The demolition of Magic Kingdom’s historic Frontierland area has officially begun—and Disney isn’t wasting any time. Just hours after the July 6th closure of Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Frontierland Railroad Station, visible construction activity is now underway.
The former site of the Liberty Belle in Walt Disney World at the Magic Kingdom – Photo Credit: That Park Place
What was once the peaceful Rivers of America and the adventurous escape of Tom Sawyer Island is now surrounded by construction walls, rolling planters, and security personnel. The area is fully closed to guests, with site-prep activity already in motion.
Crews Spotted on Tom Sawyer Island
Construction crews are already on site, actively removing props and set pieces from Tom Sawyer Island. The island is now completely inaccessible to guests.
Construction crews begin the destruction of Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: That Park Place
The sign at the raft dock has been removed, and all guest rafts have been taken backstage. From the mainland, the visual change is stark—what once was an island playground stepped in American history is now a guarded construction zone.
Liberty Belle Riverboat Gone
The Liberty Belle, which used to provide scenic tours around the Rivers of America, has been quietly moved backstage to the marina. It’s no longer visible from any guest-accessible areas. Meanwhile, the dock in Liberty Square has been closed off using rolling planters and construction walls. Both exit ramps are sealed.
A door blocking access to the lower deck of the Liberty Belle Riverboat dock in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: That Park Place
The entrance to the lower dock is walled off by a single door standing in the middle of nowhere, which contrasts sharply with the rustic frontier theming the land still (for now) embodies.
Frontierland Railroad Station Closed and Walled Off
The Frontierland station of the Walt Disney World Railroad has been closed, with both the entrance and exit now blocked by barriers. While the train is still operating, it currently bypasses the entire Frontierland section. Guests can board at Main Street, U.S.A. or Fantasyland, but the loop that once hugged the Rivers of America is now completely inactive.
Security Presence Noticed
Security guards have been spotted stationed near the former Liberty Belle loading area and along the walkway that flanks the Rivers of America. Their presence suggests Disney is taking no chances as demolition and construction ramp up in the days ahead.
Piston Peak and Beyond
The aggressive pace of this transformation marks the first steps toward Magic Kingdom’s largest expansion ever. Disney has confirmed the addition of a Cars-themed land called Piston Peak National Park, inspired by the Planes: Fire & Rescue spinoff of the Cars franchise. This land will reportedly include a national park-style backdrop and characters from the Cars universe.
Concept art for Piston Peak, the new Cars Land coming to Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World – Disney Parks
Beyond Piston Peak, an even larger project looms—Disney Villains Land. Set to rise beyond the borders of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the expansion is being framed as a game-changer for the park, though details remain under wraps.
End of an Era
Tom Sawyer Island has been a part of the Magic Kingdom since its inception, offering a quiet, off-the-beaten-path escape with caves, bridges, and frontier-style hideouts.
The former site of the Liberty Belle in Walt Disney World at the Magic Kingdom – Photo Credit: That Park Place
The Liberty Belle Riverboat, once a hallmark of nostalgic Americana, had become a rare slice of Disney history still afloat in a park rapidly changing. The closure of both—along with the Frontierland train station—signals the end of one chapter and the swift, unrelenting start of another, whether guests want it or not.
How do you feel about the closure of the Liberty Belle and Tom Sawyer Island? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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