AERIAL PHOTOS: Now Closed Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom

Approximately three hours ago, X user @bioreconstruct posted a number of new and detailed aerial photos of the now closed Rivers of America (ROA) and Tom Sawyer Island (TSI) at the Magic Kingdom (MK).

With that being said, let’s take a look at the aerial photos @bioreconstruct has posted.

PLEASE NOTE: Original captions for the photos will be provided (find at the bottom of the article). This will allow you, the reader, to know what you’re looking at. Additionally, click on images to enlarge. Aerial photos of Liberty Square Riverboat are included.

Photo Captions

• Image #1: Aerial photo of Liberty Belle and the TSI rafts in the MK service canal.
• Image #2: Aerial photo of Liberty Belle and the TSI [log] rafts staged in the MK service canal.
• Image #3: Aerial photo showing recently added fencing along much of the shore at ROA.
• Image #4: Aerial photo of construction fencing along a ROA area bridge. The elevated walkway along the shore still has views of TSI.
• Image #5: Aerial photo of the recently closed TSI.
• Image #6: Aerial look at the recently closed ROA. Construction fencing is along the waterfronts at left and right. The over water walkway remains open, with views of TSI.
• Image #7: Aerial look at the recently closed ROA. Much of the waterfront is lined with construction fencing. The over water walkway at right remains open with views of TSI.
• Image #8, #9: Aerial overviews of the recently closed ROA. Liberty Belle steamboat is staged in the service canal, with the TSI [log] rafts.
• Image #10: Aerial overviews of the recently closed ROA. Liberty Belle steamboat is staged in the service canal, at top center.
• Image #11: Aerial overviews of the recently closed ROA in MK. Cleared land at top right is work in progress for construction staging.
• Image #12: Aerial photo of the Liberty Belle riverboat staged in the MK service canal. Nearby are the TSI [log] rafts. Crane used for refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

The Rivers of America (including Liberty Square Riverboat) and Tom Sawyer permanently closed on the 7^th July, 2025, to make way for the new Cars-themed land.

The upcoming land will bring a high-energy off-road rally experience featuring Lightning McQueen and friends into the heart of Frontierland. Walt Disney Imagineers (WDI) teased that the attraction will introduce an all-new ride system designed to capture the feeling of navigating rugged terrain, hills, and rocky paths.

Since we missed the announcement, let’s delve into more details about the Cars-themed land, or most known as Piston Peak National Park (PPNP) now.

Guests will step into Piston Peak National Park, a fictional wilderness inspired by the Rocky Mountains and the grand tradition of American national parks. The additional of this fictional national park continues the westward journey (of Frontierland), with the addition of towering trees, snowcapped mountains, and more.

WDI are using “Parkitecture” to design visitor lodges, Ranger HQ, trails, and more, blending the new structures naturally into the surrounding environment. Parkitecture is a style developed by the National Park Service.

In this all-new land, Cars from around the country will gather to compete in a wild off-road rally. Guests can expect a fully immersive backdrop, where rugged mountains, lush forests, and the sounds of geysers and waterfalls surround the action.

Disney has said that from outside, trees and natural barriers will separate the Cars-themed land from the rest of Frontierland and Liberty Square, ensuring Piston Peak National Park feels connected but distinct.

For all our Piston Peak National Park content, check out our dedicated Piston Peak National Park webpage below:

Stay tuned to Orlando Theme Park Zone for more Orlando theme park-related news and information.

H/T X

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