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
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has given Disney 10 days to respond to their previous request for additional information regarding the transformation of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America into a “Cars”-themed area. If Disney does not respond within 10 days, SFWMD will deny Disney’s application. Florida Gives Disney 10 Days to … Read more
Walt Disney World has been hit with a setback in their plans to reimagine Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom into a new Cars-themed area, as the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has sent a six-page letter outlining problems with the initial permit application. Permit Revisions Requested for Tom … Read more
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” … Read more
Walt Disney World has confirmed that permits are being filed this week to begin work on the “Cars” and Disney Villains-themed areas coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World Filing Permits This Week for Frontierland Expansion In a press release, Walt Disney World confirmed that the Frontierland expansion in Magic Kingdom “officially begins” … Read more
The Disney Parks Blog has confirmed that Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed to make way for a “Cars”-themed expansion in Magic Kingdom. Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island to Make Way for ‘Cars’ The announcement of a new “Cars” expansion for Frontierland at Magic Kingdom was revealed over the … Read more