PHOTOS: Construction Walls Go Up, Liberty Square Riverboat Signage Removed, & Tom Sawyer Island Props Tagged for Removal as Rivers of America Demolition Begins

A rustic wooden boathouse sits by the Rivers of America, surrounded by lush trees and a docked work barge.

Construction walls and rolling planters now block the docks of the Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom as demolition work begins. Rivers of America Demolition Signage is gone from the former Riverboat Landing where guests boarded the Liberty Belle. It used to say “Riverboat Landing” above the entrance. Signs on the side displayed the operating … Read more

My Disney Experience App Warns Guests Today is Last Day to Experience Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square Riverboat

A classic Liberty Square Riverboat with festive bunting floats by a rustic dock near Tom Sawyer Island, surrounded by greenery.

An update to the My Disney Experience app is letting guests know that today, July 6, is the last day to experience both the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island before they permanently close. Editor’s Note: Since originally writing this article, Cast Members in Magic Kingdom have now begun handing out wristbands to guests … Read more

BREAKING: Closing Date Announced for Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Square Riverboat

A large "Closing Date Announced!" text over Harper's Mill and a riverboat sails the Rivers of America at a theme park.

Closing Date for Rivers of America History of the Rivers of America Attractions Rivers of America – What’s next: The Cars Themed Expansion Rivers of America: Permits and Construction Plans Disney has finally announced the closing date for the Rivers of America, including the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, at the Magic Kingdom. … Read more

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 5/14/2025 (Emporium Finds, Construction Updates, and Piloting the Liberty Belle)

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, with the Liberty Belle Riverboat nearby, under a bright blue sky and clouds.

Howdy! Today was especially magical in the Magic Kingdom. It was a beautiful day weather-wise. I found some new merchandise featuring Disney World original characters and a few construction updates throughout the park. The most exciting and magical moment was getting the opportunity to join the pilots of the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Good Morning from … Read more

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs 4/30/2025 (Is Disney Reading This? Disney’s Grand Floridian Lobby and Big Thunder Mountain Update)

Split image: Left shows a crowded Magic Kingdom castle; right shows people near a fountain and “MAIN STREET” archway.

Howdy Hey! This morning I started my day in Disney’s Grand Floridian, where the lobby is currently under some serious refurbishments. I then went to Magic Kingdom where I started to get paranoid that someone from Magic Kingdom may be reading this. I ended my day in Disney Springs with some light shopping. Good Morning … Read more

Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom Closed for the Day

A large, white, multi-deck paddle steamboat named "Liberty Belle" is sailing on a river, surrounded by trees and a mountain in the background. Passengers eagerly await the captain's daily recap of their scenic journey.

The Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom is closed today, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Liberty Square Riverboat Closed No operating hours are posted on the riverboat’s sign. Cast Members don’t expect the riverboat to open at all on Wednesday due to a boiler issue. We don’t know if the Liberty Square Riverboat will return to … Read more

Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom Unexpectedly Closed

Sign at Liberty Square Riverboat for Liberty Belle, indicating it is not operating today, with a note to supervise children and mention of wheelchair access.

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 … Read more

RUMOR: Tom Sawyer Island & The Rivers of America to be Demolished, Riverboat Closing Forever for Magic Kingdom Expansion

A large, white, multi-deck paddle steamboat named "Liberty Belle" is sailing on a river, surrounded by trees and a mountain in the background. Passengers eagerly await the captain's daily recap of their scenic journey.

At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney announced two new “Cars” attractions and a Disney Villains land coming to Magic Kingdom in the near future. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro did not state exactly where the new areas would be, only that the “Cars” rides would be in Frontierland. The announcements seem to be … Read more

Liberty Belle Stuck on Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom, Guests Evacuated

liberty-belle

The Liberty Belle got stuck on the Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom. Some reports indicated that the boats couldn’t get off Tom Sawyer Island, either. A Tweet from ResortTV1 reported the incident, as seen below. The boat, which was evacuated, was left stranded between Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain. According to Twitter … Read more