Liberty Belle Riverboat Removed and Crews Begin Work on Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom

Jul 07, 2025 in "Cars Land Magic Kingdom"

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Frontierland - July 7, 2025

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Posted: Monday July 7, 2025 9:20am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Following the permanent closure of two classic Magic Kingdom attractions at the end of July 6, 2025, Frontierland is rapidly transitioning as Disney begins work on the park's massive upcoming expansion. The area once home to the Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Frontierland Railroad Station, is now fully closed off to guests, and early signs of work are already visible.

Rivers of America

Disney is wasting no time as it shifts from closures to active site-prep. With props already being cleared from Tom Sawyer Island and major areas of Frontierland closed-off, the transformation of this corner of the park is now fully underway.

Crews on Tom Sawyer Island

Liberty Belle Riverboat Removed, Dock Sealed Off

The Liberty Belle, which previously offered scenic tours around the Rivers of America, has been moved backstage to the marina and is no longer visible from guest areas. The dock in Liberty Square is now blocked by rolling planters, and both exit ramps have been sealed off with construction walls.

Liberty Square Riverboat closed

Liberty Square Riverboat walls

Tom Sawyer Island Dock Closed, Rafts Moved Backstage

Tom Sawyer Island dock walls

At the entrance to Tom Sawyer Island, guests will now find construction walls completely blocking the entrance and exit of the raft dock. All of the log rafts used to ferry guests to the island have been removed from service and moved backstage, where they are no longer in guest view. The island itself is now fully inaccessible, and crews have already begun removing set pieces and props as demolition preparations begin.

Crews on Tom Sawyer Island

Tom Sawyer Island sign removed

Frontierland Railroad Station Closed

The Frontierland station for the Walt Disney World Railroad is now closed and walled off, with both the entrance and exit ramps blocked by construction barriers. The train is now operating in shuttle mode between Main Street, U.S.A. and Fantasyland, bypassing the Frontierland loop entirely. The track along the former Rivers of America perimeter is no longer in use.

Frontierland Railroad Station closed

Cars Land Underway

This quick transition marks the beginning of site preparation for what will become Piston Peak National Park, a new Cars-themed land. The area is part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history, which will also include a Disney Villains-themed land beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Piston Peak

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BrianLo7 hours ago

Also a shout out to Efteling. A park that is objectively better than a number of Universal and Disney parks. Obviously not the very best of either portfolio (Disney at least, TBD on my thoughts on Epic), it’s still a regional park. Plus has more classic dark rides to scratch that itch.

Casper Gutman1 day ago

Dollywood also offers a much more relaxed, enjoyable experience than Disney most of the time. It lacks Disney’s web of reservations and upcharges all at a more reasonable price. The guest experience has not been Disney’s primary concern for over a decade now. And Dollywood has much better shows.

Casper Gutman1 day ago

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has declined more precipitously then WDW over the last several years. It’s beautifully set and has remnants of better days but it isn’t in Dollywoods ballpark.

Touchdown2 days ago

Dollywood also benefits from being right next to a fantastic National Park so you can easily spend a whole week in the area if you wanted to (I do a long trip every Spring.). Thanks to Collonial Williamsburg, the historic triangle and Water Country I can say the same thing about Williamsburg (that’s a yearly trip in July/August.)

ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ2 days ago

Service. It might not be tops in theming or show (though both are good) but their CS and professionalism is above Disney at this point.

Ripken102 days ago

Funny I guess I should have read your comment first. You hit it right

Ripken102 days ago

It was fun to visit if your in area, but I can’t see how anybody can compare the two. We remember tidbits now from trip but my kids have never brought up that trip (although my kids are perfect age for Disney still). I know a number of people that have done, and they all seem to give same response. It’s neat but nothing more than that. I don’t know any repeat visitors Busch gardens Williamsburg is better imo, but still not in same category as Disney. Theming is up to par (best zoo to come Closest to theming with animal kingdom but still not ther me is Omaha zoo. We have been to over 30 zoos in last 7 years. San Diego and Cheyenne mountain zoo probably next best - San Diego for sheer size but Cheyenne is remarkable) So yeah, in my small sample size I don’t see how one can compare. That survey would lose credit with me for sure

Touchdown2 days ago

I would say they’re roughly equal, at least BGW, SWSA, and SWO (the latter two only when it’s Summer Nights or Christmas) but United is falling and Herschunds is rising.

TrainsOfDisney2 days ago

I’d definitely say Herschend parks are better than Busch right now. I’m surprised they haven’t built a few sally rides in between the big coaster years.

AidenRodriguez7312 days ago

Yeah I agree with your interpretation. It was good but like… the #1?? Definitely not for me. It was a very nice park just not at Disney/Universal/Busch Garden level

John park hopper2 days ago

I like MK back in the 70s and 80's. My pinion only I like Dollywood better now

Disstevefan12 days ago

The "broken areas that were about to flood the utilidors" is a beautiful spin to justify the destruction of RoA. They said that about MKs 20K leagues under the sea when they destroyed and replaced that. I have no idea if either is true, but if true, then of course they caught both just in time I suppose.

TheMaxRebo2 days ago

Visited a couple of years ago - right before Big Bear opened. Thought it was ... Fine. Definitely nothing close to a Disney park. I would put Busch Gardens Williamsburg over it as well Definitely some really good coasters, some areas had nice theming - others not so much. Definitely lacking in "everybody"/dark rides

ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ2 days ago

Dollywood won America's favorite themepark for 2025 according to National Amusement Park Historical Association and landed the top spot for TripAdvisor. It really is a nice park. Everyone should visit at least once. Besting Disney in many categories. Definitely my favorite!