mark twain riverboat disneyland on a track

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Mark Twain Riverboat Gliding along the 'Rivers of America' you'll find the majestic "Mark Twain Riverboat" an authentic paddlewheel riverboat exactly like those which sailed the rivers and lakes during their heyday. Upon boarding, guests can move around the riverboats three decks, however seating is limited and only available on the lower deck. Having left the dockside, the ol' time riverboat guide will tell tales on all that you see on your journey, whilst Mark Twain also takes a turn at narration, speaking of his own exciting experiences back when he was a Mississippi riverboat pilot. About this Attraction Location : Frontierland Type : Riverboat ride Duration : 12 minutes Ride Capacity : 300 guests Fastpass : No Best time to visit : Anytime Tips & Fun Facts Boats depart every 25 minutes. Closes two hours before Fantasmic! starts. Before you board, ask one of the Cast Members if you can drive the boat and you may be allowed up to the wheel house. This attraction was one of the original Disneyland Park attractions when Walt opened the park on July 17, 1955. Listen carefully to the on-board narration. The voice is that of Disney legend Thurl Ravencroft. You may recognize him from the Haunted Mansion. The riverboat is guided through the Rivers of America via an I-beam track, which is hidden under the green and brown dyed river water. The Mark Twain Riverboat makes an appearance in Fantasmic! Additional Information Guests may remain in their wheelchair or Electric Convenience Vehicle to experience this attraction. Wheelchair Access: Proceed to the access gate to the right of the turnstile or through the attraction exit. Lower level access only. Reviews Reviews & Ratings Recommended For Pre-Schoolers Children Adults Seniors You May Also Like Sailing Ship Columbia Disneyland Railroad Storybook Land Canal Boats Nearby Dining The Golden Horseshoe Stage Door Cafe Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante Related Links Satellite Map Park Map (.pdf) Photos    

Complete Guide to Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom while learning a little bit about American history? Then welcome aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat!

You’ll ride the majestic  Liberty Belle  riverboat for a half-mile tour around  Tom Sawyer Island .

On this 17-minute trip, you’ll hear the voice of iconic American author and humorist, Mark Twain, sharing some of his memories of life on the Mississippi. You’ll also encounter a rarely-seen side of the Magic Kingdom.

It’s full steam ahead for our complete guide to the Liberty Square Riverboat .

In this article

Liberty Square Riverboat Quick Facts

• Location: Liberty Square , in The Magic Kingdom
• Height req : None
• Suitable for: Anybody
• Attraction length: About 17 minutes
• Do we recommend? Just as a time filler
• When to visit: Anytime
• Scheduled Refurbishments
• Tip(s): Mostly standing room only, find a spot on the top deck to snap some good pics of nearby attractions.
• Description: This 17-minute cruise on a steam-powered boat takes you on a 1/2 mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island.

Liberty Square Riverboat is located in Liberty Square, across from Liberty Square Market and down the way from The Hall of Presidents .

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How to Ride Liberty Square Riverboat

Liberty Square Riverboat has a Standby Line. There is no Single Rider Line .

Do I need to use Genie+ at Liberty Square Riverboat?

Genie+ is not available at Liberty Square Riverboat.

Rider Switch/Child Swap

As there is no height requirement for Liberty Square Riverboat, this attraction does not offer Rider Switch .

Rider Switch is Disney’s system that allows guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.

You can learn more about Rider Switch via our helpful guide.

What to Expect When You Ride

The queue to ride the Liberty Square Riverboat is shaded with some benches. The loading dock is also covered.

The ride leaves twice an hour on the hour and the half-hour so if you don’t make the boat, you’ll be waiting quite a bit for the next one.

Ride Vehicles

The Liberty Square Riverboat is a 47-foot-tall working steamship called The Liberty Belle . It is propelled by the paddle wheel that is itself propelled by the steam engine.

It is a reproduction of the historic vessels that ferried people up and down the Mississippi River.

While it is fully functioning, it is actually guided on an “I-beam” track that is hidden by the green and brown-dyed water of the Rivers of America.

The Riverboat has a maximum capacity of 450 people.

Guests enter the ship on the middle deck. This area features a sitting room, an outside wheelhouse, and the captain’s quarters.

On the bottom deck of the boat, you can see the ship’s boiler and pistons and you can visit the viewing platform which has great views of all the attraction’s scenes.

On the top deck, guests get the best perspective of the Magic Kingdom from the water.

Accessibility Information

Guests in wheelchairs and ECVs may remain in them to ride The Liberty Square Riverboat.

If you are in a wheelchair or ECV, ask a Cast Member for help and they will assist you in boarding the ride up the exit ramp. There is actually a sign at the main entrance to the attraction that points those that require wheelchair or ECV access to enter to the left.

Those in wheelchairs and ECVs must remain on the middle deck of the riverboat as there is no handicap access for other levels.

On the Ride

If you prefer to keep your ride aboard The Liberty Square Riverboat a surprise, you may want to skip this part to avoid any spoilers.

The Liberty Square Riverboat begins with its captain, Horace Bixby, welcoming guests aboard The Liberty Belle as well as introducing his pilot, Samuel Clemens (known to future generations as the author, Mark Twain). You are currently on Clemens’ 100th journey aboard the Liberty Belle.

Before the Liberty Belle leaves port, Sam sets the scene for the ride ahead by warning guests to stay behind the railings, as river pirates are known to frequent the area.

As you sail down the river, you’ll see the sights of Frontierland, which for the purpose of the ride was once just a boom town but is well on its way to becoming a big city. Over the announcement system, Sam mentions that the large peak in Frontierland is known as Chick-A-Pin Hill (also known to Disney guests as the former Splash Mountain and future Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ).

Continuing on, the boat passes Sam’s “old stomping ground”,  Tom Sawyer Island .

Next, he points out  Big Thunder Mountain where the water gets so hot that geysers erupt. Sam explains that Native Americans used to think that the geysers were spirits and that’s why they named the mountain “Big Thunder Mountain” and the moniker stuck.

As your boat ride continues, you’ll see Beacon Joe and his dog Rufus in front of his bait shop.

You’ll then see Powhatan Native Americans gathering and pass by an unidentified Indian village. Down the river, the Liberty Belle reaches Cutthroat Corner where riders are told they are most likely to find river pirates.

Before returning to port in Liberty Square, the Liberty Belle passes The Haunted Mansion . Sam informs guests that rumor has it that the mansion was built on a Native American burial ground, and now 999 ghosts haunt it.

Finally, the Liberty Belle reaches port and Sam and Captain Bixby say goodbye as the boat docks and guests are directed to disembark.

One thing to note about taking a ride on The Liberty Square Riverboat: on top of the sights you see on the attraction, you will also get a unique view of Magic Kingdom. You might even be able to spot the parade or a cavalcade during your ride!

Is Liberty Square Riverboat Kid-Friendly?

This is a great ride for the whole family to take a break from the crowds of Magic Kingdom.

Strollers are not allowed in most queues at Walt Disney World. Instead, you’ll need to leave your stroller in the designated stroller parking area near the entrance to the queue.

The Liberty Square Riverboat is one of the few attractions that can trace its history back to before Disneyland or Walt Disney World even opened.

Walt Disney initially came up with the idea for a Mississippi steamboat attraction for the Disney Studio in Burbank, California. However, the Burbank Studio did not have the land to build the attraction so Walt decided to transfer the concept to Disneyland.

In order to create the attraction, Disney had to construct the first American-made, working steamboat in 50 years. Admiral Joe Fowler oversaw the construction of what would become The Mark Twain Riverboat in Disneyland.

The Mark Twain was built in two separate pieces. The hull was constructed in San Pedro, California and the deck was built at the Disney Studios in Burbank. The ship was assembled in Disneyland and The Mark Twin Riverboat debuted on July 17, 1955, for Disneyland’s opening day.

When Walt Disney World was in development, the riverboat was one of the attractions Imagineers decided to include in the opening day plans, however, it wasn’t quite ready.

The Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat opened one day after the park, on October 2, 1971. It was named in tribute to the man who had helped to create Disneyland and Walt Disney World, as well as the Riverboat attractions.

When the riverboat first debuted, live entertainment could often be found on deck because there wasn’t much else for guests to see on the Rivers of America at the time.

Since Walt Disney World did not yet have enough attractions to meet demand, in 1973 a second steamboat was built. The Richard F. Irvine  Riverboat entered into service on May 20, 1973. It was named after the late Disney executive, Richard F. Irvine, who oversaw the planning and construction of Walt Disney World.

The only difference between the two steamboats was that The Admiral Joe Fowler had two smokestacks, while The Richard F. Irvine only had one.

In fall of 1980, The Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat was destroyed in a drydock accident. Disney decided not to repair it, and the bell from the riverboat was added to the #4 engine known as the Roy O. Disney on the  Walt Disney World Railroad .

In 1996, The   Richard F. Irvine  was completely refurbished and returned to service as The   Liberty Belle  Riverboat.

The attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat to make it easier to remember and to tie the boat in with Liberty Square.

With one ship gone and the other one renamed, Disney decided to pay homage to Admiral Fowler and Richard Irvine by naming two ferries that run from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom after them in 1999.

The narration aboard the Liberty Belle has expanded as more rides have been added to Frontierland . References to  Tom Sawyer Island , Splash Mountain (the future Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ), and  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad  have all been added to the script.

In 1992, the Powhatan Native Americans were added to the attraction after the release of the Disney-animated film, Pocahontas .

The  Liberty Belle  underwent extensive rehab from September 2005 to September 2006, and then in 2018 it was completely overhauled with a new boiler.

Other Fun Details

• Captain Horace Bixby, the name given to the Liberty Belle’s captain, was a real steamboat captain on the Mississippi. Horace Bixby and Sam Clemens met aboard a steamboat called The Paul Jones . Bixby agreed to take Sam on as his apprentice. About 21 years later, the now-famous Mark Twain reunited with Captain Bixby in St. Louis. The captain even makes an appearance in Twain’s book, Life on the Mississippi .
• Inside The Liberty Belle’s Salon, there is a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.
• Watch the Audio-Animatronic dog outside of Beaker Joe’s. Every once and a while he will turn his head as a fish jumps by.

• To pay homage to the Samuel Clemens connection, in Disneyland the attraction is known as the Mark Twain Riverboat.
• Crates located on the banks of Frontierland are imprinted with “Tell City Tool Co.” Tell City is a real town located in Indiana on the banks of the Mississippi River. It was one of the United States’ first “planned cities.” Another crate has “71” on it to honor the year the Magic Kingdom opened and another says “Russel’s Falls” after Davy Crockett’s sidekick, George E. Russel.
• The attraction’s landing building is one of the few in the Magic Kingdom that does not employ forced perspective. This may be to hide the riverboat from guests in Liberty Square where a steam-powered riverboat would not fit the land’s theming.

Other Attractions in Liberty Square

• The Hall of Presidents
• Haunted Mansion
• Liberty Square River Boat

New Ursus H. Bear Mural at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree in Disneyland

A new Ursus H. Bear mural is visible at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, the reimagined Country Bear-inspired Hungry Bear Restaurant at Disneyland.

Ursus H. Bear Mural at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree

The refurbished and reimagined restaurant is not yet open but the mural is visible from the Mark Twain Riverboat . Ursus H. Bear is the founder of Grizzly Hall. This mural features him in a chef’s hat instead of his iconic top hat (also worn by his grandson, Henry). On either side of him are the years 1848 and 1928.

The portrait is surrounded by white filigree. “Ursus H. Bear” is printed on one side. “Grr-ill Master” is on the other side, indicating Ursus also founded the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree.

Crews recently installed a Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree sign at the restaurant. The re-theme comes soon after the premiere of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree  in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The updated show features the Country Bears singing country renditions of Disney songs like “Try Everything” from Zootopia, “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid, and “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story. A Big Al statue was also recently installed in Disney California Adventure.

The Country Bear Jamboree opened at the Disneyland Resort on March 4, 1972. It closed on September 9, 2001, to be replaced by  The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh . Until recently, the land housing the Winnie the Pooh ride and Hungry Bear Restaurant was known as Critter Country. With the impending opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, it has become Bayou Country . The land is closed while The Briar Patch and part of Pooh Corner are transformed into  “The Princess and the Frog”-inspired gift shops .

We shared a  full tour  of Critter Country before it closed for construction on May 1, 2024. Watch our video below.

What do you think of the mural? Are you excited for the Country Bears to take over the former Hungry Bear Restaurant? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on  Twitter ,  Facebook , and  Instagram . For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT .

The post New Ursus H. Bear Mural at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree in Disneyland appeared first on WDW News Today .

Major changes at Disney parks divide fans

For Disney fans, this summer has been a roller coaster of emotions. For some, excitement around a slew of new attractions has soured after the company announced what would be shuttered to make way for the changes.

In early August, fans were thrilled to hear about plans for a long-awaited “ Villains Land ” and two new “Cars” rides at its Magic Kingdom park in Florida, as well as a “ Monsters, Inc. ” land at Hollywood Studios.

But in the wake of the announcements, excitement has dampened as Disney fans have learned about the loss of classic and atmospheric attractions in favor of franchise-driven rides that will draw huge crowds.

On Aug. 12, the Monday after D23, Disney’s annual fan convention, the company announced that it would transform the “ Rivers of America ” waterway, riverboat ride and Tom Sawyer-themed island in Magic Kingdom into the new “Cars” attractions. The move would replace a large original part of Disney World.

The negative reactions to the news have included complaints that Walt Disney’s vision for the park is being destroyed, that Disney is valuing crowd capacity over themed design and that a formerly calm respite from the Magic Kingdom crowds will become yet another long line for a loud, frenetic attraction.

The evolution of reactions has largely taken place inside the thriving online community of adult Disney fans, including Disney influencers, journalists and content creators, whom the company has increasingly marketed to as repeat visitors .

“I don’t think all people in the fandom are resistant to all change, but it’s easy to be upset when something is being taken away, even if you’re excited for something coming that is new,” said Scott Gustin, who works for media company Nexstar and posts theme park updates to his popular account on X. “Theme park fans, they kind of want it all. They want the best of all of it. They want to keep what they know, they don’t want a ‘Cars’ attraction to have to require them to pour a bunch of concrete into the river and pave it over.”

Gustin was one of the journalists live-posting at D23 throughout the Disney theme parks preview on Aug. 10. His posts on X that night were viewed over 4 million times. Gustin was provided a media credential by Disney.

The new planned attractions at Disney parks around the world were presented with great fanfare. Entertainers like John Stamos, Darren Criss, Ke Huy Quan and Meghan Trainor performed onstage throughout a presentation from Josh D’Amaro, the company’s head of parks and resorts. Gustin said the crowd at D23 was the largest and most energized he has been a part of since he started covering the event in 2022.

“I feel like I can allow myself to get excited and feel optimistic about the future of the Disney Parks again,” Gustin posted the next day. The night the convention ended, Gustin took a red-eye flight back to his home in North Carolina. Then, the mood shifted.

“I walk into the house, I set my luggage down, and then at 9 a.m. they post new concept art that shows the Rivers of America is going away,” he said.

“If you’re going to remove Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, it better be damn good. It better be worth it,” Gustin posted on X. “You don’t hear me complain much about removals at the parks because I’m generally accepting of change — but it all comes back to the exchange. You can’t use ‘moving forward’ if the changes are not for the better.”

The “Rivers of America” space in the Magic Kingdom is a man-made river containing a steam-powered riverboat ride that circles an artificial island with paths and hideaways to explore, reached by motorized rafts. It’s a large play area themed to “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain with places to relax. The area draws far fewer visitors than other attractions and is seen by many Disney fans as a respite from large crowds at the park.

Gustin’s sentiments were echoed by other prominent members of the Disney fandom. Blogger Tom Bricker wrote , “It’s not exactly paving over paradise to put up a parking lot, but it’s kinda close.” YouTuber Jenny Nicholson, whose four-hour video about the closure of Disney’s “Star Wars” hotel went viral in May, posted , “I feel like the appeal of the river is that it creates a grand impression and makes the park feel like a big kingdom. All the stuff near the water feels cooler because of it. Even if you don’t go to the island or on the water it improves your experience.”

The “Rivers of America” aren’t the only attractions that will likely be shuttered in the coming years at Disney World. The “Dinosaur” ride and “DinoLand” at Animal Kingdom will be replaced with a “Tropical Americas” land featuring “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones” themed rides. The new “Monsters, Inc.” land is speculated to replace the “Muppets Courtyard” at Hollywood Studios, although the location of the attraction hasn’t been confirmed by Disney.

These changes aren’t unprecedented. Numerous attractions have been renovated and replaced at the Disney theme parks over their decadeslong history. But the large number of presumed changes has rankled some fans.

“Epcot: Defaced. Studios: De-Themed. DAK: Endangered. Magic Kingdom: 1/3 Destroyed,” posted one Disney content creator and former Disney employee. “My literal home for 75% of my life made unrecognizable.”

Deshawn Warr, an Orlando-based Disney content creator , said he believes many of the negative reactions come from a place of nostalgia, and that they’ve been incentivized by social media platforms that reward emotionally charged posts. He also highlighted that throughout the history of changes at Disney, ones that are intended to make the parks more inclusive of diversity are met with more backlash.

In 2023, “Splash Mountain” was closed amid controversy over featuring characters from “Song of the South,” which includes racist stereotypes . The ride reopened this year as “Tiana’s Princess Bayou,” themed to Disney’s first Black princess. In 2017, Disney removed a scene from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride that showed pirates auctioning women.

“A lot of people don’t want those changes because what changed reflects their nostalgia,” Warr said. “From nostalgia, you can unearth personal views and viewpoints on life.”

“How the parks look now isn’t so much for me but for my daughter, who’s 3,” he continued. “When she’s my age, she’ll remember a park that is different from mine, but the experiences stay the same.”

Kat Tenbarge is a tech and culture reporter for NBC News.

Pictures: Disney’s Tom Sawyer Island and the…

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Pictures: disney’s tom sawyer island and the liberty belle riverboat.

Guests visit Tom Sawyer Island and ride the Liberty Belle riverboat at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and riverboat —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will be replaced by two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The steam-powered riverboat Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America passing Tom Sawyer Island, left, at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —including the Liberty Belle— will be replaced with two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Tom Sawyer Island is reflected in the Rivers of America in this two-minute time exposure photographed at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, June 10, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Guests are transported on a log raft across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Guests check out the explorers’ map on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The riverboat Liberty Belle sailing on the Rivers of America passes Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Guests wait to board at Tom’s Landing on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn along the Rivers of America on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The riverboat Liberty Belle passes guests waiting to be transported across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A young guest waves from Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The steam-powered riverboat Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America passing Tom Sawyer Island, left, and The Haunted Mansion, background, at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —including the Liberty Belle— will be replaced with two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Guests cross the Barrel Bridge at Smuggler’s Cove at Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Guests board a log raft to be transported across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A young guest explores Scavenger’s Fort on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The windmill at Potter’s Mill on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Guests walk through Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The riverboat Liberty Belle passes by guests waiting to be transported across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A welcome sign on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The riverboat Liberty Belle passes by Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn, with The Haunted Mansion in the background, on the Rivers of America at Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Harper’s Mill, left, on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The riverboat Liberty Belle passes guests waiting to be transported across the Rivers of America off of Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Pappy’s Fishing Pier on the Rivers of America at Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

A view of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The horse stable at Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Guests walk to Tom’s Landing on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Guests are transported on a log raft across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The Indian Territory along the Rivers of America at Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Guests wait in line to be transported on a log raft across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The steam-powered riverboat Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America passing Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —including the Liberty Belle— will be replaced with two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

The interior cabin of the steam-powered riverboat Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that Tom Sawyer Island and surrounding river —including the Liberty Belle— will be replaced with two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

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