Draining Begins on Rivers of America in the Magic Kingdom

Rivers of America Draining Begins at Magic Kingdom Ahead of Massive Expansion

Say your goodbyes to the paddlewheels and paintbrushes; Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America is officially starting to dry up as Disney kicks off prep work for its most ambitious expansion yet. The draining process is now visibly underway, and if the rising construction walls and growing sea of scaffolding are any indication, change is rolling in faster than the Liberty Belle on a steam-powered sprint.

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While the iconic Liberty Belle Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island rafts are docked backstage, crews have ramped up activity across Liberty Square and Frontierland. Guests now walk alongside a veritable maze of construction walls, scrims, and scaffolding. Some of the most visible changes include:

• Walls lining the Riverboat Landing exit ramps, now decked out with cheeky and patriotic signs sponsored by PPG Paints. Some of our favorites?
  • “Patriotism swells in the heart of the American bear.” – Fozzie Bear
  • “Welcome, foolish mortals.” – The Haunted Mansion
  • “Laughter is America’s most important export.” – Walt Disney
• On Tom Sawyer Island, crews have begun removing set pieces at Tom’s Landing. Props are tagged for removal or destruction, and work crews have been seen dismantling the rustic wooden building plank by plank—marking the final chapter for this beloved island of childhood nostalgia.
• The rock walls along The Haunted Mansion queue are now covered with scaffolding and protective scrims, with water levels visibly dropping nearby as drainage work continues. It’s spooky season all year when you’re surrounded by ghosts and jackhammers!
• Brown construction walls have also expanded into Frontierland, blocking off the Frontierland Railroad Station entirely. The Walt Disney World Railroad is officially in “shuttle mode,” only traveling between Main Street, U.S.A. and Storybook Circus until further notice.

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The walls in Frontierland are also home to some clever, on-theme signage:

• “Thanks for bearing with us to the bear end.” – Henry, Country Bear Jamboree
• “This here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!” – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• “The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work.” – Princess Tiana

This large-scale transformation is all part of the upcoming Magic Kingdom expansion that will bring not one, but two new lands to life: a Cars-themed land and the long-awaited Disney Villains land, which will rise beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

While we’ll miss the riverboat cruises, rope bridges, and paintbrush scavenger hunts, there’s no denying the electric energy in the air as Magic Kingdom paves the way (quite literally) for the future.

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