Progress is well underway in the former Rivers of America in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. We have some updated photos and a peak at Big Thunder Mountain progress, as well.

Former Rivers of America

A mountain of dirt can now be seen over the construction walls in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square and Frontierland. This is the former home to the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.

The mound almost blends in with the peaks of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as crew members and excavators work to create the foundations for what will be Piston Peak, the upcoming “Cars”-themed expansion of Frontierland.

Closer to Big Thunder Mountain, our WDWNT reporter got some better shots of the dirt work. Several pieces of equipment are present in the dry riverbed.

Big Thunder Mountain Progress

In a semi-related and nearby update, the Big Thunder Mountain queue building is still covered in scaffolding as work progresses on the year-long refurbishment. One of the remodeled trains can be seen in the new storage barn for the ride. Just a few days ago, WDWNT caught one of these “new” trains testing on the replaced track.

The Frontierland ride has been closed since January 6, 2025, and will reopen in 2026. A reopening date has not been announced. The Walt Disney World calendar is currently available through January 16, and Big Thunder is listed as closed through that date, but that could change.

Disney announced Big Thunder would get an updated opening scene with a transformation of the Rainbow Caverns.

What do you think of these updates in Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments and on social media.

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