Crews Drain Final Water From Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom as Riverboat Track Removal Begins

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Rivers of America Construction Site - August 27, 2025

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Posted: Thursday August 28, 2025 12:20pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Work continues in Frontierland as Disney continues preparations for the upcoming Cars-themed expansion at Magic Kingdom.

Rivers of America Construction Site - August 27, 2025

Rivers of America Nearly Drained

Crews are now draining the last remnants of water from the Rivers of America. The water level, which has been steadily lowered over the past several weeks, has now dropped to the point where the riverbed is largely exposed.

Rivers of America Construction Site - August 27, 2025

Riverboat Track Exposed

With the river nearly empty, the Liberty Square Riverboat track is now fully visible, circling the former waterway that once carried the Liberty Belle. Crews have begun work on removing sections of the guide track.

Rivers of America Construction Site - August 27, 2025

The removals will clear the way for the new Cars expansion, themed around Piston Peak National Park, as well as the upcoming Disney Villains Land.

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EricsBiscuit10 minutes ago

I can definitely imagine a Bruce V. Stepping things up. Not sure on timeline though re if he joined after this project was greenlit.

MisterPenguin32 minutes ago

Indeed, that is what Disney has said. And from the concept art, it looks like one of the two is an outdoors coaster... but concept art is not to be trusted. There were *rumors* that what was originally planned for Villains Land was changed recently. Some sources say as recently as this past February under the rumored "think big" push. But that timeline would be very unlikely and was shot down by some insiders. If there was a "think big" push that changed the plans, it would have been months and months earlier before they started to clear the land. Such as when WDW changed the concept art for Piston Peak to include more water elements.

EricsBiscuit39 minutes ago

There’s been conflicting plans as to what they’re building. As far as I know, it’s always been at least two rides. However, I’m just happy that they’re building a dark ride. I figured they would, just happy to confirm.

eddie1041 hour ago

I’m confused why wouldn’t they? Hasn’t it always been two attractions planned?

lentesta1 hour ago

How is this not already an Iron Maiden lyric?

BagOfGroceries2 hours ago

Yes indeed, the insiders trade information under the veil of privacy, but soon the masses shall know what they hold.

Disneyfanatic302 hours ago

Just did

EricsBiscuit2 hours ago

At least they’re building a dark ride!

lentesta3 hours ago

I've heard something about the VL dark ride's ride system. I'd like to confirm it, if anyone wants to PM.

Disstevefan14 hours ago

I agree, see Bricks and Minifigs. ;)

Raineman4 hours ago

I don't think anyone should trust any name that comes after "corporate" in 2026, Disney or otherwise.

SammyG11 hours ago

This is just a reminder that "the good old days when Disney did everything right" never actually existed.

BrianLo13 hours ago

There’s been about 50 announced projects globally post COVID under the D’amaro regime. Which has been cut? Even something down to Portofino’s that has been absolutely plagued with issues they’ve managed to get off the ground. I think it’s perfectly valid to pin the conversation under current leadership than under Chapek and a pandemic. Or the guy who left 20 years ago. Is anyone trying to use the Blackstone years as a barometer for how a Universal park will act? It’s simply not relevant anymore. I mean epic is also not relevant anymore, but that’s besides the point.