Water Almost Fully Drained from Rivers of America as Work Begins on New Cars Land

Water Almost Fully Drained from Rivers of America as Work Begins on New Cars Land

The transformation of Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is officially underway, and it’s making quite a splash — or in this case, a drain. The Rivers of America is now almost completely empty as crews begin work on Walt Disney World’s newest expansion: Piston Peak, a Cars-themed land inspired by the Pixar franchise.

Related: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Website Receives New Updated Description

The area closed back on July 7th, 2025, marking the end of an era for Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the classic raft ride to the island. Now, those waterways are being reshaped into something brand-new. Our photos from this week show the riverbed nearly drained, exposing the old track that once guided the riverboat.

Piston Peak is set to bring a fresh spin on Cars Land with a rugged, National Park-inspired look. Instead of sticking to Radiator Springs, Imagineers are sending Lightning McQueen and friends out west to explore a new frontier. The land draws heavily from real-world landscapes like Rocky Mountain National Park and Bryce Canyon while weaving in storytelling threads from Disney’s own history.

Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro summed up the expansion by saying: “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city.”

What’s Coming to Piston Peak

• Rally Race Attraction – This off-road adventure will send guests racing across rugged mountain terrain, dodging geysers, and splashing through mud holes. The queue will be themed to a National Park visitor lodge, complete with towering A-frame architecture and plenty of “Parkitecture” nods.
• Meet Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore – A brand-new Cars-universe character, inspired by Disney’s classic Ranger Woodlore, will welcome guests to Piston Peak.
• Immersive Design – Buildings will feature “car-ified” details, from oversized doors and windows for vehicles to rustic touches like wagon wheels used as architectural elements. Imagineers promise waterfalls, shaded trails, and plenty of nods to the great outdoors — including a geyser called “Old Tankful,” a playful tribute to Yellowstone’s Old Faithful.

Related: The Beak and Barrel: A Pirate’s Paradise at Magic Kingdom

The area will sit right next to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is currently closed until 2026 for a refresh that will incorporate rainbow geysers and subtle Cars details to tie it into Piston Peak.

Construction Timeline

• July 7, 2025 – Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Frontierland train station officially closed.
• 2025–2026 – Ongoing construction of Piston Peak and reimagining of Big Thunder Mountain.
• Beyond 2026 – Guests will be able to experience this high-octane new land as part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history, which also includes a planned Villains Land nearby.

The road to Piston Peak has just begun, and while it’s tough to say goodbye to beloved classics, it’s clear Disney is driving full speed ahead into a new frontier.

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