BIG Changes Coming to Magic Kingdom With Permanent Ride Closures – Dates Announced

Disney is getting ready to start construction on the new Cars experience in Magic Kingdom. We now know when some rides will close forever and how another attraction will be impacted.

Attractions Permanent Closure

Magic Kingdom Resumes Operation After Threat and Lockdown — Credit: KtP

Disney has just announced that the last day for Guests to experience Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle will be July 6th. These attractions will close forever on July 7th!

The Liberty Belle, Rivers of America, and Tom Sawyer Island will have their last day of operation on July 6th.

These rides will permanently close to make way for the Cars-themed expansion coming to Frontierland.

Piston Peak National Park

Disney Avoids Faulty Ride System for New Cars Attraction — Credit: Disney

Piston Peak National Park is coming to Magic Kingdom! This will be the location where The Cars “rally race” attraction will be set. This new area is inspired by the Rocky Mountains. The characters from Cars will be driving off the beaten path trying to get the fastest lap in the west! Check out the new concept art below:

Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore, who is based on the J. Audubon Woodlore from the Donald Duck and Humphrey Bear shorts, will be the central character in Piston Peak National Park! Guests will see him as an animatronic in the rally race’s preshow.

Ranger Piston Peak — Photo Credit: Disney

Guests won’t have to worry about whether this new area will impact the views at Magic Kingdom. Imagineers have been managing sightlines, especially paying careful attention to Piston Peak Mountain.

There is still a plan for a “family fun” attraction in this area, however, Disney will reveal more at a later date. We do know that the Ranger Headquarters will serve as the queue for this attraction.

Is $30 Billion Enough to Revamp Disney's Theme Parks? — Credit: KtP

Imagineers also shared that the Big Thunder Mountain geyser field will extend into Piston Peak National Park. Guests will be able to walk these pathways and see the rainbow pools up close! A large geyser that will erupt faithfully will be there, perfectly named “Old Tank Full.”

Guests can expect construction walls to go up a few weeks after July 7th. The walls will go between the boardwalk and the river.

Additional Attraction Impacts

Disney World Railroad takes a BIG Step Towards Reopening! — Credit: Disney

The Disney World Railroad will also be impacted by the ongoing construction at Magic Kingdom. The last day for Guests to enjoy the full-circle route around Magic Kingdom will be July 6th.

The Disney World Railroad will operate between the Mainstreet and Fantastyland stations beginning July 7th. The full-circle route will not resume until Villans Land is open.

Beginning July 7th, the train will only operate between the Mainstreet and Fantasyland stations. Disney will rotate some of the benches to face backward during this time. The train will not resume its full-circle route until Villans Land opens!

Disney World Breaks Ground for New Villains Land — Credit: Disney

Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long as Disney has already broken ground. You can read more about that HERE.

What do you think of these three attractions leaving forever to make way for the Cars expansion? Are you disappointed to see the railroad impacted too? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to share this post with your friends!