Walt Disney World shut down Tom Sawyer Island, Rivers of America and the Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom on 7 July to clear space for Piston Peak National Park, a Cars-inspired land the company calls the largest expansion in the park’s history. Concept art shows Rocky Mountain terrain, waterfalls and a visitor lodge beyond Big Thunder Mountain, with an off-road rally attraction planned for the site. Construction has already altered other park staples. The Walt Disney World Railroad now operates on a shortened Main Street–to–Fantasyland shuttle because its Frontierland track is closed; a new onboard audio overlay introduces the character Stitch. Updated park maps remove Tom Sawyer Island entirely and the Liberty Belle steamboat has been taken off-site as crews dismantle the riverfront infrastructure. The makeover comes as Disney refreshes multiple legacy attractions on both coasts. Beginning 17 July, a third and final verse written by the late composer Richard Sherman will be added to the finale of “it’s a small world” at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. In California, the anniversary year also brings selective ride closures and refurbishments as Disneyland marks its 70th year.
Closing time for Tom Sawyer Island, Rivers of America at Disney World's Magic Kingdom https://t.co/ag92U2iAMc
New ‘small world’ verse will play in Magic Kingdom ride https://t.co/jUWfD3KGuf https://t.co/ZFMMedJR5T
Disneyland 70th anniversary timeline from 1955 to today https://t.co/6h7TPLlACC