Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat are set to be permanently shut down at Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
These classic attractions are closing to make way for new experiences inspired by the Cars franchise. The announcement detailing these significant changes planned for Frontierland was made at the D23 convention earlier this year.
Upcoming Changes at Magic Kingdom's Frontierland
Disney World is continuously evolving, and part of this evolution includes replacing older attractions with new, themed experiences. For Magic Kingdom, this means saying goodbye to two beloved mainstays.
Attractions Being Permanently Closed:
- Tom Sawyer Island: A unique island adventure accessible by raft, offering paths, caves, and forts for exploration.
- Liberty Square Riverboat: A paddle-wheeler that takes guests on a scenic journey around the Rivers of America, providing views of Frontierland, Liberty Square, and other parts of Magic Kingdom.
These closures are part of a broader reimagining of the Frontierland area. The decision to close these attractions stems from plans to introduce new theming and experiences that will appeal to a wider audience, specifically incorporating popular Pixar characters.
New Additions to Frontierland
The spaces currently occupied by Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat are being repurposed to house two new Cars attractions. These new rides are expected to bring the high-energy fun and beloved characters from the Cars movies into a new Disney World setting, offering fresh adventures for guests.
Here's a quick overview of the upcoming changes:
Category | Current Attraction (Closing) | Future Attraction (Replacing) |
---|---|---|
Location | Frontierland, Magic Kingdom | Frontierland, Magic Kingdom |
Attraction 1 | Tom Sawyer Island | New Cars Themed Attraction |
Attraction 2 | Liberty Square Riverboat | New Cars Themed Attraction |
Reason for Change | To make way for new experiences | Enhanced themed entertainment |
These developments reflect Disney's strategy to keep its parks fresh and relevant, introducing beloved characters and stories in innovative ways. Guests visiting in the future can anticipate a transformed Frontierland with exciting new opportunities to interact with the world of Cars.