Hey Disney Vacationers! If you’re like me, every single permit filed at Walt Disney World feels like a breadcrumb trail to the future. And when it’s for a spot as nostalgic as Tom Sawyer Island—and the long-shuttered Aunt Polly’s—you know Disney fans are paying close attention. Here’s exactly what’s happening, what the new permit actually means, and why it signals even bigger changes on the horizon.
What’s New: The Tom Sawyer Island Permit
Last week, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a notice of commencement permit specifically targeting the former Aunt Polly’s quick-service restaurant on Tom Sawyer Island. The permit, available in public Orange County records, lists the scope as simply “general construction”—but that’s rarely the whole story at Disney.
Permit Basics:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Permit Type | Notice of Commencement |
| Location | Aunt Polly’s, Tom Sawyer Island, Magic Kingdom |
| Contractor | Phillips & Jordan, Inc. |
| Owner/Applicant | Walt Disney Imagineering |
| Stated Work | General Construction |
| Demolition Mentioned? | Not directly (but likely included based on context) |
| Timing | Filed last week (see county records for date) |
Who’s Involved: Phillips & Jordan, Inc.
This isn’t just any random construction crew. Phillips & Jordan, Inc. is a heavy-hitter, known for major infrastructure and site prep projects—think airport expansions and large-scale earthwork. Notably, they’ve worked on the Orlando International Airport South Terminal, handling everything from storm drainage and grading to erosion control and water management. Why does this matter? Because Disney doesn’t tap this kind of contractor for light touch-ups or repainting old picnic tables.
Real-World Insight:
- Phillips & Jordan has a track record with tricky water environments, just like Rivers of America.
- Their involvement suggests the early groundwork for a much bigger project—in this case, clearing and prepping Tom Sawyer Island for what’s coming next. Cars Land and Villains Land.
Why Now? The Future of Tom Sawyer Island and Aunt Polly’s
Let’s get real: Aunt Polly’s has been a fan-favorite footnote in Disney history for decades. It opened in 1973 as the only food spot on Tom Sawyer Island, but hasn’t operated consistently in years. On July 7, 2025, it finally closed for good, to make way for the Cars Land expansion.
What Disney Has Planned
- Rivers of America will be drained—a major signal that major changes will take place to the river, but it will not be fully removed.
- Tom Sawyer Island will be demolished to make way for a brand-new, Cars-themed expansion: Piston Peak National Park (based on the “Planes: Fire & Rescue” movie universe).
- Land clearing is already underway along the north edge of the Rivers of America and backstage areas behind the island.
Reader Q&A: What Would I Want to Know?
Q: Can I still visit Tom Sawyer Island or Aunt Polly’s right now?
No. The area is closed to guests, and demolition has already begun.
Q: What’s actually happening to the Rivers of America?
The entire waterway will be drained to allow for heavy machinery and demolition, similar to what Disney has done during previous refurbishments or major new builds. The river will not be fully removed and used as part of the new Car Land expansion.
Q: Will Aunt Polly’s ever return?
Unlikely. Once demolition begins, the structure—and the “old school” quick-service memories—are gone for good.
Real Talk: What Does This Mean for Magic Kingdom Fans?
For Disney fans who grew up exploring every hidden corner of Tom Sawyer Island, this is a bittersweet moment. The area is full of nostalgia (who else remembers those peanut butter sandwiches at Aunt Polly’s?), but it’s clear that Disney is moving full speed ahead with new, immersive experiences. The Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park will bring something fresh to Frontierland and could easily become a top draw—especially for families with kids who love Lightning McQueen.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a 2025 or 2026 Disney World visit, expect construction walls, rerouted walkways, and major changes to Magic Kingdom’s west side.
The Bottom Line: Why the Tom Sawyer Island Permit Matters
This new Walt Disney Imagineering permit confirms that the era of Tom Sawyer Island and Aunt Polly’s is coming to an end. With heavy construction specialists on the job and “general construction” as the stated goal, demolition is all but guaranteed. The next time you step onto Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America, you’ll likely see a whole new Frontierland taking shape.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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