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Movement behind the scenes at Magic Kingdom has renewed attention on the fate of a recently closed attraction, as Walt Disney World continues a sweeping redevelopment across multiple parks.
Across the resort, legacy attractions are being removed or cleared to make room for large, franchise-driven projects.
Credit: Disney
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tropical Americas is replacing DinoLand U.S.A. The new land will introduce attractions inspired by Encanto (2021) and the Indiana Jones franchise, with DINOSAUR closing to make way for the latter in 2026.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also undergoing major redevelopment. A Monsters, Inc. land is advancing on the former site of Muppet*Vision 3D, alongside the transformation of Animation Courtyard into The Walt Disney Studios, modeled after Disney’s Burbank campus.
Credit: Disney
Those projects provide context for the most consequential changes now unfolding at Disney’s flagship park.
Major Closures Reshape Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is preparing for a large physical expansion that will permanently alter its layout. A new Cars Land, exclusive to Walt Disney World and not a dupe of the version found in Anaheim, is currently in development.
Credit: Disney
That project is expected to be followed by a Disney Villains Land, described as a darker-themed expansion requiring substantial new space beyond the park’s traditional footprint.
To create that space, Disney permanently closed Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat in July 2025. Both attractions were closely tied to Frontierland’s original design and thematic identity.
Tom Sawyer Island offered walk-through exploration rather than ride vehicles. The Liberty Belle provided a scenic cruise along the Rivers of America, serving as a kinetic centerpiece for the land.
Credit: Disney
Following the closures, demolition began quickly on Tom Sawyer Island. Buildings, bridges, and pathways were removed as land preparation moved forward.
The Rivers of America followed a slower process. Water levels were gradually lowered, exposing sections of the riverbed and signaling that the area was no longer being maintained for guest use.
The Liberty Belle remained intact during that period. After closing, the vessel was later spotted backstage, prompting questions about whether Disney intended to preserve it or remove it entirely.
Disney did not announce any plans for the riverboat at the time of closure. Months passed without clarification as construction activity continued elsewhere in the park.
But a new report now suggests the Liberty Belle’s status may be changing.
Reported Backstage Movement Raises Questions
According to Blog Mickey, the Liberty Belle Riverboat has recently been moved within a backstage marina area, marking its first confirmed relocation in roughly four months.
Aerial overview of the Magic Kingdom resorts backstage marina. Liberty Belle riverboat at the dock.
Aerial overview of the Magic Kingdom resorts backstage marina. Liberty Belle riverboat at the dock. pic.twitter.com/Yr6QDJZtNC
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) August 16, 2025
The vessel is reportedly now positioned in a different slip, typically used for service and maintenance operations rather than long-term holding.
Sources claim the relocation allows the riverboat to be fully removed from the water. That process is commonly associated with refurbishment work, extended storage, or preparation for dismantling.
Images of the backstage marina show the Liberty Belle docked away from guest-accessible areas, partially obscured but still structurally intact.
Credit: Inside the Magic
Aerial photographer Bioreconstruct has previously documented the riverboat’s location in this marina. Recent imagery appears consistent with reports of movement.
Disney has not commented publicly on the reported relocation. The company has also not confirmed whether the Liberty Belle will be preserved, repurposed, or permanently dismantled.
What do you think Disney will do with the Liberty Belle?
