Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty It's time to saybon voyageto one of Disney World's classic attractions. Rivers of America, including theLiberty Square Riverboatand nearbyTom Sawyer Island, will be closed starting on July 7 as Disney prepares to transform the area into a newCars-themed land. Rivers of America has been a part of Frontierland and Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom since Disney World opened in 1971. The Liberty Belle steamboat and Tom Sawyer Island were later added in 1973. The boat took guests along a narrated tour of scenes from America's early frontier. Guests could also take a raft over to Tom Sawyer's Island, which drew inspiration from Mark Twain's famous novel. The closure of Rivers of America and the opening of theCarsattractions, which Disney revealed in Junewill be known as Piston Peak National Park, is "part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom," they said. Related:Disney World Reveals Nostalgic Name and New Rendering forCars-Themed Land Coming to Magic Kingdom Disney "Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers," Disney shared in ablog post. 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." At its D23 fan conference in August 2024, Disney revealed that twoCarsrides will be featured in Piston Peak. Disney/Pixar One of these attractions will be an off-road rally ride. Disney Imagineersrevealed at SXSWin March that they wanted create a terrainCarscharacters Lightning McQueen and Mater haven't encountered before, like "racing over rocky terrain, ascending to mountain peaks, and dodging around geysers." Imagineers also revealed that they are developing "new race car personalities for this attraction. Each vehicle in the ride will have its own name and number, just like a real race." Disney/Pixar A secondCarsattraction will be geared towards families. "Guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more," the company teased in a blog post. The new land is also expected to include a several water elements including a river, waterfalls and geysers, according to Disney'smockup of the site. ACarsLand already exists at Disney's California Adventure in Anaheim, Calif. and includes the attractions Radiator Springs Racers, Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters and Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort Related:Disney Announces a Villains Land,Monsters Inc.Land,EncantoRide Plus More Coming to Walt Disney World Piston Peak is part of an impressive lineup of new attractions planned for Disney World. In Magic Kingdom, a brand-new Villains Land, which will include two new rides, shopping and dining, has been announced.. Disney teased the land on TikTok with avideo editof some of the franchise's classic villains, includingThe Little Mermaid's Ursula,Snow White's Evil Queen,Aladdin's Jafar and more. A newIndiana Jones-themed ride and anEncanto-themed ride will debut in 2027. Disney/Pixar And a newMonsters Inc.land, featuring Disney's first-ever suspended rollercoaster, has been announced for Hollywood Studios, replacing therecently shuttered (and beloved) Muppet*Vision 3D. Helen Sessions/Alamy Fans wished a heartfelt farewell to that ride, which closed after 34 years in June, by "rope dropping" the show, dressing up as its characters and sharing childhood home videos. The muppets aren't leaving the park, however. They are getting a new gig as the stars of a re-themed Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang will be "teaming up with some of music's biggest stars for a rockin' music festival!" according to the official Disney Parks Blog. Read the original article onPeople
