Tom Sawyer Island Now Permanently Closed at Magic Kingdom

Katie Francis

Left: Tom Sawyer Island sign by the water; right: "Permanently Closed" sign blocks Magic Kingdom entrance with a person nearby.

Tom Sawyer Island Now Permanently Closed at Magic Kingdom

Tom Sawyer Island has now permanently closed at the Magic Kingdom.

The last raft of guests departed to the island around 7 p.m., the posted closing time, and returned to the shores of Frontierland around 7:42 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Pictured above is the final raft of guests crossing the river and then disembarking back on the shore.

A raft of Cast Members also made one final voyage.

Walt Disney World announced the permanent closure of Tom Sawyer Island on August 12, 2024. Rumors of the closure began after D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event earlier that month, which revealed two new areas coming to the Magic Kingdom — one themed to “Cars” and one themed to Disney Villains. The confirmation came just one day later.

Fun Map of Piston Peak National Park with attractions, waterfalls, mountains, and a Cars-Themed Frontierland ranger car.

The Rivers of America will be transformed into Piston Peak National Park, home to two “Cars” attractions in a historic expansion of Frontierland. As such, the Liberty Square Riverboat is also closing. Cast Members distributed wristbands earlier in the day for guests who wished to be on the final departure.

Tom Sawyer Island is set for impending demolition, as confirmed by permits filed back in June. At least one tribute to the Island is set to appear, as the barrel bridge can be seen in the “fun map” concept art.

Watch our full tour of Tom Sawyer Island from its final day of operation below, and stay tuned for an in-depth look at the now-extinct attraction.

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