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Disney World is closing some classic rides to build its biggest land ever

Disney World is closing some classic rides to build its biggest land ever

By Grazia British

Culture

Several attractions at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park are now closed to guests in order to make room for a new land that’s being developed, Piston Peak National Park. The impacted attractions are located in Frontierland and Liberty Square.

To make space for the park expansion, the following attractions are permanently closed:

  • Rivers of America
  • Tom Sawyer Island
  • Liberty Square Riverboat

Inspired by America’s national parks

Magic Kingdom’s brand-new Piston Peak National Park area will be wilderness-themed. Disney has said the land is inspired by the Rocky Mountains and the history and scenery of the American frontier and its national parks.

The fictional national park will feature a Disney and Pixar Cars-themed universe.

According to Disney, it will be the largest expansion in the Magic Kingdom’s history.

Disney explained some plans for the new land in a June 2025 Disney Parks Blog post. The company shared the following: “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.”

The post continued: “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.”

Fast Company contacted Disney for more information. No opening date has been announced yet.

More coming to Disney’s Magic Kingdom

Piston Peak National Park isn’t the only renovation currently underway at the Magic Kingdom.

In January 2025, Frontierland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad temporarily closed for renovations. The roller coaster is set to reopen in 2026.

Here are a few more expansions coming to Disney’s Magic Kingdom:

  • A nighttime parade experience, “Disney Starlight,” will debut on July 20.
  • A new pirate-themed tavern, The Beak and Barrel, is set to open in late 2025, and will serve food and nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
  • “Villain’s Land,” a Disney villain-themed park addition featuring attractions, dining, and shopping experiences, will be built. No opening date has been announced.

Originally published by fastcompany.com. Syndicated material does not necessarily reflect the views of Grazia British.

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