Beloved Disney World Attraction Closing Permanently July 7
Disney World fans have until the end of the day to say farewell to an iconic attraction at the family theme park.
Sunday marks the last day for the Rivers of America, including Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Belle at Magic Kingdom. The rides will close Monday as Disney readies the area for the new-look Piston Peak National Park, a Cars-themed miniland that the company discussed in detail last month.
"Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers," Disney said in a blog post. "While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.
"Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar Cars universe. To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment."
Last summer, Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D'Amaro first announced the addition of two Cars-inspired attractions coming to Frontierland.
"The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon, believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success,” D'Amaro said at the time. “That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou, or a racecar from the big city.”
As exciting as this new layout seems, many Disney fans have been understandably upset about the loss of the Rivers of America attractions.
Rivers of America debuted with the park's inception in 1971, while the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island opened two years later in May 1973.
Hopefully, the throngs of tourists at Disney World today are giving the area the final sendoff it deserves.