If you’ve spent any time on Disney fan forums lately, you’ve probably seen the frustration brewing.With Tom Sawyer Island shutting down, the Rivers of America closing, and classic spaces making way for Pixar IPs, some fans are wondering: Is Disney turning its back on the American storytelling that once defined Magic Kingdom?It’s a valid question—especially for those who grew up with the park’s original lineup. Liberty Square and Frontierland weren’t just themed areas, they were immersive nods to distinct chapters of American history. But here’s the twist that not enough people are talking about: the new Piston Peak National Park expansion might actually enhance that American storytelling, not erase it.Credit: DisneyA New Frontier in Disney’s American StoryFor those who haven’t kept up with the Disney Parks Blog, Piston Peak National Park is the new land coming to Magic Kingdom as part of its biggest expansion ever. Inspired by Cars, the land is supposed to bring in massive mountains, geysers, waterfalls, and forest trails to the area once occupied by Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, as well as new attractions.And yes—at first glance, this might feel like another IP shoehorned into a space that once celebrated simpler, more nostalgic Americana. But when you look closer, there’s actually something here that will make this unique: Disney is threading together three different eras of American history right next to each other. Not only does that create a thematic journey, it adds layers to a park that’s always prided itself on storytelling.Liberty Square, Frontierland, and Now Piston PeakStart in Liberty Square—a tribute to colonial America. From the Hall of Presidents to the architecture rooted in Revolutionary War-era design, this section of the park honors the spirit of independence, the foundation of the country, and early American values.Cross into Frontierland, and you’re met with the next era—America’s push westward. From the rugged cliffs of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to the toe-tapping charm of Country Bear Jamboree, this land has always celebrated pioneers, homesteaders, and the untamed wilderness.Credit: DisneyAnd now, with Piston Peak National Park, Disney is pushing the story one chapter further. Yes, the original Rivers of America—a fixture of the park since opening day—is closing permanently along with Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Belle Riverboat. That loss stings, no question. It stings for a lot of reasons, especially for those who love the classic Disney that they’ve grown up with. But in its place rises a new kind of wilderness: one rooted in the awe-inspiring landscapes of America’s national parks.Piston Peak may come from a Pixar story, but the setting is pure Americana—towering mountains, geysers, lodges, ranger stations, and sweeping pine forests inspired by real-life places like Yellowstone and the Rockies. It’s not a step away from American storytelling; it’s an evolution of it.And, in case you forgot, here’s a video of what Walt Disney himself had to say about National Parks.Sure, it’s themed around Cars, and yes, there will be a race. But underneath the engine revving and clever puns is a setting that honors what’s best about the American landscape. Imagineers have made a point to build the land around “Parkitecture,” a design philosophy that harmonizes man-made buildings with their natural surroundings—something the National Park Service has championed for decades.The guest lodge, ranger station, and scenic trails aren’t just decorations—they’re inspired by the very real effort to preserve nature and create shared spaces for families across the country. When you add that to Liberty Square (an ode to colonial and Revolutionary times) and Frontierland (an ode to the cowboy and the American Adventure), it feels like there is still plenty of America to be found and celebrated in Magic Kingdom.Credit: DisneyIt’s Okay to Mourn the Classics—But Look CloserLet’s be real: saying goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America hurts a lot of longtime fans. There’s something magical about free-roaming experiences and slow, peaceful rides that you just don’t get from newer attractions.But this expansion isn’t a wholesale replacement of Americana. Instead, it’s a shift.Some aren’t going to be happy no matter what. If Tom Sawyer Island was your “secret place” to beat the crowds at Magic Kingdom, you’re going to be upset — and we can’t blame you.That being said, there’s a reason those attractions are closing: Crowds weren’t coming, and we’d imagine that even the biggest of fans haven’t made it a priority to visit them on every Magic Kingdom trip, but that doesn’t mean the park is lost or that the sky is falling.It will be interesting to see how Disney progresses in the coming years. The company has competition that will force their hand, and it will be fun to see if that brings out the best in them or if they leave fans more frustrated than before. Only time will tell on that front.Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will officially close on July 6, 2025.The post Magic Kingdom’s Latest Expansion Is More American Than You Think appeared first on Inside the Magic.