A Bittersweet Farewell: Rivers of America Closes for Magic Kingdom’s “Cars” Expansion
Today marks a significant, and for many, a bittersweet moment in Magic Kingdom history as the iconic Rivers of America, along with the beloved Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island, close their gates permanently. An update to the My Disney Experience app this morning confirmed that today, July 6th, is the final day for guests to experience these classic attractions before they make way for the highly anticipated “Cars” expansion of Frontierland.
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The news of the impending closure has been circulating for some time on the Walt Disney World website, but now, the My Disney Experience app is prominently displaying the finality of the attractions’ last day. A bright orange banner now greets users on the Liberty Square Riverboat’s page, stating: “The last day to experience the Liberty Square Riverboat is July 6. The attraction and Rivers of America will close permanently on July 7 to make way for the largest expansion in history at Magic Kingdom.
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As the sun sets on these cherished Magic Kingdom staples, Cast Members have been busy preparing for the final moments of the Liberty Square Riverboat. Earlier today, gold wristbands adorned with the Magic Kingdom wordmark began to be distributed to eager guests hoping to secure a spot on the very last journey of the Liberty Belle.
While the exact number of wristbands remains unconfirmed, those lucky enough to receive one have been instructed to return to Liberty Square, near the riverboat dock and the Hall of Presidents exit, at 8:00 p.m. for what promises to be an emotional final ride. Guests are advised that the final departure time may be adjusted based on weather conditions.
The Liberty Square Riverboat, operating from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, and Tom Sawyer Island have been integral parts of the Magic Kingdom experience for decades, offering a tranquil escape and a taste of classic American folklore. Their permanent closure, effective July 7th, is a direct result of Disney’s plans for a substantial “Cars” expansion in Frontierland, which is touted as the largest expansion in the park’s history. Demolition permits for the area were approved earlier this year, though immediate construction walls are not expected to appear.
In addition to the Rivers of America attractions, the Walt Disney World Railroad will also be impacted by the upcoming construction. The My Disney Experience app now includes an operational notice for the railroad, indicating that its route will be modified.
For many, saying farewell to the Rivers of America represents the end of an era, a peaceful corner of the park where memories were made. As guests queue for their last voyage or explore Tom Sawyer Island one final time, a sense of nostalgia and anticipation hangs in the air for what the future holds in Magic Kingdom’s evolving landscape.
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