Disney4me Posted 9 hours ago Report Share Posted 9 hours ago Fans are flocking to this opening day Magic Kingdom original now that they know it’s about to sail away FOREVER. Liberty Square Riverboat The Rivers of America, and the riverboats that sail them, have been a part of Disney parks since the literal beginning, as the river and the Mark Twain Riverboat were part of Disneyland from the VERY beginning. The same was true of the Magic Kingdom at its opening, as the park debuted with its own version of the Rivers of America as well as its own riverboat. When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, the Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America were sailed by one riverboat: The Admiral Joe Fowler, named after a well-known figure of early Imagineering and theme park operations. In 1973 a second boat, the Richard F. Irvine (named for Disney executive Richard “” Irvine) joined the fleet. The latter would become the park’s only boat in 1980 when the Joe Fowler was retired after an accident involving a crane. Other than the ship being renamed the Liberty Belle in 1996, the Rivers of America and its riverboat remained relatively unchanged for the first 5+ decades of Disney World’s existence. That was all announced as changing in 2024. The Rivers of America At that summer’s D23: Ultimate Fan Event, Disney announced that a massive new Cars-themed area was coming to Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom… at the expense of the river, its central Tom Sawyer Island, and its watercraft, including the Liberty Belle. According to a Disney statement at the time of the announcement, “the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers.” Coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, a new area themed to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars” will leave Radiator Springs and head to the wilderness with two new attractions including an off-road race. Suffice to say, many fans were unhappy with the announcement, saying that removing the Rivers of America and its watercraft was tantamount to “ripping the heart” out of the Magic Kingdom. It’s also led to some renewed fan interest in the Liberty Belle, as fans are making it a point to take a final ride down the river before construction begins sometime in 2025. The Liberty Belle Riverboat in Magic Kingdom On April 27th, 2025, the fan-run Dapper Days event — an event that celebrates “fun, refined style from vintage classics to chic, contemporary looks!”– featured a ride on the Liberty Belle as part of its itinerary. They referred to it as “one final riverboat voyage before this 51-year-old attraction permanently closes.” Liberty Belle We’re still not sure when exactly the Liberty Belle and the rest of the Rivers of America will be closing for good, but until then, some fans are making it a point to ride the opening day original to say goodbye. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the Magic Kingdom’s changes. 5 Magic Kingdom Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! WE KNOW DISNEY. YOU CAN, TOO. Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation. Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever! GET YOUR GUIDE NOW Are you sad to see the Liberty Belle go? Let us know in the comments below!The post Why Disney Adults Are Suddenly Lining Up for a Walk-On Ride in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog.View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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