Some Disney World enthusiasts are considering boycotting the theme park following the release of significant information about its upcoming Cars land and the official announcement of the closure date of a cherished ride.
Last year, the renowned entertainment hub revealed its intention to replace Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland with a new Lightning McQueen-themed section.
Now, the theme park has revealed when it will officially be shut down – and the news has left hoards of Disney fans across the globe outraged.
Tom Sawyer Island, as well as the Liberty Square Riverboat ride, will have its final day of operation on July 6, 2025.
That means guests only have a little more than a month left to enjoy the serene island inspired by the stories of Mark Twain.
In response, numerous Disney visitors expressed their sadness on social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter), with some declaring that they no longer feel inclined to visit the park.
‘Canceling my trip in October and sadly, will never visit that park again,’ one user announced.
‘This is an abomination and a real disservice to all those who booked summer trips hoping to enjoy all this one more time,’ added another. ‘Talk about timing. Thankful we enjoyed it recently.’
Disney World fans are threatening to boycott the theme park after it unveiled the first major details on its upcoming Cars land… and finally confirmed the closing date of a beloved ride
The Happiest Place on Earth announced that it would be getting rid of Tom Sawyer Island (seen) in Magic Kingdom to make way for a new Lightning McQueen-themed area
Tom Sawyer Island, as well as the Liberty Square Riverboat ride (seen), will have its final day of operation on July 6, 2025
The new area (seen) was described as an ‘awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers’
‘Never going back,’ someone else wrote. ‘I have a lot of happy memories there, and I’ll keep them.’
‘Huge mistake. Huge,’ a fourth tweet read, while a fifth said, ‘Largest downgrade.’
‘Sorry but I’m not going to Disney World anymore. I’m staying at my home park, which is Disneyland in Anaheim, California,’ a different user shared.
‘I am heartbroken at the loss of Tom Sawyer island this is the WORST decision ever,’ someone else penned.
‘This is a travesty! Build new somewhere else. We want nostalgia,’ urged another person.
Disney shared new details about the upcoming changes coming to Magic Kingdom in a press release on Tuesday.
The new Cars land will contain two dazzling attractions. One will ‘be geared towards smaller guests and will be fun for the whole family,’ while the second will ‘invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains.’
The company explained that the new area will be called Piston Peak National Park and described it as an ‘awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers.’
Immediately, Disney park-goers took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their heartbreak over the announcement, and some even admitted that they no longer wanted to visit the park
The Cars land will contain two attractions. One will be ‘fun for the whole family,’ while the other will ‘invite you on a thrilling race through the mountains.’ Concept art for the land is seen
‘While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks,’ it added.
‘Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails, and more – all set within the Disney and Pixar Cars universe.
‘To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.
‘Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.’
Disney also promised that ‘imagineers are hard at work’ bringing the ‘first-ever land inspired by the Disney villains’ to life, which will be located behind the Big Thunder Mountain ride in Magic Kingdom.
‘Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall,’ reads a description. A concept art for one of the Cars rides is seen
The company explained in a press release on Tuesday that the new area will be called Piston Peak National Park. A concept art for one of the Cars rides is seen
Disney also promised that ‘Imagineers are hard at work’ bringing the ‘first-ever land inspired by the Disney villains’ to life. Concept art for the villains land is seen
Over in Hollywood Studios, a new Monsters Inc. land will replace Muppets Courtyard; The Muppet*Vision 3D ride will close on June 8, 2025
That land will feature two more new rides, dining, and shopping ‘all on an incredibly twisted grand scale.’
Tons of other new stuff are in the works at Disney World, including an Encanto river ride, an Indiana Jones attraction, and a Zootopia show at Animal Kingdom.
But that means guests will have to say goodbye to DinoLand and the Dinosaur ride, which is slated to close in 2026.
Over in Hollywood Studios, a new Monsters Inc. land will replace Muppets Courtyard; The Muppet*Vision 3D ride will close on June 8, 2025.
The Monsters Inc. area is set to have a suspended rollercoaster that will put riders ‘right in the middle of the monster action.’
