The Liberty Square Riverboat in Magic Kingdom is now closed as Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are transformed into a “Cars” area. Liberty Square Riverboat History The Liberty Square Riverboat opened as an attraction at Magic Kingdom on October 2, 1971, the second day of the park’s operations. The original riverboat was the … Read more
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
In addition to updating the map for Magic Kingdom on My Disney Experience, Walt Disney World has also released a new guidemap for the park that no longer features the recently shuttered Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat. New Magic Kingdom Guidemap The cover of the map features a young … Read more
Walt Disney World updated its My Disney Experience mobile app last night to remove Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island from the Magic Kingdom map, as well as show the new modified route for the Walt Disney World Railroad. My Disney Experience Removes Rivers of America For most users, when viewing Magic Kingdom on … Read more
Rivers of America Closure Rivers of America Closure Liberty Square Riverboat Final Journey Rivers of America Closure Disney World Watch the Final Voyage of the Liberty Square Riverboat The Liberty Square Riverboat, along with Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, has closed permanently at the Magic Kingdom. Liberty Square Riverboat Final Journey The … Read more
Cast Members are now preparing for the final night of operation for the Liberty Square Riverboat by handing out wristbands to guests. Liberty Square Riverboat Wristbands While they were not available at park open, Cast Members at Magic Kingdom have started handing out wristbands to guests who want to be on the last ever journey … Read more
The Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom is opening an extra hour early before its permanent closure in July. Liberty Square Riverboat Hours According to the sign at the boat’s launch as well as the Walt Disney World website, the Liberty Belle is now opening at 10 a.m. instead of 11 a.m. It will continue … Read more
With the impending closure of Tom Sawyer Island, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the attraction and how to experience it before it’s gone. Tom Sawyer Island Closing Date Approaching Why Is Tom Sawyer Island Closing? How to Experience Tom Sawyer Island Before It’s Gone The History and Charm of Tom Sawyer Island … Read more
Disney announced a closing date for the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, more details were revealed for the upcoming “Cars” area in Magic Kingdom, and the new Test Track sign has been unveiled — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom EPCOT … Read more
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
The Sailing Ship Columbia has once again reopened to guests after closing for a brief refurbishment, though no visible changes have been made. Sailing Ship Columbia Reopens The Sailing Ship Columbia is an attraction in Frontierland where guests get to board a fully rigged sailing vessel and take a short tour of Disneyland Park. The … Read more
In a recent update to the upcoming “Cars” and Villains lands coming soon to Magic Kingdom Park, the new Walt Disney World construction permit for demolishing sections of Frontierland has now been approved. Construction Permit Now Approved for “Cars” Walt Disney World originally filed a permit in August of 2024 to seek approval for construction … Read more
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
Walt Disney World has submitted their updated plans for the transformation of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), following the district’s Request for Additional Information (RAI). Disney Submits Updated Plans for Rivers of America The RAI response letter is a whopping 23 pages, … Read more
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has granted Disney’s request for an extension to update its plans for replacing the current Rivers of America with attractions themed to the Pixar “Cars” franchise. After requests for permit revisions and a ten-day deadline to update the plans by December 13, Disney requested a 60-day extension. The … Read more
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, on behalf of Walt Disney World, has requested a 60-day extension to update their permit regarding the transformation of the Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom into a “Cars” area. Disney Requests Extension for Rivers of America Permit The extension request was penned by the District’s Sr. Water Resource … Read more