Track Removal Begins Near Big Thunder as Magic Kingdom Prepares for Piston Peak

Written by Joshua Posted July 12th, 2025

New aerial photos from @bioreconstruct reveal that crews have started removing Walt Disney World Railroad tracks near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. As he’s known to do, the eagle-eyed @Aahs_n_Oohs immediately spotted the missing tracks.

Bioreconstruct’s photo also reveals the Liberty Belle and Tom Sawyer Island rafts in a service canal. Unfortunately, the Liberty Belle’s days may be numbered. We’ve been told that the boat may be dismantled.

Walt Disney World Railroad tracks have been removed in Fantasyland. Photo courtesy of @bioreconstruct — Railroad tracks have been removed near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct.

The Liberty Belle in a service canal. Photo courtesy of @bioreconstruct — Liberty Belle and Tom Sawyer Island rafts in a backstage canal. Photo courtesy of Bioreconstruct.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as seen from the Disney World Railroad — View of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from the train bridge seen in Bioreconstruct’s photos

Removing the tracks is the first step toward draining the Rivers of America to make way for Piston Peak. The Cars-themed land will join a yet-to-be-named villains-themed area. The good news is that the Walt Disney World Railroad will remain in operation, albeit on a modified route. Instead of looping around the entire park, trains now carry guests between the Main Street U.S.A. and Fantasyland stations.

Bioreconstruct also took photos of the project’s massive staging area to the west of Magic Kingdom. We can’t wait to see more of his stunning pics as Piston Peak takes shape over the next few years.