End of an Era at the Magic Kingdom Now That Rivers of America is Drained. Rivers of America have been completely drained, signaling the end of an era at Walt Disney World. The draining of the iconic waterway, which provided a scenic backdrop for Frontierland and Liberty Square since the park’s opening in 1971, is a major step in the park’s planned expansion.
Disney Conservation has been on-site for weeks, carefully relocating a variety of native wildlife that called the man-made river home. What is left is being picked over by the birds that have made the area their home. The draining process, which began slowly and then accelerated in recent days, has revealed the concrete riverbed and the track that once guided the park’s beloved steamboat, including years of muck.
The Liberty Belle, a staple of the Magic Kingdom since 1973, is now permanently docked in a backstage canal. The fate of the working steam-powered paddleboat is currently unknown, though rumors have circulated that it may be dismantled. The boat’s final voyage took place in early July, with emotional fans flocking to the park for one last ride.
The removal of the Rivers of America, along with the closure of Tom Sawyer Island, is making way for a new, multi-acre expansion of Frontierland. The new area, inspired by the “Cars” franchise and dubbed “Piston Peak National Park,” will feature a high-speed rally-style attraction and a second family-friendly ride. Construction walls are now a prominent feature of the area, and with the riverbed fully exposed, work is expected to move forward rapidly.
What is replacing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland?
A new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars” will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city,” Josh told the crowd.
Don’t get too comfortable in Radiator Springs because it’s time to leave the pit stop and head west into exciting new frontiers. On this adventure, guests will be able to experience not one but two exciting new “Cars”-themed attractions. One attraction will invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape, climbing mountain trails, dodging geyser,s and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes.
But what about smaller racers? The second attraction will be geared towards them and will be fun for the whole family.
End of an Era at the Magic Kingdom Now That Rivers of America is Drained
