Disney’s Rapid Overhaul: Liberty Belle and Tom Sawyer Island Vanish Overnight at Magic Kingdom

The dismantling process for Magic Kingdom’s storied Frontierland region has commenced – and Disney seems to be moving swiftly. Not even a day had passed since the closure on July 6th (Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Frontierland Railroad Station), and construction work is already visible.

Originally a tranquil scene of the Rivers of America and the thrilling Tom Sawyer Island exploration, the vicinity currently presents barriers, moving flower beds, and protective staff. The entire locality has been cordoned off for visitors, as construction work is underway even at this moment.

Crews Spotted on Tom Sawyer Island

Workers have already begun their tasks on the premises, dismantling structures and stage elements from Tom Sawyer Island. At this point, the island is closed off to visitors.

The sign indicating the raft dock is no longer there, and all guest rafts have been relocated behind the scenes. From the shoreline, the transformation is noticeable – what used to be a vibrant island recreation area steeped in American history now appears as a secured construction site.

Liberty Belle Riverboat Gone

The Liberty Belle, once known for its scenic tours around the Rivers of America, has been discreetly relocated to the marina, making it invisible from any areas accessible to guests. In the meantime, the dock in Liberty Square is now blocked off using mobile plants and construction barriers. All exit ramps have been shut off.

The solitary door at the entryway to the lower dock stands isolated, positioned seemingly in the middle of nothingness. This simple structure starkly contrasts with the rugged, frontier-style ambiance that continues to permeate the surrounding area (at least for the moment).

Frontierland Railroad Station Closed and Walled Off

The entrance and exit to the Frontierland station on the Walt Disney World Railroad are currently blocked off by barriers, meaning it’s temporarily closed. Although the train is still running, it skips over the entire Frontierland area at the moment. Visitors can board the train at Main Street, U.S.A. or Fantasyland, but the route that used to follow the Rivers of America is now completely inoperative.

Security Presence Noticed

Security personnel can be seen posted near the old Liberty Belle loading site and along the riverbank path. This indicates that Disney is being extra cautious, as the level of demolition and construction is expected to increase in the approaching days.

Piston Peak and Beyond

The swift progression signifies the initial moves towards Magic Kingdom’s biggest expansion yet, as Disney unveils plans for a Cars-themed area called Piston Peak National Park. This new addition is inspired by the spinoff of the Cars franchise, Planes: Fire & Rescue. The area is said to feature a national park-style setting and characters from the Cars universe.

Just past Piston Peak, another grand venture unfolds – Disney Villains Land. This new addition will tower over the boundaries of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and it’s being touted as a significant transformation for the park. However, specifics about the project are still kept confidential.

End of an Era

Tom Sawyer Island, an integral component since the beginning of the Magic Kingdom, provides a tranquil, secluded refuge from the usual path, featuring caves, suspension bridges, and frontier-themed hideaways.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but reminisce about the iconic Liberty Belle Riverboat, a beacon of nostalgic American charm that once graced our beloved Disney parks. However, in this rapidly evolving landscape, she remains one of the few surviving links to Disney history still bobbing on the water.

Sadly, with the closure of both the Liberty Belle and the Frontierland train station, it seems we’ve turned the page on one era and are swiftly, relentlessly moving into another, whether we’re ready for it or not.

2025-07-07 17:56