LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – At D23 Expo this past weekend, Disney unveiled its biggest expansion to the Magic Kingdom yet, with a Frontierland expansion themed around the franchise “Cars” and a land dedicated to Disney’s villains.
But to do that, Disney confirmed Monday that Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island would both disappear, the Disney Parks Blog confirmed Monday.
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“Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests,” said Michael Hundgen with Walt Disney Imagineering.
The areas will be “transformed” into a rugged terrain befitting Frontierland for a race car attraction. In addition, the area will feature a family attraction that has not yet been unveiled, as well as climbing trails and “dodging geysers.”
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Rivers of America was part of the Magic Kingdom’s opening attractions in May 1971 and flows along Liberty Square and Frontierland. Rivers of America was the home of the Mike Fink Keel Boats attraction. The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes attraction and the Liberty Belle Riverboat opened in October 1971.
Tom Sawyer Island opened in 1973 is an artificial island set in Rivers of America that features a mine, a cave, a frontier fort, and trails all inspired by the stories of Mark Twain. It’s accessible by a log raft.
It won’t be the only part of Frontierland’s expansion. Beyond the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad coaster, Disney announced plans to build a land for Disney’s villains. The multi-acre expansion will have two major attractions as well as shopping and dining.
Disney did not say when Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will officially close, but it did say work on the expansion would start sometime next year.
Other attractions coming to Walt Disney World in the next few years will include a Monsters, Inc. Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Tropical Americas, a new land at Animal Kingdom that will replace the Dinosaur area, featuring attractions inspired by the Indiana Jones franchise and the animated film “Encanto.”
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