Disney’s theme park rides have captivated children and adults alike for decades, but now it’s been announced that the company will be closing several attractions that parkgoers have come to love over the years.
Magic Kingdom has some amazing rides, but on July 7, 2025, three attractions will permanently shut down, meaning that fans have little time to make the most of them before they’re gone forever.
Changes In The Park
Disney is making changes in the park to make way for new attractions in Magic Kingdom. These new attractions will be centered around Pixar’s Cars universe.
Fans who frequent the park have been clamoring about the changes, inquiring about which attractions are getting axed. Thankfully, Disney has officially revealed which of them will be retired the following month.
The Attractions Facing Closure
Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Square Riverboat are facing permanent closure on July 7. Some of these attractions have been around for nearly as long as the park has been open and spread joy to countless children and adults.
All the attractions offer a unique mixture of nostalgia, adventurous spirit, and American culture. Anyone who will be sad to see them gone has approximately a month to go to the theme park and give them a proper send-off.
Generations Of Fun
Rivers of America and its associated attractions have been an important part of Magic Kingdom ever since its inception. Tom Sawyer Island was inspired by Mark Twain’s stories and offered parkgoers a chance at an involved adventure.
The river itself has had the Liberty Square Riverboat gracing its waters for more than five decades, which gave guests a one-of-a-kind tour and a chance to witness incredible views. All of these attractions are ingrained in the hearts and minds of generations and will soon fade into memory.
Why Is Disney Changing Things?
Disney is always looking to innovate and captivate new audiences in the park. While the older attractions are becoming less frequent, there’s an opportunity to make way for new rides and attractions that will speak to a newer generation.
Piston Peak National Park is set to replace the aforementioned parts of Magic Kingdom, being set in the Cars universe. This will be one of the most significant expansions the park has ever seen, promising new innovative activities and a fresh take on storytelling. This move is to stay relevant and retire outdated, albeit nostalgic, past times.
The Perfect Spot
With Rivers of America already having a frontier aesthetic, it seemed like the ideal place for Piston Peak National Park to be hosted. While they’re retiring old attractions, Disney has made the promise that the river and other features will be incorporated into the new theme rather than completely paved over.
The new attractions that will open will be off-road vehicles, themed diners, and all new interactive activities.
Backlash
Among Disney parkgoers, there are die-hard fans who take their attractions as being changed as an attack on tradition. Many have voiced their concerns over the loss of their favorite spots that represent more than a part of the park but a nostalgic childhood filled with happy memories.
Social media has showcased how many dedicated fans there are, and many are pleading with Disney to go ahead with the expansion without destroying such old attractions.
Affecting Other Parts Of The Park
The closure of these attractions seems to have implications for other parts of the park. The iconic Walt Disney World Railroad has ferried guests on a closed loop around the park for decades but will now be impeded by the renovations.
The tracks will no longer be a complete loop while construction is taking place, and in the meantime, the Railroad will most likely act as a shuttle. This change may not be permanent, but it could last a long time, depending on how long it takes to finish up Piston Peak National Park.
Preserving Vs. Demolishing
With the changes being approved and confirmed to go ahead, many people are wondering what will happen to the remnants of old attractions like the Liberty Belle Riverboat.
Disney could demolish these attractions or could look for ways to preserve or repurpose them. However, only the future will tell us what the fate of these historic relics will be.
Looking Ahead
By getting rid of old attractions and planning to build Piston Peak National Park, Disney is showing its hand. The company is looking ahead rather than getting wrapped in nostalgia, like many guests.
Disney is trying to usher in a new era at the park and bring joy to younger parkgoers, but it could come at the cost of their longstanding and loyal fans.
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