Everything That Had to Permanently Close to Make Way for the ‘Cars’ Expansion in Disney World

2025 has seen seveal permanent closures come to Walt Disney World.

Rivers of America

Some of most upsetting to some Disney fans came in July, when an iconic, day one portion of the Magic Kingdom closed to make way for the upcoming Cars-themed Piston Peak sub-land coming to Frontierland. 

In August of 2024, at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, it was revealed that a new Cars area would be coming to Magic Kingdom. Many assumed that this new area would lie “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” along with the newly announced Villains Land. Well, one day later, Disney revealed that Cars would actually be taking over part of Frontierland, and the concept art left people shocked. 

©Disney

In order to accommodate this new expansion, which will include two rides, massive parts of Frontierland permanently closed on July 7th, offering their final rids on July 6th. 

Frontierland

The Rivers of America

The Rivers of America is in the process of being drained and paved over, adding more land for the expansion. While taking away the opening day waterway has drastically changed the makeup of Frontierland as a whole, it does make the most sense. It would be a logistical and crowd nightmare trying to transport people to a new area of the park that is going to be popular when it first opens. 

Rivers of America

The Liberty Square Riverboat

Along with the Rivers, the Liberty Square Riverboat has also closed.  A 50-year staple of both Liberty Square and Frontierland, the rivers were a favorite of longtime fans, owing to their status as one of Walt’s original Disneyland concepts.  

Liberty Square Riverboat

Tom Sawyer Island Rafts

It wasn’t only the riverboat that sailed in the rivers of America, but the Tom Sawyer Island rafts did, too. These rafts are used to transport people back and forth from the mainland of Frontierland all the way to Tom Sawyer Island.

Tom Sawyer Island raft

Filling in the Rivers of America and closing the raft transportation opens up more walking paths between Liberty Square and Frontierland, as the concept art shows a potential walkway near Haunted Mansion over to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. 

Tom Sawyer Island

Tom Sawyer Island was a hidden gem of the Magic Kingdom. There were hidden caves, fun bridges, a fort, and scenic views. The entire island also closed to make way for the new expansion.

Tom Sawyer Island

Aunt Polly’s

Tom Sawyer’s Islnd’s Aunt Polly’s restaurant, which had only been open intermittently in recent years, officially closed for good when Tom Sawyer Island closed. When it was in operation full-time or seasonally, it was a great place to grab a bite to eat and escape the crowds in the Magic Kingdom.

Aunt Polly’s

Aunt Polly’s seating areaWhile these looming permanent closures can be sad, there is so much to look forward to in the future! To stay up to date on all the latest Disney news, stay tuned with us here at the Disney Food Blog!

All the NEW Rides and Attractions at Disney World in 2025 and Beyond

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

---

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

What are your thoughts about these closures? Let us know in the comments!

The post Everything That Had to Permanently Close to Make Way for the 'Cars' Expansion in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.

from the disney food blog https://ift.tt/tBvS3Fu