Aerial Photos Show Rivers of America Drained Ahead of Magic Kingdom Overhaul

Written by Joshua Posted August 16th, 2025

The inevitable has begun. Crews are draining Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America. With the water lowered, the Liberty Belle’s track and green algae are now clearly visible. We’ve seen several photos of the process from ground level, but @bioreconstruct’s aerial pics make it feel much more tangible. His photos have a knack for doing that.

A drained Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom — Tom Sawyer Island. Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct

Aerial shot of Magic Kingdom's Frontierland — A drained Rivers of America. Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct

Bio’s wider shots reveal land clearing north of Frontierland and construction staging areas west of Magic Kingdom.

Aerial shot of Magic Kingdom — Construction staging on the west side of Magic Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct.

Piston Peak construction staging areas at Magic KIngdom — Aerial shot of Frontierland. Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct.

Land clearing behind Frontierland ahead of Piston Peak construction — Land clearing behind Frontierland. Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct.

Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are set to be replaced by Piston Peak National Park, a new Cars-themed land that will anchor the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. The project will also bring a Disney Villains–themed land to the area.

Bio also put to bed rumors that the Liberty Belle riverboat has been destroyed. The iconic boat remains docked in a backstage marina. Disney has yet to reveal her fate.