On on July 6 2025 Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom closed Forever to make room for “Cars Land” and specifically what is being called Piston Peak National Park. Rivers of America have been part of Frontierland and Liberty Square since 1971 when the park opened, but the Liberty Belle steamboat and Tom Sawyer Island were actually added in 1973. This has long been known as a scenic and relaxing area of the park. This area is now being reimagined into a Cars themed land with a ride similar to the Radiator Springs Racers, a high-speed ride at Disney’s California Adventure. However, this is not a carbon copy of the California attraction located in the desert town of the first movie, but instead it will be an off-road adventure in a mountain and water-filled National Park.

While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.   Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar “Cars” universe. 

https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/piston-peak-national-park-builds-on-the-story-of-frontierland/

According to the Disney blog it appears some of the charm of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island will be retained. The new concept art shows a good deal more water than the original image from D23. The description also states that, “While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.   Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar “Cars” universe. To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment. ” If some of the exploration aspects and natural beauty remain, albeit with a Cars overlay, perhaps some of what made this area special might be retained? There is reason for hope with the obvious larger areas of water in the newer concept art and the use of “Parkitecture” as opposed to completely cartoonist landscapes.

When you look at a satellite view of Rivers of America you can see the section of water to the left that looks like it might now be retained. This section is intriguing in that there is a channel that direction which allowed for removal of that boat for maintenance. The fate of the boat is still unknown, but it is unlikely that it will be retained as it’s not visible on the concept art and it’s been rumored for sometime that there would be a direct walkway between Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion instead of the long walk around the water. Big Thunder is closed until 2026 for renovation, so this will be a quiet corner of the park for a while. The latest I’ve heard is the boat will be put in storage, but perhaps it could make an appearance elsewhere down the road?

It’s always sad to see an attraction go, especially when it appears there are several expansion pads available where Cars attraction could go while still retaining Rivers of America, similar to the upcoming Villains Land. Obviously Tom Sawyer is not the IP titan that Cars is with the potential to appeal to a younger generation and move merchandise. Nothing lasts forever and this is a huge piece of prime real estate that Disney probably sees as having the ability to make more revenue. Although we’ll miss the old, we can only hope the new Cars Land and Piston Peak Park will be amazing. Hopefully there will be Easter egg nods to Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island in the new area or maybe even the Haunted Mansion as these attractions will be gone, but not forgotten.