Posted on August 25, 2025
Earlier this morning, we stopped in to Magic Kingdom to check in on a few projects around the park. One of the biggest projects that is just getting started is the demolition of the Rivers of America. As we previously reported, Walt Disney World began draining the Rivers of America a couple of weeks ago. While the water level was dipping for weeks before that, Walt Disney World didn’t begin actively draining the river until recently because there were still boats in the waterway. Can’t drain a river with a boat still inside of it. Either way, the Rivers of America was completely drained in short order once Disney actually began, and now, there’s evidence that crews are clearing it of muck before demolition begins. Here’s the latest.
Crews Begin Cleaning Rivers of America
While construction vehicles were present in recent aerial photos, they haven’t been spotted from within Magic Kingdom yet. I think that Disney is trying to (understandably) avoid too many photos of work taking place in the Rivers of America (at least for now). Instead, crews are working overnight to dredge and clean out the riverbed for the former body of water.
As may be clear by now, the Rivers of America is an artificial river, complete with a concrete bottom and a guided track for the Liberty Square Riverboat attraction. That said, the Rivers of America was connected to the Seven Seas Lagoon, a body of water that was created more than 50 years ago, but also one that has a natural bottom. This connection meant that sediment-filled water was present in the Rivers of America. That, combined with the surrounding wildlife, meant that the Rivers of America would actually contain a lot of muck.
Back in 2020, we saw active cleaning in the Rivers of America following a complete draining of the body of water. It looks like something similar is now underway at Magic Kingdom following the complete draining of the river.
As you can see in our photos below, tire tracks are evident throughout the southern bend of the Rivers of America closest to Frontierland. This area was previously untouched until very recently. It is my understanding that the muck needs to be cleared from this area in order for construction walls to be installed, but Walt Disney World hasn’t confirmed exact details. Previously released concept art shows the boardwalk that we took these photos from remaining once the area has reopened as Piston Peak National Park. Here’s a look around!
The Rivers of America is being drained and demolished to make way for a new Cars-themed expansion of Frontierland. Along the northern side of the former Rivers of America, Walt Disney World will build the first-ever Villains-themed land in any Disney theme park.
For everything we know about the Cars-themed expansion to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, check out our dedicated project page below!
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
