Latest news with #PistonPeakNationalPark
The Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Disney set to close Tom Sawyer Island and the famed Riverboat to make way for new attractions
Disney World will close Tom Sawyer Island and its famed Liberty Square Riverboat to make way for new attractions. Millions of guests visit the Orlando resort a year, with the Magic Kingdom the most popular of its four parks. Located in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, Tom Sawyer Island allows guests to experience a 'secret rustic hideaway inspired by the stories of Mark Twain,' according to the resort's website. Tom Sawyer Island has been a staple at Disney World, first opening in 1973, according to D23, the official Disney fan club. To reach the attraction, visitors glide through the Rivers of America on a log raft. But from July 7, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will permanently close, for Disney to build Piston Peak National Park, which it called 'the largest expansion in history at Magic Kingdom.' To make way for the Cars -themed expansion, Disney will also be getting rid of the Liberty Square Riverboat. The Riverboat has allowed guests to cruise down the Rivers of America in an 'authentic steam-powered paddle wheeler,' according to the resort's website. Park-goers for decades have hopped on the Riverboat at Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom to enjoy a half-mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island. Sights included 'the early days of the American frontier,' including Harper's Mill, Fort Langhorn and Wilson's Cave Inn. Disney's 'imagineers' will build Piston Peak National Park, an expansion inspired by the Rocky Mountains and the 'history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks,' the company announced in a blog post on Tuesday. 'Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers,' Disney said. The park will be set within the universe of Disney and Pixar's Cars trilogy and incorporate so-called 'Parkitecture,' which Disney said was 'developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.' Guests will be able to explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and other attractions once construction is complete. Disney has not yet announced a date for when it expects to reveal the new attractions.
Motor 1
7 days ago
- Business
- Motor 1
Disney Releases More Details On Its New Cars-Themed Land
Last year, Disney announced an entire land dedicated to Pixar's Cars at its Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando. Aside from a few illustrations that, actually, looked pretty awesome, the details were otherwise scarce. But today, the company has revealed new information on its next big expansion—including a name. Say goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America (RIP), and say hello to Piston Peak National Park (which, you probably don't remember, was a real place in Disney's Planes: Fire & Rescue movie). The new Cars area will be ripe with thick pine forests and snowy mountain peaks, and include a river that runs through the entire land. It will be the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom. Photo by: Disney Disney Imagineers drew inspiration from America's national parks for this new land, with the Piston Peak mountain range inspired by Colorado's Rocky Mountains. The faux national park will also include a visitor's lodge, a Ranger headquarters, and walking trails alongside two designated Cars attractions. The first attraction, an off-road rally-style ride, will allow guests to weave through the forests and over Piston Peak on a trackless ride vehicle with new characters from the Cars franchise. Disney promises it will be "just like a real race." A second, yet-to-be-named attraction will be geared toward smaller children and families. Photo by: Disney Photo by: Disney Piston Peak National Park will extend from Liberty Square all the way to Tiana's Bayou Adventure and toward the updated Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coaster, which is set to re-open sometime in 2026. Guests who want to experience Tom Sawyer Island and the Riverboat before work begins on the new land have until July 7. Disney hasn't said exactly when the new land will open. But for such a massive expansion, don't expect to see anything until at least 2027 or 2028. More Movie Cars The Fast and The Furious Cars Were Actually Pretty Slow This Former Days Of Thunder Stunt Car Is Way Beyond Saving Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
