Today is the final day to experience the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom. These opening day experiences are set to close to make way for a new Cars-themed area in Frontierland. Since the announcement about the new Cars area at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event last year, fans have been stopping by the Rivers of America to say goodbye to the beautiful area. Below is a video of a cruise around the Rivers of America aboard the Liberty Belle Riverboat that the Daps Magic team took late last year.
Liberty Square Riverboat
On the My Disney Experience App and Walt Disney World Website, a notification warns guests of the closure of the area. The following post can be found when guests are perusing the app or website:
Here is the official description for the Liberty Belle Riverboat:
Liberty Square Riverboat
Cruise the scenic Rivers of America aboard an authentic steam-powered paddle wheeler.
See the Wild Frontier
Steam into American history aboard the majestic, Colonial-era Liberty Belle riverboat and enjoy a relaxing half-mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island.
Along the way, listen to a recorded narrator—in the voice of iconic American author and humorist Mark Twain—sharing memories of Twain’s time on the Mississippi.
It’s full steam ahead on this historic, nostalgic trip back to the past!
Along the River’s Edge
During this charming, 17-minute trip, you’ll encounter a rarely seen side of Magic Kingdom park. Behold a bevy of sights from the early days of the American frontier, including:
- An early American settlement
- An idyllic Native American village
- Harper’s Mill
- Fort Langhorn
- Wilson’s Cave Inn
- Woodland animals
You’ll also be treated to unique views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Haunted Mansion.
Liberty Belle
Featuring meticulously detailed wood craftsmanship, the 47-foot tall Liberty Belle is a working reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the mighty Mississippi.
An actual steam engine converts water from the river into steam that powers the large paddle that in turn propels the boat.
There are 4 decks with limited seating available on each.
Tom Sawyer Island
A similar announcement can be found for Tom Sawyer Island on the My Disney Experience app and Walt Disney World Website:
Here is the official description for Tom Sawyer Island:
Tom Sawyer Island
Travel by log raft to this secret rustic hideaway inspired by the stories of Mark Twain.
Adventure Awaits!
Wander dusty dirt roads lined with tall trees, explore whirling mills and amble across creaky suspension bridges. Navigate narrow passages amid secret mined caves and uncover a frontier fort.
Along the way, follow in the pioneering footsteps of early settlers, during an era when Mark Twain and Tom Sawyer reflected a new nation coming into its own.
It’s an unforgettable expedition into the heart of the American frontier!
Journey by Log Raft
To reach the island, board a log raft for a piloted trip across the Rivers of America and disembark at Tom’s Landing. When you wish to leave the island, visit Tom’s Landing again for a raft ride back to shore.
In keeping with the laidback lifestyle that Tom is known to enjoy, you may experience a wait going to and returning from Tom Sawyer Island.
A Self-Guided Tour
As you explore the island, you’ll find adventure aplenty around every corner. Easy-to-read maps ensure you always know where you are during your island visit.
The new area in Frontierland that will replace Rivers of America is called Piston Peak. This new destination at Walt Disney World will include some elements from what is there now. The concept behind it is that the whole area will be a National Park. The “Parkitecture” style of design is being utilized to make this as authentic as possible. It will include two attractions. One will be a rally race and the other a “family fun” attraction. A map was shown by Disney to show what is coming to the area:
More information about Piston Peek can be found on Daps Magic’s article on what is known currently about the area. The change from Rivers of America to Piston Peak will be a big one for both Disney fans and Walt Disney World itself. One thing is for sure: with the construction of this new area and the new Villains Land, there will be a lot to be excited about in the coming years. Daps Magic will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
