Construction Walls Shift in Frontierland
If you have a vacation planned for Walt Disney World, prepare for some navigating changes at Magic Kingdom. On June 2, 2026, construction walls expanded once again in Frontierland, blocking off the first section of the popular wooden boardwalk that runs from Liberty Square into the heart of the wild west. This represents a multi-phase closure that will eventually see the entire boardwalk route modified as Disney continues construction on Piston Peak National Park.
This latest shift is part of the massive transformation taking over the area previously occupied by the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat. Let’s look at exactly what has changed, what has been lost, and how this will affect your upcoming park days.
Goodbye to the “Little Mississippi”
One of the most notable casualties of this recent boardwalk closure is a beloved piece of Disney park lore. The small stream and water feature affectionately nicknamed the “Little Mississippi” by cast members and passionate fans has been paved over. For decades, this subtle water feature served as the officially unofficial dividing point between the eastern-themed Liberty Square and the western-themed Frontierland, mimicking how the actual Mississippi River separates the American East and West.
The stream and surrounding trees have been entirely removed, replaced by a freshly repaved section of red concrete walkway. To keep the areas safe and organized, Disney has lined this new path with rolling planters and wooden fences. While the visual landscape is vastly different, guests can still navigate the area, though the walkway is now noticeably tighter.
Progress on Piston Peak National Park
Behind the plywood barriers, crews are working hard on building massive concrete retaining walls. These structures will help form the rugged terrain, winding off-road tracks, and rocky peaks of Piston Peak National Park. The brand-new Cars-themed land will feature two unique attractions:
- A high-energy rally race: A thrill ride that takes guests on an off-road adventure through the wilderness.
- A family-friendly attraction: A ride geared toward younger guests, which will introduce a brand-new character to the Disney universe, Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore.
As this multi-year project charges ahead, other familiar landmarks are also disappearing. Retail and dining kiosks like Big Al’s merchandise stand, the Westward Ho quick-service cart, and the Frontierland churro cart have recently been cleared or removed from park maps to accommodate the expansion.
Survival Guide: Navigating Magic Kingdom’s Construction
With massive construction spanning from the edge of Liberty Square all the way to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, keeping your bearings is more important than ever. Here are our top tips for handling the current layouts:
- Watch out for bottlenecks: The boardwalk area is significantly narrower. During busy times of the day, particularly around the Festival of Fantasy Parade, these pathways can become heavily congested. We recommend using the Liberty Square walkways or bypasses further back if you want to avoid crowds.
- Big Thunder is open: Although Piston Peak construction is pressing right up against the queue line, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has reopened following its recent refurbishment. You can still get your runaway mine train fix.
- Allow extra travel time: Getting from Adventureland to Fantasyland via Frontierland takes longer than it used to. Don’t cut your dining reservations or Lightning Lane Multi Pass windows too close.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.