From NY Post: Disney World fans are fuming after the theme park announced the closure of three of its most iconic attractions: Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat.
The beloved destinations are set to shutter on July 7 to make way for Piston Peak National Park— a new attraction based on the Disney and Pixar “Cars” universe.
“Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers,” the Disney Parks Blog enthused in a post promoting Piston Peak.
“While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.”
BREAKING: Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will have their final day of operation on July 6 to make way for the Cars-themed area and Villains Land at Walt Disney World.
Disney says the new additions represent the largest transformation in Magic Kingdom’s history. pic.twitter.com/m0HAYYa3V0
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) June 3, 2025
Map artwork for the ‘CARS’ land in Walt Disney World.
The land is named Piston Peak National Park and is inspired by the American Frontier. pic.twitter.com/Wa1rCvHQXR
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 3, 2025
Many people with plans to visit Disney World don’t want to lose the other three attractions, however.
“Canceling my trip in October and sadly, will never visit that park again,” one X user posted dramatically.
Canceling my trip in October and sadly, will never visit that park again.
— Javi Air (@Javi_Air77) June 3, 2025
“Iger, Josh and Jeff saw Epic and said BLOW UP A THIRD OF MK We can’t deal with it,” another user posted.
Iger, Josh and Jeff saw Epic and said
BLOW UP A THIRD OF MK
We can’t deal with it— Dex (@NbcuniDex) June 3, 2025
“Unfortunately, I don’t think you’ll be back again. Thanks for the memories.”
Unfortunately, I don’t think you’ll be back again. Thanks for the memories. 🙁 pic.twitter.com/4WlSfH6J14
— Savethemagic (@Savethedmagic) June 7, 2025
“I am heartbroken at the loss of Tom Sawyer Island,” another X user wrote. “This is the WORST decision ever.”
I am heartbroken at the loss of Tom Sawyer island 😭 this is the WORST decision ever
— l.hub (@hubl_l) June 3, 2025
“Walt’s Rivers of America transports you to something ideal in American values of exploration, adventure, history, and scenery. A true park within a park,” another Disney vacationer chimed. “This is a HUGE mistake from Disney. Cartoon Cars will never last the test of time.”
Walt’s Rivers of America transports you to something ideal in American values of exploration, adventure, history, and scenery. A true park within a park.
This is a HUGE mistake from Disney. Cartoon Cars will never last the test of time. https://t.co/Nz4vtzZuOT
— Ivan (@Valiantes_) June 3, 2025
“This very stupid decision is the nail in the coffin for that Disney Park,” another user wrote. “That’s it. I’m done. Never returning. If they hate they’re own Parks so much why would I ever pay to visit?”
This very stupid decision is the nail in the coffin for that Disney Park. That’s it. I’m done. Never returning. If they hate they’re own Parks so much why would I ever pay to visit?
— Dally G (@dallygwillikers) June 3, 2025
Other Disney fans were in hopeful about the change.
“Man I hate we’re losing the riverboat, TSI, and the 1971 feel to the area but I almost don’t hate it because it looks fun. I wish it was an expansion rather than a retheme of the area..” a user opined.
Man I hate we’re losing the riverboat, TSI, and the 1971 feel to the area but I almost don’t hate it because it looks fun. I wish it was an expansion rather than a retheme of the area..
— Billy🛹🤿ºoº (@billyotwsk8) June 3, 2025
“I love the look of this, but still don’t like losing ROA,” wrote another. “However this looks like there giving it as much attention as radiator springs received when it opened. Giving Grizzly Peak vibes in the best way.”
I love the look of this, but still don’t like losing ROA. However this looks like there giving it as much attention as radiator springs received when it opened. Giving Grizzly Peak vibes in the best way.
— AverageDisneyPhotos (@AvgDisneyPhotos) June 3, 2025
“I love the look of this, but still don’t like losing ROA. However this looks like there giving it as much attention as radiator springs received when it opened,” wrote a hopeful X user. “Giving Grizzly Peak vibes in the best way.”
I love the look of this, but still don’t like losing ROA. However this looks like there giving it as much attention as radiator springs received when it opened. Giving Grizzly Peak vibes in the best way.
— AverageDisneyPhotos (@AvgDisneyPhotos) June 3, 2025
“NGL, I don’t hate this,” wrote another. “They’re clearly aiming to keep at least a solid portion of the River. Hope the boat still has a place, but it’s at least a partial compromise I can accept if the result is good.“
NGL, I don’t hate this. They’re clearly aiming to keep at least a solid portion of the River. Hope the boat still has a place, but it’s at least a partial compromise I can accept if the result is good.
— J.D. (@BornAgain517) June 3, 2025
Here’s a look at what could be coming:
I strongly suspect legendary Disney Imagineer Zsolt Hormay is leading the rockwork development for the Cars-themed area and Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom.
Hormay and his team have previously worked on Tokyo DisneySea, Cars Land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, Star Wars:… pic.twitter.com/Q5IHLnlEtb
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) June 3, 2025
NEW: Disney shared a new video of a custom dirt track built during concept testing for the Cars-themed area coming to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney Imagineering worked with a motocross company to build a track with elements being considered for the attraction. pic.twitter.com/Nv2YT7auHm
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) March 8, 2025
The information listed is from NYPost.com.
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