Frontierland Loses Over 30% of Its Classic Experiences for Cars Expansion
Piston Peak National Park construction is reshaping Frontierland’s waterways, paths and attractions and altering how guests move through and remember the land.
Overview
- By late August 2026, coverage from multiple outlets reports that more than 30% of Frontierland’s classic experiences have been removed or permanently closed as Disney reshapes the land.
- Disney permanently closed the Rivers of America in July 2025 and Tom Sawyer Island on July 6, 2025 to clear the large footprint needed for the Piston Peak National Park project.
- Longtime attractions have already been reworked earlier in the timeline: Splash Mountain closed in January 2023 and reopened as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in 2024 with new characters, music, animatronics and storytelling.
- Other recent changes include the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade closing June 23, 2024 and conversion to a DVC lounge, Westward Ho Refreshments closing in June 2026, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopening after a major refurbishment in May 2026, and the Frontierland railroad station remaining out of service since 2025.
- Piston Peak National Park is planned as a Cars‑themed expansion with mountainous scenery, trails, waterfalls, geysers and two rides, and the work is expected to change guest circulation, remove familiar landscapes and bring new IP‑driven attractions to Magic Kingdom.