Walt Disney Imagineering filed a construction permit on Wednesday for the demolition of Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom.

Tom Sawyer Island Demolition

The Notice of Commencement is for “Demo, infrastructure prep and utility modification” at 4975 Caribbean Way in Bay Lake. Disney has contracted NorthStar Contracting Group, Inc. for the work. The permit expires one year after June 25, 2025.

July 6 will be the last day to experience Tom Sawyer Island before it permanently closes along with the Rivers of America and Liberty Square Riverboat. The island and rivers will be demolished to make way for a National Parks-themed “Cars” expansion to Frontierland.

Though Tom Sawyer Island will be gone, one of its most iconic elements will live on in the “Cars” area: barrel bridges. They are included in the “fun map” for the expansion, Piston Peak National Park, which is inspired by the Rocky Mountains.

Disney will incorporate sightlines into the design of the new area and there will be an original character inspired by classic Disney animated films. There will be two “Cars” attractions, an off-road rally race ride and a family fun ride.

Disney extended operating hours of Liberty Square Riverboat for its final days. Tom Sawyer Island is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days. Read more about Tom Sawyer Island.

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