The Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom is now closed for a brief refurbishment.
Liberty Square Riverboat Closed for Refurbishment
As previously announced, the Liberty Square Riverboat will be closed from August 20 through 22. It’s scheduled to reopen on August 23.
The Riverboat is expected to close permanently soon to make way for new “Cars” attractions in Frontierland. This refurbishment is likely for general maintenance and the Liberty Square Riverboat will remain operational through the holiday season.
Disney filed permits for the new “Cars” area in mid-August, shortly after the announcement at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Disney confirmed with concept art that the “Cars” rides will replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, with construction beginning in 2025.
The first Liberty Square Riverboat was the Admiral Joe Fowler. It entered service on October 2, 1971, the day after Magic Kingdom opened. The current riverboat, the Liberty Belle, entered service as the Richard F. Irvine on May 20, 1973. This was the same day Tom Sawyer Island opened to the public. The Admiral Joe Fowler was destroyed in a dry dock accident in 1980 but the Richard F. Irvine continued running and was renamed the Liberty Belle in 1996.
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Boo! The Riverboat was a lovely, quiet interlude in MK, and TSI, when they had the kiosk open was a great way for my kids to run around and use their imaginations. Both will be sorely missed. At least we have memories. 😢