Magic Kingdom Says Goodbye—Disney Permanently Closes These Fan-Favourite Attractions

Disney Permanently Closes These Fan-Favourite Attractions: If you’ve ever taken a peaceful paddleboat cruise along the Rivers of America, explored the dusty trails of Tom Sawyer Island, or watched the Liberty Belle churn through Frontierland waters, you’re witnessing the end of an era. Disney’s Magic Kingdom is permanently closing several fan-favorite attractions in 2025 to make way for a bold new themed land—one that’s revving up with the Cars franchise. This decision has stirred excitement and a fair bit of heartbreak among Disney loyalists.

This isn’t a temporary refurb or seasonal pause. These are full-on, permanent closures, and they mark a significant turning point in how Disney is choosing to evolve its most iconic theme park. So whether you’re a family traveler, Disney adult, travel blogger, or simply nostalgic, this article has the full scoop.

Disney Permanently Closes These Fan-Favourite Attractions

Whether you’re a nostalgia-driven Disney diehard or a fan of fresh storytelling, the closure of these attractions marks a poignant moment in theme park history. Walt once said, “Disneyland will never be completed as long as there is imagination left in the world.” And true to his word, the parks are always growing, always changing.

But as we welcome the exciting new world of Piston Peak, let’s take a moment to remember the charm of Liberty Square, the calm of the Rivers of America, and the childlike wonder of exploring a secret island with nothing but a map and imagination. Because even as the rivers dry up, the memories still flow strong.

A Brief History of These Attractions

Liberty Square Riverboat

The Liberty Square Riverboat, also known as the Liberty Belle, has been cruising the Rivers of America since the park opened in 1971. Modeled after 19th-century steam-powered paddleboats, this attraction offered a 17-minute narrated cruise filled with colonial scenes, animatronic wildlife, and natural landscapes.

Tom Sawyer Island

This rustic play area opened in 1973 and was one of the few attractions personally conceptualized by Walt Disney himself. Inspired by Mark Twain’s stories, the island featured caves, forts, bridges, and trails—all designed for free exploration, which was a big part of Walt’s childhood memory-driven storytelling.

Rivers of America

Running a loop around Tom Sawyer Island, the Rivers of America provide a tranquil break from the park’s fast-paced thrills. While not a ride per se, it’s an essential part of the park’s ambiance and theming, especially for guests looking to slow down and take in the details.

According to former Imagineer Tony Baxter, “These attractions represent Walt’s love of nature, history, and immersive storytelling without relying on characters or franchises.”

Why Disney Permanently Closes These Fan-Favourite Attractions?

The closures are part of a larger transformation plan focused on modernizing the park with franchise-driven experiences. In the age of blockbuster IPs like Frozen, Star Wars, and Cars, Disney leadership sees an opportunity to bring new relevance to older areas of the park.

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, has often reiterated the goal of “expanding story-based lands that connect deeply with guests.” And he’s not wrong—studies show that IP-based lands generate up to 35% more guest spending compared to original attractions.

That means more themed merchandise, photo ops, character meet-and-greets, and social media buzz. The writing was on the wall for these quieter, more historical attractions.

What’s Coming Next: Piston Peak National Park?

The brand-new land replacing this trio of attractions will be known as Piston Peak National Park, based on the animated film Planes: Fire & Rescue and the larger Cars universe.

Expected to debut in 2026 or later, this land is being described as Disney’s take on a national park vacation, reimagined through the eyes of Pixar. Concept art hints at redwood forests, fire lookout towers, cascading waterfalls, and cliffs.

Here’s what’s rumored and expected:

• A family-friendly dark ride involving water rescue missions
• A high-speed trackless ride through mountainous terrain
• A sit-down dining location themed like a rustic ranger outpost
• Interactive nature trails for kids and families
• Meet-and-greet zones for characters like Dusty Crophopper and Mater

Creative Executive Scott Mallwitz stated, “We want to blend the charm of America’s national parks with the humor and visual language of Pixar.”

The Larger Pattern: What Else Is Closing?

The transformation doesn’t end with Frontierland. Other parks across Walt Disney World are also seeing major overhauls:

• Muppet*Vision 3D at Hollywood Studios officially closed on June 7, 2025, after a 34-year run. It’s being replaced by a new Monsters, Inc.-themed area featuring a suspended family coaster.
• At Animal Kingdom, The Boneyard (a play area in DinoLand U.S.A.) will close permanently on September 1, 2025 to make way for the new Tropical Americas expansion. This transformation will also replace DINOSAUR with an Indiana Jones adventure sometime in 2026.

These closures signal a clear direction: less original theming, more blockbuster-driven storytelling.

What This Means for Families and Disney Regulars?

If you’re planning a trip in the next year, you’ll want to act fast:

1. Visit before July 6, 2025 if you want to experience these attractions one last time.
2. Book early and consider Lightning Lane or Genie+ reservations.
3. Take time to capture photos and videos as keepsakes—these attractions may never return.
4. Check ShopDisney for limited edition closure merchandise and pins.
5. Expect higher foot traffic in the Liberty Square and Frontierland areas in the final months, especially near the July 4th holiday.

Emotional Reactions: What Fans Are Saying

Fans are split. Some are understandably emotional:

“Tom Sawyer Island was my quiet space in the park. No lines, just peace. That’s hard to find in modern Disney,” wrote one Reddit user on r/WaltDisneyWorld.

Others are cautiously optimistic:

“My kids never connected with the Liberty Belle, but they love Cars. I get it. Just hope it’s done with heart,” said Disney blogger Sarah Dunlap (@PixiePlanning).

Influencers and YouTubers are already documenting “last rides,” ranking closure souvenirs, and reflecting on what these attractions meant to their Disney journeys.

Why These Closures Matter to Disney History?

These weren’t just any rides. They were symbolic of Walt’s original vision. Back in the 1950s and 1970s, Disney focused on American folklore, frontier life, and immersive storytelling that didn’t need movie tie-ins.

Walt himself loved the rivers, the forests, and the spirit of exploration. Attractions like Tom Sawyer Island and the Riverboat represented a slower, more thoughtful Disney experience—one rooted in imagination, not just intellectual property.

Even though the new lands will be high-tech and highly themed, there’s a growing sense of loss around these “non-IP” experiences that can’t be duplicated elsewhere.

Practical Tips for Bloggers, Content Creators, and Travel Planners

If you’re in tourism, content, or family travel, now’s the time to:

• Write “Farewell to Frontierland” or “Last Rides Before They Close” guides
• Share memory reels, throwbacks, or retrospectives on social platforms
• Promote “last chance” trip deals to clients
• Create printable kid-friendly scavenger hunts for Tom Sawyer Island
• Offer clients suggested itineraries including Liberty Square Riverboat before July 6

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