Disney Unveils New Frontierland Concept Art, Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island Replaced with Cars-themed Land

Aug 12, 2024 in "Cars Land Magic Kingdom"

Gallery / 3 Photos
Frontierland Concept Art Aerial View

Posted: Monday August 12, 2024 9:08am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has taken the wraps off its massive new Magic Kingdom development and revealed new concept art depicting the new Cars-themed area, and confirmed that Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will be removed.

Frontierland Concept Art Aerial View

While confirming that Cars will be built directly in place of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America, no closing date has yet be announced, but Disney says, "Guests will have plenty of time to experience the charm and nostalgia of Frontierland as it is today."

Speaking about the new area, Disney says, "Soon, you'll be able to explore the uncharted territory of the great outdoors with an expansion in Frontierland themed around Pixar Animation Studios' "Cars." It's time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world's most iconic racers."

Overhead map showing how the new concept art relates to the current Frontierland. @Coaster Lover

Cars Concept Art

"We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver's seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland," shared Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. "Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests."

Disney says the new area will bring you along for the ride with a brand-new thrilling rally race through the mountains, climbing trails, and dodging geysers, in addition to a second attraction geared towards fun for the whole family.

Cars Concept Art

Ahead of work revving into high gear next year, guests will have plenty of time to experience the charm and nostalgia of Frontierland as it is today.

Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island

Tom Sawyer Island, inspired by Mark Twain's classic tales, has been a beloved part of Magic Kingdom since its opening in 1973. It offers guests a chance to explore caves, trails, and forts reminiscent of the American frontier. The Liberty Square Riverboat, a nostalgic paddlewheeler that has been operating since 1973, takes guests on a scenic journey around the Rivers of America, offering views of Frontierland, Liberty Square.

Also announced at D23 this past weekend, guests will be able to venture Beyond Big Thunder Mountain into an all-new land dedicated to Disney Villains. Inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe, the multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping. Together, these new additions to Magic Kingdom will represent the largest expansion in park history.

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BrianLo12 days ago

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James Alucobond15 days ago

It feels like each land is supposed to have one signature quick service, so you've got Casey's Corner, Cosmic Ray's, Village Haus, Columbia Harbor House, Pecos Bill, and the now-missing Adventureland Veranda. Since Piston Peak is part of Frontierland, it is very unlikely they'd include one due to redundancy, plus the footprint we've seen thus far just doesn't seem to support it. For Villains, I'm thinking they'll perhaps forgo quick service in favor of table service and snacks, or if there is a QS, it'll lack a significant seating area like some of the lesser ones elsewhere in the park.

TrainsOfDisney15 days ago

he spent his own cash sometimes too…. Steam Trains, Riverboat, monorail are examples.

James Alucobond15 days ago

Snacks will potentially happen, but I'm almost positive there will be no large quick service.

FigmentFan8215 days ago

I’m crossing my fingers that when this land opens, it will have at least one if not too quick serve type food offerings that are nicely themed to the cars IP.

HMF16 days ago

Mission Space, I would consider a decent an in-theme attraction for EPCOT had it not replaced what it did.

HMF16 days ago

It was more of a stupid move to begin with than a budget cut.

Disstevefan116 days ago

I have to admit it, I rode Cosmic Rewind for the first time recently and the last time I came off an attraction with that big of a smile was the first I time I rode Sorin’ or flight of passage. Cosmic rewind for its many creative mistakes and cost, is a ride that makes me smile, and this comes from someone who wished they kept the old ride system and just did a reskin, therefore there are times I can enjoy even a “mistake” of an attraction. Although I miss Horizons, I enjoy Mission Space both the ride (orange of course) and the entire pavilion, I think is excellently themed! Many folks have a real hate for Mission Space. The mistakes made in World Celebration I do not enjoy. I would trade Galaxy’s Edge for the Osborne lights in an instant! That did it..😭😭😭😭 I will tell you, if this Cars thing goes south, I will not blame imagineering for misquoting the budget or making design mistakes, I will always blame the Disney spreadsheeters because if just feels right to me. 😉

Disgruntled Walt16 days ago

Really doesn't seem as big when you look at it this way

James Alucobond16 days ago

I have no inside knowledge of Imagineering. I am just sharing very basic information about the design process. I never claimed to know the budget calculations for Piston Peak or Villains, and I likewise never indicated any opinion about whether or not their proposal requested sufficient funding (since I obviously have no idea what they requested and would not have the necessary expertise to second-guess them anyway). In fact, I criticized the outcome for their spend on Cosmic Rewind just a page ago.

Disstevefan116 days ago

Complaining on these boards is my copium for losing the fountain of Nations ;) You as the expert tell us Imagineering requests an amount for a given project with great detail. Thanks for the info. Since you as the expert, know Imagineering made the right estimate they will use both their excellent budget calculation skills as well as their excellent creative skills to build a world class land. Oh yea, thanks for reminding me, EPCOT's world celebration was a rare budget cut, and although I was corrected on these boards and told it was a scope cut (drink em if you got em) I will defer to your expert knowledge. As a regular know nothing, I will just wait and see what happens. Sadly it will be a long wait...