger to closing beloved rides to make way for something new. Now, after more than 50 years, Disney has officially closed the iconic Rivers of America, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom. These classic Frontierland attractions opened in the early-1970s, giving parkgoers riverboat rides aboard the Liberty Belle to learn more about American frontier life. But even though they shut down for good on July 7, 2025, work is underway on a brand-new attraction to keep the storytelling going.

Disney has called this its largest Magic Kingdom expansion ever. The upcoming Piston Peak National Park will be a fictional wilderness inspired by the Rocky Mountains, the American frontier, and the Disney and Pixar "Cars" universe. According to Disney, guests can expect mountainous terrain with snowy peaks, waterfalls, forests, rivers, and geysers in what the park is calling a "wheelderness."

Disney Imagineering exec Chris Beatty described the newest addition in a blog post, saying: "One attraction will invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater's favorite — splashing through mudholes." Beatty also wrote there would be a second, smaller race feature that everyone in the family can enjoy.

While many longtime visitors will miss the iconic raft rides and riverboat cruises, Disney has several projects in the works. In addition to Piston Peak National Park, perhaps the most buzzed-about is the first-ever Disney Villains land. The park has promised two major attractions, themed dining, and shopping — all designed to celebrate the darker side of its world on what it's calling an "incredibly twisted grand scale."

Additionally, Disney Starlight, a new nighttime parade, will debut on July 20, bringing glowing floats and original music to the streets of Magic Kingdom. There's also a new pirate-themed restaurant on the horizon for later this year. The Beak and Barrel will welcome guests of all ages, with themed cocktails available for grown Disneyphiles.

Thrillseekers will be happy to hear that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also getting updates. According to Disney insiders, the idea is to blend the ride seamlessly in with Piston Peak's aesthetic. But word on the street is it won't reopen until next year at the earliest. While there's still plenty to see and do at the park, these updates may be reason enough to delay booking your Walt Disney World vacation. In the meantime, here are some other must-visit places for Disney fans to enjoy aside from the theme parks.