The Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom was unexpectedly closed on Monday, February 10, for unknown reasons.
Liberty Square Riverboat
The Liberty Square Riverboat’s sign read “Not Operating Today” — despite a lower sign still saying “Operating Today.”
According to Cast Members, the closure was unexpected and they don’t know how long the Liberty Belle will be unavailable. Operating hours for the riverboat are still listed on the Walt Disney World website.
The riverboat remains parked at its dock for guests to view. Cast Members say this closure is not permanent, though the riverboat will close permanently sometime soon. The Rivers of America will be filled in and Tom Sawyer Island will also close to make way for new “Cars” attractions as part of a Frontierland expansion. Construction is set to begin this year.
The Liberty Square Riverboat last closed for a scheduled refurbishment in August 2024.
The steam-powered Liberty Belle entered service as the Richard F. Irvine in 1973. Before that, the Admiral Joe Fowler was the only riverboat traveling the Rivers of America — beginning on the park’s second day of operation, October 2, 1971. The Admiral Joe Fowler was retired after a dry dock incident in 1980. The Richard F. Irvine continued operations and was renamed the Liberty Belle in 1996.
Read more about Disney attractions permanently closing soon.
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