Closing Date Announced for Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island
Disney has announced the closing date for the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom. According to a post on the Disney Parks Blog, the final day of operation will be July 6, 2025.
At D23 2024, Disney announced a new Cars-themed area coming to Magic Kingdom and confirmed that it will replace the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
Cars-themed Area to be called Piston Peak National Park
Piston Peak (Concept art: Disney)
Along with the closure date, Disney released new concept art and new details for the Cars-themed area. The new area, to be called Piston Peak, will draw inspiration from the Rocky Mountains.
Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers. 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.
Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar “Cars” universe. To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.
From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.
