Walt Disney once said that Disneyland would never be completed as long as there was imagination left in the world. And at Walt Disney World, that spirit of change continues — but sometimes it comes at the cost of a little piece of our shared nostalgia.
If you’ve ever hopped aboard the Liberty Belle Riverboat, wandered the suspension bridges of Tom Sawyer Island, or just stopped to admire the gentle turn of the paddlewheel while eating a churro, this news might sting a bit: the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are being permanently closed and filled in to make way for an exciting new expansion in Magic Kingdom. Let’s take a moment to honor what’s being lost, how it came to be, and what we can look forward to.
🪵 A Huck Finn Dream: The History of Tom Sawyer Island
Tom Sawyer Island opened in 1973, two years after Magic Kingdom’s grand debut. Inspired by the Mark Twain stories, the island was built to be a frontier fantasy come to life — one where kids could roam semi-freely across barrel bridges, secret caves, and treehouses. It was rustic, adventurous, and a refreshing break from the ride queues and character meet-and-greets.
The island was only accessible by raft, and that trip across the river felt like a little journey of its own. Whether you were exploring Injun Joe’s Cave or getting slightly spooked inside the fort, the entire attraction offered a kind of analog magic — physical exploration in a digital age.
🚢 Rivers of America & the Boats That Sailed Them
Surrounding the island was the Rivers of America, a winding man-made waterway that gave Magic Kingdom its iconic “riverbend” feel in Liberty Square and Frontierland. It wasn’t just scenery — it was a living, breathing transportation attraction.
Originally, the river hosted two large steam-powered riverboats:
- 🛳️ The Admiral Joe Fowler (named after the Navy admiral who oversaw the construction of Walt Disney World), which operated from 1971 until a dry dock accident led to its retirement in 1980.
- 🚢 The Richard F. Irvine, later renamed The Liberty Belle, which remains in operation to this day — at least for now.
While these boats were real steam-powered paddlewheelers, they didn’t navigate freely. Beneath the murky waters of the Rivers of America was a hidden guide rail, a submerged metal track that the boats followed. This ensured smooth sailing (literally) and kept the vessel on course as it circled the island in a 17-minute tour.
🛠️ How They Built the River (and Will Soon Drain It)
Creating the Rivers of America wasn’t just a matter of digging a hole and filling it with water. It was an elaborate engineering feat. Imagineers first sculpted the land to mimic the shape of an actual river delta, then installed the submerged track along a precise path. Once the guide system was in place, the riverbed was lined, and finally filled, creating the illusion of an untamed wilderness stream.
But now, the opposite process is underway. As Disney prepares to expand Frontierland, plans call for the river to be drained and filled in entirely — permanently removing this iconic water feature. Permit filings confirm that the Liberty Belle and its track will be retired, with the entire space being reimagined.
🧱 What’s Coming Next? New Lands on the Horizon
Though the closure of Tom Sawyer Island and the river may be bittersweet, there is something bold on the horizon. Disney has announced a massive expansion behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, including:
- 🚗 A Cars-themed area set to bring the high-octane charm of Radiator Springs to Florida, with both family-friendly and thrill-based rides.
- 🦹♂️ A potential Villains Land, featuring iconic Disney baddies in new immersive environments (still rumored but highly teased in concept art).
- 🏞️ A complete reshaping of the land that once held the rivers, with new paths, attractions, and possibly even nighttime entertainment elements.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2025, and though Disney hasn’t released exact timelines, it’s clear the change will be significant.
🚢 What Will Happen to the Liberty Belle?
That’s the big question. Disney has not yet said what will become of the Liberty Belle, the last operating steam riverboat. Because it runs on a guided underwater track, it can’t simply be relocated.
Here are a few possibilities being speculated:
- Dismantled and retired, much like the Admiral Joe Fowler.
- Preserved as a static display, perhaps as a photo op or themed dining space.
- Relocated, though that would involve massive logistical hurdles.
One thing’s for sure: if you want one last ride on the Liberty Belle, your time is limited.
🎢 Final Thoughts: Change Is the Only Constant
While it’s tough to say goodbye to one of Magic Kingdom’s most tranquil and scenic corners, the coming expansion marks an exciting new era. And like so many changes before it — from Mr. Toad to Splash Mountain — it’s part of Disney’s never-ending mission to evolve and enchant.
If you’re planning a trip soon, make time to wander Tom Sawyer Island, hop on the Liberty Belle, and take in those riverside views. You’ll be experiencing a piece of Disney history before it becomes just that — history.