Recent aerial photographs confirm the complete demolition of Fort Langhorn at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. The removal of the iconic structure is part of a large-scale project to prepare the area for a new themed land based on the popular 'Cars' franchise.
The work, which began after the closure of the Rivers of America in July 2025, involves draining the waterway and clearing land on Tom Sawyer Island to make way for the upcoming 'Piston Peak' attraction area.
Key Takeaways
- Fort Langhorn, a long-standing feature on Tom Sawyer Island, has been completely demolished.
- The Rivers of America waterway has been drained to facilitate major construction work.
- The site is being cleared for a new 'Cars'-themed land named 'Piston Peak'.
- Aerial images provide the only clear view of the progress due to extensive construction walls.
Major Demolition Underway at Magic Kingdom
Construction crews have made significant progress on the transformation of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. The most notable change is the removal of Fort Langhorn, a structure that was part of the Tom Sawyer Island experience for decades. Aerial images captured by photographer @bioreconstruct on X show the former site of the fort is now a cleared area with piles of debris.
In addition to the fort, other elements of the island have been removed. The bridge that connected the main section of Tom Sawyer Island to the smaller island where the fort stood has been dismantled. The nearby water mill has also been taken down as part of the site preparation.
A Historical Landmark Removed
Fort Langhorn was an original part of the Tom Sawyer Island attraction, inspired by the works of Mark Twain. For many years, it offered guests an interactive play area and scenic views of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Its removal marks a significant shift in the landscape and theme of this classic area of the park.
The Future of Frontierland: Piston Peak
The extensive demolition is paving the way for a major park expansion. Disney has announced that the area will become 'Piston Peak,' a new land themed to the world of the Disney and Pixar 'Cars' films. This new section of the park is expected to feature a new storyline and several attractions.
According to park plans, Piston Peak will be situated in the space currently occupied by the northern part of the Rivers of America. It will be located between the existing Frontierland and Liberty Square areas, fundamentally altering the park's layout and guest flow in that section.
The project represents one of the most substantial changes to Magic Kingdom's original design since its opening. The introduction of the 'Cars' intellectual property into this part of the park moves away from the historical American frontier theme that has defined the area for over 50 years.
A Bird's-Eye View of the Transformation
Since the project area is completely surrounded by construction walls, public visibility from within the park is nonexistent. The most reliable information on the project's progress comes from aerial photography. The images from @bioreconstruct provide a clear and unobstructed view of the work.
The photographs detail the current state of the former Rivers of America. The once-flowing waterway is now a series of dirt paths and empty channels, exposing the underlying guide rail for the Liberty Belle riverboat. The scale of the land clearing is evident, showing a large expanse of earth where water and forested islands once stood.
Scale of the Project
The draining of the Rivers of America is a complex logistical operation. The waterway held millions of gallons of water and was a central feature of the park's western side, encircling Tom Sawyer Island and serving as the path for both the Liberty Belle and the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes.
In the photos, Liberty Square and the dock for the Liberty Belle are visible in the upper left, providing a reference point. Directly across the drained riverbed is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is located to the right in the images.
Park Operations and Guest Impact
The construction has led to several operational changes at Magic Kingdom. The entirety of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America closed to guests in July 2025 to begin the initial phases of the project. These attractions are expected to remain closed for the duration of the construction.
Additionally, the popular Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed for a separate, lengthy refurbishment. The simultaneous closure of these major Frontierland attractions has significantly altered the guest experience in this section of the park.
Guests visiting Magic Kingdom will encounter construction walls blocking views of the river and the island from Frontierland and Liberty Square. Disney has not yet announced a projected completion date for the Piston Peak expansion project.
