Disney Confirms Closure Date for Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom

Jun 03, 2025 in "Liberty Square Riverboat"

Posted: Tuesday June 3, 2025 11:07am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has officially announced that the Liberty Square Riverboat, the Rivers of America, and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom will permanently close effective July 7, 2025, to make way for the new Cars-themed land.

Liberty Square Riverboat will close at effective July 7, 2025

The closure marks the end of an era for several of Magic Kingdom’s original attractions, many of which have been part of the park since its opening in 1971. The Liberty Square Riverboat has long offered guests a scenic journey around the Rivers of America aboard the Liberty Belle, while Tom Sawyer Island has provided an interactive, walk-through frontier adventure inspired by Mark Twain’s beloved stories.

Disney’s announcement confirms that this space will soon undergo a complete transformation as part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history. The new Cars-themed land will replace the existing waterways and island, bringing a high-energy off-road rally experience featuring Lightning McQueen and friends into the heart of Frontierland.

Piston Peak will replace Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America

Imagineers have teased that the attraction will introduce a brand-new ride system designed to capture the feeling of navigating rugged terrain, hills, and rocky paths — a major shift from the smooth, water-based attractions currently occupying the space.

Cars Concept Art

Guests still have a few weeks left to experience the nostalgic charm of the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island before they close for good at the end of operations on July 6. Construction on the Cars project is scheduled to begin shortly after, with major site work already underway backstage.

Liberty Square Riverboat will close at effective July 7, 2025

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Nickm20222 hours ago

Very curious of the views we are gonna get from the top of Tianas or the queue from BTM in a. few months. esp down the road when they start adding trees to this area

GordoInTheParks2 days ago

Yes, or The Princess Bride! It's really different, with the Rs being silent-gutterral, almost as Ws. I would have mistaken it for a speech impediment, if it wasn't for one of my friends' wife having a really similar thing, as if she's from the same region. I agree that it is kind of an adorable to listen to someone speak with this accent. I'm just not sure that my friend sees it that way. 😄

Bocabear2 days ago

I like listening to the way he pronounces his Rs... Reminds me of The Life Of Brian... It is all kinds of adorable.....

GordoInTheParks2 days ago

Please also remind him that you just can't go wrong with the white sneakers and jeans, while up on stage! -Jerry Seinfeld

Mr. Engagement2 days ago

I'll text Josh and tell him we're sick of short rides

Disstevefan12 days ago

Jack's videos are always sincere, positive and optimistic. If he is not already on Disney's media list, he should be!!

GordoInTheParks2 days ago

Jack from DSNY claims that he thinks that it's roughly about the same length as the track from Radiator Springs Racers, and he has made a rough layout of the track. However, the cars on this one won't be moving nearly as fast, without racing on a smooth track. Given this information, I think that the ride will probably last roughly 3× that ride's length of time, but that's just my best guess. I'm sure that it's been posted here somewhere, but if you haven't seen the DSNY Newscast video, it's worth the watch:

EricsBiscuit2 days ago

Every time I see a layout of the new cars ride they are building I get worried that it’s going to be too short. I wonder how long the track is?

GordoInTheParks2 days ago

Ok, thanks. I think that I can see it, now. Maybe this area, specifically? However, it does get a little tight in places, and I'm not sure exactly how they would get their operations and cast members back there so easily. I'm also not sure about getting people over that water, but I'm guessing that they could do a draw bridge or swinging bridge. I'm not sure how easily they could reroute any of that water, as it's more functional than the RoA.

Purduevian3 days ago

I think the main proposal from my people was to keep the tracks where they were and have people go around the far side of big thunder. Villains would be outside the tracks.

HMF3 days ago

I will grant you that.

TrainsOfDisney3 days ago

Adding IP to something, but not destroying it, is a win for me. See… Tarzan’s Treehouse. There’s hope the original can return. Until it’s completely destroyed. :(