Closing Date Announced for Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom

You don't have long to say your final goodbye to Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Square Riverboat.

Soon you’ll be able to explore the uncharted territory of the great outdoors in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World thanks to a massive expansion in Frontierland themed around Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars.”

To make way for the expansion, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into what Walt Disney World describe as "vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers."

Sadly to accommodate this expansion, Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Square Riverboat are all being axed, and now we know when, with Disney annoucning the closure date.

The last day of operation for all three attractions will be July 6, 2025, sao you don't have long to say goodbye to these classic Magic Kingdom attractions.

Starting July 7, guests will no longer be able to enjoy a tranquil journey around the Rivers of America aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat, or waste away a few hours exploring Tom Sawyer Island, enjoying a break from the and bussle of Magic Kingdom.

Guests will however be able to enjoy the beautiful views of the Rivers of America for a few weeks after July 7, with construction walls not being erected for a few weeks after that.

Plus, Disney Imagineering are stressing said that when walls are in place, they will not obstruct guest pathways or parade viewing areas for the immediate future.

Once complete, the new area will feature two Cars attractions, the main ride will bring you along for the ride (pun intended) with a brand-new thrilling rally race through the mountains, taking on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes. 

But what about smaller racers? The second attraction will be geared towards them and will be fun for the whole family.

In addition to the Cars expansion, just around the bend, guests will be able to venture Beyond Big Thunder Mountain into an all-new land dedicated to Disney Villains.

Inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe, the multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping. Walt Disney Imagineering is pushing creative boundaries to dark and mysterious levels to bring this new, first-of-its-kind land to life.

Together, these new additions to Magic Kingdom will represent the largest expansion in park history. 

This is huge news,but sadly we are losing the picturesque Rivers Of America, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Saywer Island, but as Walt Disney said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world,” and now here in Florida, we will just have to remember this for Magic Kingdom too.

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