Magic Kingdom replacing Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island with Cars Land
The big news that Disney is bringing a Cars Land to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland section comes with a price – two opening day attractions. Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will be paved over to make way for the new expansion, Disney confirmed this morning.
The area will be transformed into “vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers. “
“We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland,” Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering said. “Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.”
The new area will bring you along for the ride with a brand-new thrilling rally race through the mountains, climbing trails, and dodging geysers, in addition to a second attraction geared towards fun for the whole family, according to Disney.
A close look at the artist concept shows what the Cars Land area will look like. To the top left you can see the area where Frontierland shops and Country Bears are located. Across the top from left to right is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the train station and entrance to Tiana’s and then Big Thunder Mountain. The concept shows a path to the upper right that could bring people to the new Villains Land Beyond Big Thunder Mountain or back to the Haunted Mansion.
Ahead of work revving into high gear in 2025, guests will have plenty of time to experience the charm and nostalgia of Frontierland as it is today.
This isn’t the first time Disney has paved over water attraction for a new area. The 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage lasted at Magic Kingdom from 1971 through 1994 and the lagoon was renamed “Ariel’s Grotto”, complete with a King Triton spouting statue. In 2004, the water was drained and the area demolished. For about five years the area became Pooh’s Playful Spot until 2010 and the New Fantasyland area was taking place. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train now sits on the former 20,000 Leagues spot.
The demise of the two long-time attractions could be attributed to the lack of popularity. However, nostalgia is high with Disney fans and the feeling of removing these opening day attractions for what many believe will be somewhat altered copy of the Disney California Adventure area feels like Disney is just taking its popular attractions and doing nothing more than a theme park copy and paste application.
The introduction of Cars Land is not the only major change coming to Magic Kingdom. Somewhat adjacent and Beyond Big Thunder Mountain outside of Frontierland will be an all-new land dedicated to Disney Villains. Inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe, the multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping. No other details or timetable have been announced for this expansion.
