Disney is 100% moving forward with one of the biggest expansions in the park’s history. We just received new information, including concept art! We also learned a few rides will be replaced. Check it out for yourself and let us know what you think.
Frontierland Expansion
At this weekend’s D23 Expo, Disney confirmed that a massive expansion is currently underway at Magic Kingdom. What was called “Beyond Big Thunder” a few years ago is now coming to fruition.
First, there will be Villains Land, which was arguably the best announcement we received all weekend! You can read the initial announcement HERE.
Also coming to Magic Kingdom is the addition of Cars attractions, which is connected to Big Thunder Mountain. Read that initial announcement HERE.
Cars
We are leaving Radiator Springs and heading west! Exploration and adventure will take center stage with two new attractions – a thrilling rally race through the mountains and a family-friend ride.
To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers.
We had a feeling this was going to happen. There is just not enough space in Frontierland for two expansions. This area of the park will look completely different with these replacements and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Permits will be filed this week, but Disney assures us Guests will still have plenty of time to experience both attractions.
Villains Land
Villains Land will be “beyond Big Thunder”, meaning Disney will transform backstage areas for this area. This will be a brand-new land, and it will not replace any attractions.
Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will close to make way for new Cars attractions.
According to Disney, “Inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe, the multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping. Walt Disney Imagineering is pushing creative boundaries to dark and mysterious levels to bring this new, first-of-its-kind land to life.”
Are you sad to see Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island close? Or, are you excited to see what Disney does with Frontierland? Let us know in the comments below, and share this post with your friends.
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EmmyW
Monday 12th of August 2024
This is SAD news. Just left WDW. Don’t always have time for Tom Sawyers Island or Rivers of America on every trip but will still greatly miss this nostalgic area. We love CARS but it better be good to justify this change…. Hopefully better than Tiana which was down most of our visit and a disappointment when we did ride and the Country Bears which I actually felt sorry for them having to sing those new songs. Great Disney songs but felt wrong. Next thing you know Jose’ from the Tiki Room will be singing Let It Go.
Natalie
Monday 12th of August 2024
This is heartbreaking to me. I absolutely love Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America they both add so much to Liberty Square and Frontierland
RandyC
Monday 12th of August 2024
Change happens. I am resigned to it. Cars is a great attraction in Disneyland. The new one in MK needs to be equally inspiring. I hope they leave Iger's political messaging out of it. Good bye, Tom, Huck, Becky, Jim and Injun Joe.
I hate to see Rivers of America go. A paddlewheel steamer added so much theming to Frontierland, same too with the narration and exhibits around the river.
Given the level of spending Disney has in mind for WDW, I was hoping Disney would be actually expanding outward and develop some of its currently unused acreage, rather than tear down some of their iconic attractions.
Jim
Monday 12th of August 2024
Hoping it doesn’t close the railroad down again.