The landscape of Magic Kingdom is currently undergoing its most radical transformation since the park opened in 1971. As the calendar turns to January 2026, the serene waters of the Rivers of America and the rustic charm of Tom Sawyer Island are officially a thing of the past. In their place, a massive construction project is rising: the highly anticipated Cars-themed expansion, anchored by the towering Piston Peak.Credit: Inside the MagicThis week, a new piece of the puzzle fell into place. Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) officially filed a major permit, confirming that construction is moving beyond the central island and creeping into the historic shores of Liberty Square.Here is what the latest permit reveals about the progress of Piston Peak and how the “heart of the park” is being permanently reshaped.The Mike Fink Permit: A Strategic Expansion PointAccording to recent reports from WDWNT, Disney has filed a permit for the site formerly known as the Mike Fink Keel Boats landing. Located on the edge of Liberty Square, this landing has been largely dormant for decades, serving as a nostalgic reminder of the park’s early years.Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the MagicThe permit lists “General Construction” and is assigned to the project area currently being identified as the Cars expansion zone. While the description is technically broad, the location is significant. This landing sits at the threshold where the colonial themes of Liberty Square meet the rugged, adventurous spirit of the new Frontierland expansion.What This Means for Construction:Infrastructure Prep: The permit likely covers the foundation work needed to bridge the gap between Liberty Square’s existing walkways and the new terrain of Piston Peak.Staging and Access: As the Rivers of America are filled in, this landing provides a critical access point for heavy machinery and materials needed to build the massive rockwork of the Cars area.A New Transition Zone: Fans speculate that this area could be reimagined as a scenic overlook or a transitionary “national park” style trailhead that eases guests from the 1700s into the off-road world of Radiator Springs.Piston Peak Starts to Take ShapeAs reported by Inside the Magic, the visual “disappearance” of the Rivers of America is no longer a rumor—it is a reality. The water has been drained, and the iconic Liberty Belle Riverboat has seen its final voyage. In its place, the massive “Piston Peak” mountain is beginning to take physical shape.Credit: DisneyThis isn’t just a flat racing track. The expansion is set to feature two new attractions:A High-Octane Off-Road Adventure: A thrill ride that will take guests through the rugged mountain terrain, featuring climbs, descents, and the signature “Cars” humor.A Family-Friendly Attraction: A second experience designed for younger racers, ensuring the land appeals to the Magic Kingdom’s primary demographic.The “Piston Peak” rockwork is expected to rival Big Thunder Mountain in scale, forever changing the park’s skyline. Guests currently walking through Frontierland can see the early skeletal structures of what will eventually become a majestic, red-rock mountain range.The Controversy: Heritage vs. InnovationThe decision to replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America remains one of the most debated topics in the Disney community. For purists, the loss of these “passive” spaces—designed by Walt Disney himself to provide a kinetic, relaxing atmosphere—is a blow to the park’s original DNA.Credit: Inside the MagicHowever, from a corporate and operational standpoint, the move is a response to guest demand for high-capacity Intellectual Property (IP).Capacity: The Cars attractions will handle thousands more guests per hour than the raft-to-island experience ever did.Relevance: While Tom Sawyer Island was a relic of mid-century literature, Cars remains a powerhouse brand for Disney, driving merchandise and high guest satisfaction scores.Navigating the Construction in 2026If you are visiting Magic Kingdom in early 2026, be prepared for a park in transition. Much of the western side of the park is currently under construction.Credit: DisneyWhat to Expect:Liberty Square Closures: The Mike Fink landing permit suggests that small pockets of Liberty Square may be walled off as crews begin utility and foundation work.Altered Sightlines: The classic view of the river from the Haunted Mansion or Columbia Harbour House is now obscured by a massive construction site.The “Piston Peak” Silhouette: By mid-2026, the mountain’s core structure should be visible, giving guests their first real look at the scale of this $1 billion-plus investment.Conclusion: The Future of FrontierlandThe filing of the Mike Fink Keel Boats landing permit is a symbolic “crossing of the river.” It shows that Disney is moving quickly to integrate the new Cars land into the park’s existing fabric.Credit: DisneyWhile the loss of the Rivers of America is a bittersweet moment for long-time fans, the rise of Piston Peak represents a bold new chapter for the world’s most-visited theme park. Magic Kingdom is trading the slow-moving riverboats of the past for the high-speed, off-road adventures of the future.Are you excited for Piston Peak, or do you miss the quiet charm of the Rivers of America? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!The post The End of an Era: New Magic Kingdom Permit Signals Major Shift as “Piston Peak” Replaces Another Iconic Piece of the Park appeared first on Inside the Magic.