Something significant is happening in Liberty Square, and most Disney guests aren’t even aware it’s happening.
July 6 marks the final day of operation for Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle Riverboat. But unlike the emotional sendoff we saw for Splash Mountain in 2023, this goodbye is barely making a ripple.
Disney did hand out wristbands for guests riding the Liberty Belle one last time, but beyond that? There’s no big celebration, and no significant cast member countdown. Just a regular Sunday with posted wait times at 10 to 15 minutes, and no sign that three classic attractions are sailing off into history.
Even more telling: Pirate Pass and Pixie Dust Passholders—two of the biggest Annual Pass tiers in terms of volume —were blocked out from visiting today. Fans are already speculating that this blackout was intentional, designed to prevent the kind of fanfare (and protest) that Splash Mountain attracted.
Remember When Splash Mountain Closed?
Let’s rewind to January 2023. On the final day of Splash Mountain, crowds flooded Frontierland before the park even officially opened. Rope drop looked like a major event. The line for the ride quickly hit 200 minutes and wound through every inch of available queue space. Even the pressed penny machines had a long wait.
Fans showed up in themed shirts, filmed their final rides, and shared emotional tributes all over social media. Disney may not have officially celebrated that day, but they didn’t stop it either. It felt like a proper sendoff for a ride that had meant so much—despite the controversy surrounding it.
With Rivers of America? That kind of closure just didn’t happen. And for a set of attractions that have been around since day one, that silence feels a little… intentional.
What’s Replacing It?
Disney has already revealed what’s coming next. The entire section of the park is being reimagined as Piston Peak, a new Cars-themed land inspired by the national park setting from Planes: Fire & Rescue (2014). Yes, that spinoff of Cars. And yes, it’s replacing an area with deep historical roots in Magic Kingdom’s design.
The new land will feature two brand-new rides—one a fast-paced off-road rally and the other a family-friendly experience—and will lean into a rugged, wilderness-lodge aesthetic that tries to blend Cars-style humor with national park vibes. There’s even talk of “car-ified” architecture, like windows set low for vehicles and buildings made from wagon wheels and road signs. It’s quirky, creative, and IP-heavy—exactly the direction Disney seems to be steering the parks.
Let’s be honest—Rivers of America, the Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island have never been the flashiest offerings. They were slow-paced, peaceful, and mostly ignored by guests rushing to hit headliners like Big Thunder Mountain or Haunted Mansion. But that was also the point.
They offered something rare in modern theme parks — at Magic Kingdom, in particular: breathing room. A quiet raft ride. A walk through caves and bridges. A scenic loop around the park’s back corner. That kind of experience is harder to find with each passing year.
Disney’s decision to let these attractions fade away without ceremony sends a message: If it doesn’t move fast or sell merch, it probably won’t last.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans are definitely split. Some are excited to see a new Pixar land come to Magic Kingdom—especially one that’s not just a carbon copy of Radiator Springs. For families with young kids, Cars is still a major draw, and the Piston Peak theme offers a lot of creative potential.
But others are mourning the slow death of original, non-IP park experiences. They’re frustrated that Disney is sidelining its roots in favor of synergy. Was Rivers of America just too quiet to fight for? Or did Disney purposely keep the spotlight off?
Like it or not, change is coming fast. With Piston Peak on the way and a Villains Land rumored to follow, Magic Kingdom’s transformation is accelerating. This isn’t just about retiring a riverboat ride—it’s about Disney rewriting what “classic” even means inside its parks.
One thing’s for sure: If you were hoping for a last grand voyage or an emotional farewell for Rivers of America… you missed it. Because it never really happened.
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