Monday, February 23, 2026

AERIAL PHOTOS: Buildings on Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom Demolished

Approximately 12 hours ago, X user @bioreconstruct posted a number of new and detailed photos which show the buildings on Tom Sawyer Island (TSI) at the Magic Kingdom (MK) have now been demolished.

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 Rivers of America (ROA) are included. 

Before and After

  • Before (#1): Aerial photo 6 days ago of TSI. Oct 12.
  • After (#1): Aerial photo of former TSI in MK. Most above ground structures have been demolished.
  • Before (#2): Aerial photo 6 days ago of TSI. Most structures, including the windmill, have been demolished.
  • After (#2): Aerial photo of demolition at former TSI. A windmill used to be at center of this photo.
  • Before (#3): Aerial photo of TSI on Oct 12.
  • After (#3): Aerial photo of demolition of structures on former TSI in MK.
  • Before (#4): Aerial photo of former TSI on Oct 12
  • After (#4): Aerial photo of the demolition of most structures on former Tom Sawyer Island.

Photo Captions

  • Image #1: Aerial photo of demolition of TSI in MK. Structure at bottom right of the island was the Mill with water wheel.
  • Image #2: Aerial look at demolition of structures on former TSI in Magic Kingdom.
  • Image #3: Aerial photo of the Piston Peak National Park work site relative to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Haunted Mansion.
  • Image #4: Aerial photo of demolition at former TSI.
  • Image #5: Aerial overview of demolition at TSI:
    • A windmill previously at top center.
    • Aunt Polly’s was at bottom center.
    • A Mill or water wheel at left.
  • Image #6: At right in this aerial photo is demolition of a cave on the former TSI in MK.
  • Image #7: Aerial overview of demolition of structures on the islands of former ROA.
  • Image #8: Aerial photo of demolition activity at site of the former Fort Langhorn in MK.

The Rivers of America (including Liberty Square Riverboat) and Tom Sawyer permanently closed on the 7th 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.

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

Orlando Theme Park Zone
Orlando Theme Park Zonehttp://orlandothemeparkzone.wordpress.com
Orlando Theme Park Zone is the newest resource online for news and information on the theme parks/attractions in the Orlando-area.
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