Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Magic Kingdom Park guests were left surprised and disappointed on Wednesday, April 23, when Walt Disney World Resort abruptly closed the Liberty Square Riverboat. There had been no prior announcement of a scheduled closure, disappointing any parkgoers who hoped it would be the last time they could enjoy the iconic ride before it undergoes a major transformation.
The Liberty Belle, a staple of Magic Kingdom Park since its opening in 1973, has long been a symbol of Disney’s commitment to American history and patriotism. The ride takes guests on a scenic tour around Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the original Central Florida Disney park. However, as Disney plans to overhaul Frontierland, this beloved attraction is facing its final years.
Credit: Disney
During D23 Expo 2024, Disney announced an overhaul of Frontierland, which will include two Cars (2006) attractions. As part of this expansion, Walt Disney Imagineering revealed that parts of Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, will be removed. While fans were excited for the new attractions, the news came with mixed emotions as longtime Disney patrons mourned the loss of historic attractions like the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island.
According to Disney cast members who spoke to WDWNT, the Liberty Square Riverboat’s temporary closure on Wednesday was due to a boiler issue. As of now, the ride remains listed as “temporarily closed” on the My Disney Experience app, with no confirmed reopening date.
Credit: Screenshots via the My Disney Experience app
Disney has not yet announced a permanent closure date for the Liberty Belle, and many hope it will continue operating for some time before the larger plans for the expansion take effect. Luckily, the company typically provides advanced notice for permanent closures, as was the case with other iconic attractions such as Splash Mountain and Muppet*Vision 3D. Wednesday’s closure likely isn’t the end for the Liberty Square Riverboat.
Are two Cars rides worthy replacements for the Rivers of America and the Liberty Square Riverboat? Share your thoughts with Disney Tips in the comments!
What a total shame to close the riverboat cruise and Tom Sawyer island and Rivers of America 🇺🇸 so much a part of Disney Why Why to open a new Cars 2 rides this is so much of a history thing I absolutely love these areas as my kids have enjoyed them we’ve gone every time for all these years
Well not much I can say but what I can say is what a waste let’s just get rid of all our healthy history the young people don’t have much insight to history I guess Disney needs more money for more moneymaker rides how totally sad I really like these area older rides and new ones so so sad SHAME ON YOU DISNEY
WHAT WOULD WALT SR SAY!!