As of late August 2025, the Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom has been completely drained, clearing the way for removal of the riverboat track and advancing construction of the new Piston Peak National Park land.
Aerial look at former Tom Sawyer Island. Rivers of America is being drained. pic.twitter.com/vDUpR0PJOp
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) August 16, 2025
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This marks a significant milestone in the park’s transition from waterway operations to themed expansion. According to a recent update, crews have drained the final remaining water from the river and have begun removal of the Liberty Belle’s guide track. The full exposure of the riverbed allows access to mechanical infrastructure that was previously submerged.
Background: Closure and Redevelopment
The decision to drain the river follows the permanent closure of Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat on July 7, 2025. Disney undertook this step to accommodate its largest-ever expansion, replacing these classic attractions with a Cars-themed area called Piston Peak National Park. Since its closure in early July, the waters have slowly drained with a more intentional effort in the last few weeks.
Concept art for Piston Peak, the new Cars Land coming to Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World – Disney Parks
With the water fully cleared, imagineers and construction crews are actively removing the track and infrastructure from the Liberty Belle’s former path. The absence of water has made visible elements like the trough and rail system that guided the riverboat clear for dismantling.
Why It Matters
The draining signifies the irreversible loss of a long-established scenic feature of Magic Kingdom. It also indicates a major shift in land use—from immersive, landscape-based storytelling to immersive themed entertainment. Whereas Walt had imagined areas dedicated to different themes, recent shifts in the Walt Disney company have led to more areas dedicated to specific movie franchises.
Yep this hurts to see pic.twitter.com/JhDrdjoJSh
— Evan Patel (@EvanPatel11) August 28, 2025
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Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora represent this new approach in the Walt Disney World. Whereas Frozen and Lion King areas are currently underway in Disneyland Paris. Car’s Piston’s Peak in the Magic Kingdom represents a newer strategy that focuses on a franchise instead of something more universal, as Walt had originally created.
Public Reaction
Public sentiment continues to be mixed. Many longtime visitors express nostalgia and lament the loss of ambiance that the river once provided. Some feel as though Walt’s original attractions spoke to broader themes.
Concept art for Disney’s unnamed Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom
Whereas this new Cars-themed area feels more like a cold corporate decision to promote its own brands. Others note the practical benefits in terms of park capacity and new attractions that may draw guests.
Conclusion
The Rivers of America is now fully drained, and the riverboat’s guiding track is being removed to begin the land’s redevelopment. This marks a definitive end to the water-based attraction and establishes a new phase in the park’s evolution.
The Rivers of America drained Walt Disney World in the Magic Kingdom – Photo Credit: Ron E. Bradley
As construction moves forward, the shift from tranquil waterways to themed rides signals a broader change in Magic Kingdom’s storytelling and spatial design.
What do you think of Rivers of America now drained? Is the move to create more franchise-themed areas appropriate or does it miss the mark? Let us know in the comments!
Disgusting. Walt is rolling in his grave.