The Mike Fink Keel Boats landing is being demolished at Magic Kingdom for construction of Piston Peek National Park. The Mike Fink Keel Boats were an opening-day Liberty Square attraction based on Disney’s 1954-1955 Davy Crockett series. They closed permanently in 2001.
Mike Fink Keel Boats Landing Demolition
About half of the structure has been demolished, including the dock that once sat along Rivers of America. The tower right next to The Haunted Mansion entrance remains, as does a portion of the structure closer to the former Riverboat Landing, leaving a large gap in between.
The old stairs that led down to the dock remain among stone walls.
Construction walls remain in place in front of the demolition site, separating it from guests outside The Haunted Mansion.
Our photo below from two weeks ago shows Keel Boat Landing intact.
For several years, the upper part of Keel Boat Landing was used as an extended queue for The Haunted Mansion. Construction walls went up around the landing early during Rivers of America demolition.
Imagineering filed a permit in January for “General Construction” at the site of Keel Boat Landing. It contracts MLC Theming, whose specializations include scenic painting, aging of structures, fabricating facades, and carving rock work. It’s possible MLC will work on the area after demolition is complete, cleaning up the rock work or re-theming any remaining structures.
The site of the landing is not visible in the Piston Peak “fun map” or concept art (below).
Piston Peak National Park
Piston Peak National Park is a Cars-themed extension to Frontierland replacing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. It’s inspired by real-life national parks, particularly the Rocky Mountains, and will include two attractions: an off-road rally race ride and a family-friendly attraction.
Piston Peak introduces a new original car character, Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore, who pays homage to classic Disney cartoons.
The land was designed with sightlines in mind so guests won’t see car architecture when they’re deep in other areas of Frontierland. Though Rivers of America is gone, the area will have a small river, waterfalls, and other water features. Read about how Cars fits into Frontierland.
Check out more Piston Peak National Park construction updates.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
