Are new lands, rides replacing Tom Sawyer’s Island at Magic Kingdom?

Magic Kingdom will be getting a makeover over the next few years.
At  D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event last weekend, officials announced that the Disney World theme park will see “historic expansion,” adding it has already kicked off as permits were filed to start moving ground.
Magic Kingdom is at 1180 Seven Seas Drive in Lake Buena Vista. It is roughly 107 acres and divided into six themed lands.
Ka-chow! Lightning McQueen, Mater and their friends are coming to Orlando. According to Disney, a section of Frontierland will be reimagined with the Pixar movie with two new attractions.
“We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we − quite literally − explore a new frontier in Frontierland,” said Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering. “Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.”
One of the rides will invite guests on a “thrilling rally race through the mountains.” The concept art shows designs similar to the “Radiator Springs Racers” at Disneyland.
“Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and – Mater’s favorite – splashing through mudholes,” Disney writes online.
The second attraction will be geared toward smaller racers and the entire family. Construction for the land will begin in 2025, Disney says, adding guests will have plenty of time to enjoy Frontierland as it is today.
The theme park is getting rid of a relic to make way for Radiator Springs. According to the Disney Parks Blog, Disney confirmed Monday that the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island would both be reimagined.
“It’s time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations. To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers,” the website says.
Tom Sawyer Island opened at the Magic Kingdom in 1973, just two years after the park opened in 1971.
Responses from parkgoers and Disney fans varied. Some expressed their disappointment over the loss of shaded play areas for kids and seating areas. Others said they had never been to the attraction and were excited for an update.
Magic Kingdom is also getting a bit darker and more mysterious, as a new land dedicated to Disney villains coming − a place where poison apples are aplenty and magic potions can ruin your whole day, Disney teases.
The new land will be housed near Big Thunder Mountain, beyond Frontierland. The space will be home to two major attractions, as well as additional dining and shopping.
Disney did not reveal when construction would begin.
Nights in Magic Kingdom will be getting brighter next summer.
A new nighttime parade called Disney Starlight is coming in summer 2025. It will continue the nighttime spectacular legacy started by the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade.
“This dazzling parade will use the latest technology to tell new stories featuring characters fans love, including Peter Pan, Anna and Elsa, and the magical Madrigal family. It will be a star-kissed constellation of Disney dreams brought to life by the Blue Fairy.”
Pirates of all kinds, big and small, will have a new welcoming haven in Magic Kingdom. The tavern is set to open next year in Adventureland.
“Here, bandits and buccaneers-to-be from every corner of the seven seas are welcome to join together and raise a toast to the pirate life! In the newly released artwork, X marks the spot for a seaworthy selection of grogs and grub inside this tavern location coming to Magic Kingdom Park.”