The Rivers of America at the Magic Kingdom will soon no longer exist. This is an area full of beautiful vistas, peaceful spaces, and a look at the past through the idealized lens of storytellers like Mark Twain and Walt Disney. The Rivers of America pass through both Frontierland and Liberty Square, where guests can board the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Then they can go on a lovely cruise around the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
Soon, this area will be the home of an expanded Frontierland. The Liberty Belle Riverboat will no longer be how people are transported in the area. Instead, they will board vehicles from the world of Pixar’s Cars. There will be two attractions in this area. The announcement of this transformation was made at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. This new area won’t be a clone of Cars Land at the Disneyland Resort. Instead, it will be a new area created that brings the world of Cars to Walt Disney World Resort.
“The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city,” Josh D’Amaro said when announcing the land. The announcement can be seen here:
The first attraction here will be a rally race. Disney described it saying it will, “Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes.” The second attraction will target smaller racers and be fun for the whole family.
Ahead of this transformation, the Daps Magic team stopped by the Magic Kingdom to take a look at the Rivers of America as it exists now and also document a moment in time. Below is a look at some of the sights and sounds of the Rivers of America as seen from the shores and also aboard the Liberty Belle.
The Rivers of America is a beautiful area at Magic Kingdom. Sadly, what makes it beautiful (how quiet and empty it is) is also what makes it a land of opportunity. Just like the Old West, the opportunity of that land leads to it filling up. Instead of being filled up with pioneers, homesteaders, or cowboys, the future of this land will be with adventurers who are going to experience the world of Cars. While this may not be an ideal change for all Disney guests, it does make sense at some level to get the most out of the space that Disney already has as it continues to expand its parks.
What do you think of the Rivers of America? What is your favorite detail/area currently found there? Are you looking forward to Pixar’s Cars coming to this area? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
