Walt Disney World filed three construction permits on February 19, 2026, for work at small locations in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom that could result in removal of those facilities.
The permits, all issued to Buena Vista Construction Company, list general construction work including labor, materials, and electrical services for Westward Ho, the Churro Wagon Cart, and Big Al’s merchandise kiosk. None of the filings detail exactly what work will be done.
The three sites sit along the Frontierland boardwalk near the former Rivers of America waterway. That river and its associated attractions, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, closed in mid-2025 to make way for a planned Piston Peak National Park expansion based on the Cars franchise.
Frontierland sits nearly empty on July 4, 2025 – Photo Credit: That Park Place
In all three recent permits, Buena Vista Construction Company is named as contractor with identical descriptions of the work’s scope. Each permit will expire in roughly one year.
The filings do not explicitly state that the structures will be removed permanently. They do, however, cover work at the kiosks and cart locations at a time when major construction is progressing nearby. While the general location has long seen changes tied to the Piston Peak project, the permits offer few details about what will occur at the specific addresses. Many fans speculate that the permits indicate the listed locations removal to make room for the new construction.
Context of Broader Frontierland Work
Frontierland has been in the midst of extensive changes for more than a year. The turning of the Rivers of America into dry land to support the new themed land required removal of water features and other related structures. Walls and barriers have surrounded parts of the area as construction has progressed.
Concept art for Frontierland expansion via Disney Parks Blog
Permits tied to Piston Peak National Park first appeared in late 2025 and early 2026 for construction work in the broader area, including grading and earthmoving near the former waterways. Local permitting agencies have also approved electrical infrastructure expansion near Magic Kingdom’s North Service Area, likely to support multiple new lands including Piston Peak and an upcoming Villains Land project.
Although specific timelines for the opening of Piston Peak National Park have not been released by Disney, the project is expected to span multiple years. The new themed land will include two attractions and elevated terrains visible from across the park.
Unclear Future of Affected Facilities
Disney has not issued a formal statement confirming whether Westward Ho, the Churro Wagon Cart, and Big Al’s merchandise kiosk will be permanently removed, relocated, or redesigned as part of the construction. Current park calendars list these facilities in operation through at least April 2026, despite the permit filings.
A July 4th banner in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Permits of this nature can cover a range of construction work, from repairs or electrical upgrades to full demolition. Without additional documentation or announcements from Disney, the exact purpose of the filings remains unclear. However, many fans fear the removal of more of Frontierland in order to make room for the new construction.
Frontierland Experience During Park Construction
Other projects in Frontierland include a lengthy refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which has been closed since early 2025 for extensive track and ride improvements. The ride is expected to reopen sometime spring of 2026.
Scaffolding up at Big Thunder Mountain in the Magic Kingdom – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradley’s Fun
Frontierland’s appearance and guest experience have already changed due to closures and construction barriers in the area. Looks like more changes may be around the riverbend. Oh wait, they already removed that…
What do you think of the changes made to Frontierland? Would you miss the locations that may be removed from these permits? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
