Our Final Look at Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America
Last week, my family visited central Florida. Over four days, we experienced countless firsts, from Disney Starlight to a Villains show to everything Epic Universe has to offer. But that greatness was tempered with some sadness: we had to say goodbye to the Rivers of America.
Our Magic Kingdom evening began with a downpour. We dodged the rain by hitting up every Main Street shop we could before meeting Jaime in Tomorrowland. We eventually made it to Frontierland, but not before I filmed this very Florida scene in the hub.
A tale of two Magic Kingdoms. pic.twitter.com/UZ6nMy4HM5
— Diservations (@diservations) September 6, 2025
After drying off in McKim’s Mile House, we saw a mostly drained Rivers of America. The pump on site couldn’t keep up with the rain, although it had exposed the Liberty Belle track. Water in the river bed became a common refrain as it actually began to refill a few days later. That was about the time we were getting soaked in Epic Universe. Totally worth it.
Surprisingly, Disney is letting us see this play out. While construction walls now surround much of the river, large sections remain uncovered. I’m happy with their decision, but it does go against their normal park operations. Walls typically go up the second an attraction closes. Whatever the reason, Disney’s decision is allowing guests to say goodbye to Frontierland’s icon and photographers to document the transformation.
Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are being transformed into Piston Peak National Park and a Villains-themed land. The update is the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.
