After a brief closure, the Liberty Square Riverboat has returned to Magic Kingdom Park…but its fate remains uncertain.
On Wednesday, Disney Fanatic reported that the Liberty Belle, the iconic riverboat that cruises along the Rivers of America, failed to open at its scheduled time of 11:00 a.m. The attraction remained closed for the day, with the entrance blocked off from guest access. Disney cast members informed guests that a boiler issue had caused the shutdown, though they couldn’t provide a timeline for when it would reopen.
While disappointing for many park-goers, the unexpected closure might provide a glimpse into what the future holds for this classic Disney attraction. At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney World Resort unveiled plans to reimagine parts of Frontierland, including the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. These changes are set to make way for two new attractions based on Cars (2006), which will mark the end of the Liberty Square Riverboat’s run.
The announcement has sparked mixed emotions among Disney Parks fans. While some are excited to see new Cars attractions in the park, others are mourning the loss of a tranquil, nostalgic part of Magic Kingdom. The Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island provide a rare sense of calm amidst the park’s constant hustle, and for many, these areas are an essential part of the park’s original charm.
However, Wednesday’s unexpected closure of the Liberty Belle was not the final farewell. According to the My Disney Experience app, the riverboat reopened the following day, Thursday, April 23, and was up and running with a 15-minute wait time. The attraction’s return was a welcome surprise for those hoping for one last ride before the park’s plans unfold.
Walt Disney World Resort has not officially commented on the Liberty Belle’s temporary closure, a common practice regarding unannounced attraction downtime. Disney typically does not release information on the reasons behind attraction downtime.
While the Liberty Belle has returned for now, the future of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island is still uncertain. Disney has not set an official closure date for these areas or confirmed when the new Cars-themed attractions will debut. However, construction permits for the Frontierland overhaul and a Disney Villains land beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have already been filed.
If you’re hoping to experience the classic charm of the Liberty Square Riverboat one more time, it may be time to plan your Walt Disney World Resort visit soon!
Is the Liberty Belle part of your family’s Magic Kingdom Park traditions? Share your favorite memories with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
