The Rivers of America, a long-standing feature of Magic Kingdom, is undergoing a significant transformation as Disney prepares to introduce a new Cars-themed area called Piston Peak. With the river nearly drained and construction underway, this marks a major shift for the Frontierland area. Here’s a detailed look at the current state of the Rivers of America and what guests can expect from the upcoming changes.
The Draining of Rivers of America
Current Status
The Rivers of America is now almost completely dry, with only a few puddles remaining around the Liberty Square Riverboat track. The draining process began earlier this summer, leading to the closure of the Liberty Belle Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island in July. The Liberty Belle has since been moved backstage, where it remains intact.
Visible Changes
- Exposed Riverbed: The once water-filled river now reveals its muddy bottom, with visible tracks and supports for the riverboat.
- Tom Sawyer Island: While the island’s buildings remain, props have been removed, and construction activity is expected to increase in the coming months.
- Wildlife Activity: Birds have taken advantage of the low water levels, feeding on fish in the remaining puddles.
Preparing for Piston Peak: A Cars-Themed Expansion
What Is Piston Peak?
Piston Peak is a Cars-themed expansion inspired by the Rocky Mountains. It will replace the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, incorporating water features and design elements that pay homage to the original attractions.
Key Features
- New Attractions: The area will include two attractions, one of which is an off-road rally race ride.
- Water Features: A new river, waterfalls, and barrel bridges will be added, maintaining a connection to the area’s previous theme.
- Original Character: Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore, a car-inspired character, will pay tribute to Disney’s classic Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore from the Humphrey the Bear shorts.
Sightline Considerations
Disney has designed Piston Peak with careful attention to sightlines, ensuring that the Cars architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding Frontierland and does not disrupt views from nearby attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or The Haunted Mansion.
Construction Updates
Visible Progress
- Bridge Supports: The bridge in front of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure now has exposed supports, revealing the previous waterline.
- Mud and Tracks: Holes in the mud suggest that crew members have been investigating the area as part of the preparation process.
What’s Next?
While the changes may be bittersweet for fans of the original attractions, the new Cars-themed area promises to bring fresh excitement and immersive experiences to the park.
As always, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest developments for Disney theme parks and all the information you could ever need about the Disney Vacation Club resorts.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
