Latest news with #TomSawyerIsland
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Closing time for Tom Sawyer Island, Rivers of America at Disney World's Magic Kingdom
First, parts of DinoLand, U.S.A., then Muppets Courtyard. Now, another iconic corner of Walt Disney World is shuttering. Sunday, July 6 is the last operating day for Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square Riverboat and Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom in Florida. For decades, this tree-lined stretch of Frontierland and Liberty Square invited guests to break away from the hustle and bustle of the world's most visited theme park, to take in the scenery and slow down. The closing was announced at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event last August, but a specific date wasn't shared until June. Here's why the attractions are closing and what guests can expect from their replacement. Like its counterpart at Disneyland in California, Tom Sawyer Island is a old timey island amid the Rivers of America, which guests can reach by raft or circle by riverboat. "Wander dusty dirt roads lined with tall trees, explore whirling mills and amble across creaky suspension bridges. Navigate narrow passages amid secret mined caves and uncover a frontier fort," read the attraction's page on Disney World's website. "Along the way, follow in the pioneering footsteps of early settlers, during an era when Mark Twain and Tom Sawyer reflected a new nation coming into its own. It's an unforgettable expedition into the heart of the American frontier!" D23, the Official Disney Fan Club notes both Disneyland and Disney World's Tom Sawyer Island were present on the opening days of their respective parks, but their attractions didn't open until later. Disneyland's version was personally designed by Walt Disney and given a pirate overlay in 2007. It's important to note that only Magic Kingdom's version is closing. Disneyland's Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island will remain open, as will its Rivers of America and riverboat. Tom Sawyer Island, Liberty Square Riverboat and Rivers of America are closing at Disney World as part of Magic Kingdom's largest expansion to date. The Florida park is getting a whole new area beyond Big Thunder Mountain, including a new Villians land in years to come. The space where Tom Sawyer Island is now will be replaced by a new "Cars"-inspired area different from the Radiator Springs setting of Cars Land in Disney California Adventure. The new area will be called "Piston Peak National Park." "Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers," Disney Parks Blog posted in June. "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." Disney said Imagineers will use a style of architecture developed by the Natural Park Service to blend structures into Rocky Mountain-inspired Piston Peak, and trees will serve as a natural border between an off-road rally attraction and the rest of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Concept art shared by Disney shows water will also remain a prominent part of the landscape. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Magic Kingdom's Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island prepare to close
The Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
New Disney plans revealed – and they include new ‘major theme park' in the US
DISNEY fans are thrilled to learn a brand new theme park could be set to hit the US. It would mark the creation of the fifth attraction as part of the franchise. Comprehensive Plan 2045, from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, understands plans are already in motion. Documents revealed there's a sprawling 400 to 500 acres ready for construction. It is thought there will be two smaller attractions in the form of water parks, around 147 acres each. Walt Disney World has not officially confirmed a fifth Florida theme park. Despite this plans show the park requested permission to build underground networks. These are usually used by staff and cast members to navigate around the site unseen. This news comes as Disney fans threatened to boycott the theme park. Uproar was sparked after the company revealed plans for a Cars land that would replace Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. Fans can mark the last day of Tom Sawyer Island on July 6, 2025. Outraged visitors expressed their frustrations on X, with one penning: "Canceling my trip in October and sadly, will never visit that park again." Disney announces brand new theme park "This is an abomination and a real disservice to all those who booked summer trips hoping to enjoy all this one more time," added another. A third agreed: "Never going back, I have a lot of happy memories there, and I'll keep them." "Huge mistake. Huge," and "Largest downgrade", echoed others. This comes as Disney revealed plans to open a brand new theme park - in Abu Dhabi. The huge new park will be in Yas Island, and a "groundbreaking resort destination" on the huge waterfront. Little-else is known about the theme park including how many lands and what rides it will include. However, it will have themed accommodation as well as dining and retail experiences, it has been confirmed. It states it will combine Disney's "iconic stories, characters and attractions" with Abu Dhabi 's culture and architecture. An opening date is yet to be confirmed. Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer at Walt Disney Company, said: "As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting-edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways." Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences, added: "The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. "This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before." Yas Island is currently home to a number of other attractions including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, once the largest indoor theme park. Inside are six themed zones, with 29 rides and experiences. Warner Bros Complex is the central land that celebrates the "Golden Age of Hollywood" with shops and restaurants. Guests can then choose between their favourite DC superhero, with both a Gotham and Metropolis land that have themed rides. Another land is Bedrock, a Flintstones themed land with a river ride and restaurants, along with Dynamite Gulch, and Cartoon Junction which is home to Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny and Scooby Doo. The last Disney theme park to open was back in 2016 in Shanghai. The very first Disney World opened in 1971, with Disneyland Paris opening in 1992. Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris is currently getting a €2billion transformation in 2025, including a glamorous new entrance called World Premiere. The park is also getting new Frozen, Tangled and Lion King rides - here's what you need to know. 1 .
The Independent
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Disney set to close Tom Sawyer Island and the famed Riverboat to make way for new attractions
Disney World will close Tom Sawyer Island and its famed Liberty Square Riverboat to make way for new attractions. Millions of guests visit the Orlando resort a year, with the Magic Kingdom the most popular of its four parks. Located in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, Tom Sawyer Island allows guests to experience a 'secret rustic hideaway inspired by the stories of Mark Twain,' according to the resort's website. Tom Sawyer Island has been a staple at Disney World, first opening in 1973, according to D23, the official Disney fan club. To reach the attraction, visitors glide through the Rivers of America on a log raft. But from July 7, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will permanently close, for Disney to build Piston Peak National Park, which it called 'the largest expansion in history at Magic Kingdom.' To make way for the Cars -themed expansion, Disney will also be getting rid of the Liberty Square Riverboat. The Riverboat has allowed guests to cruise down the Rivers of America in an 'authentic steam-powered paddle wheeler,' according to the resort's website. Park-goers for decades have hopped on the Riverboat at Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom to enjoy a half-mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island. Sights included 'the early days of the American frontier,' including Harper's Mill, Fort Langhorn and Wilson's Cave Inn. Disney's 'imagineers' will build Piston Peak National Park, an expansion inspired by the Rocky Mountains and the 'history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks,' the company announced in a blog post on Tuesday. 'Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers,' Disney said. The park will be set within the universe of Disney and Pixar's Cars trilogy and incorporate so-called 'Parkitecture,' which Disney said was 'developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.' Guests will be able to explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and other attractions once construction is complete. Disney has not yet announced a date for when it expects to reveal the new attractions.
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Disney World fans threaten to boycott amid closing of beloved ride
Disney World fans are threatening to boycott the theme park after it unveiled the first major details on its upcoming Cars land... and finally confirmed the closing date of a beloved ride. The Happiest Place on Earth announced last year that it would be getting rid of Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland to make way for a new Lightning McQueen-themed area. Now, the theme park has revealed when it will officially be shut down - and the news has left hoards of Disney fans across the globe outraged. Tom Sawyer Island, as well as the Liberty Square Riverboat ride, will have its final day of operation on July 6, 2025. That means guests only have a little more than a month left to enjoy the serene island inspired by the stories of Mark Twain. Immediately, Disney park-goers took to X, formerly Twitter , to share their heartbreak over the announcement, and some even admitted that they no longer wanted to visit the park. 'Never going back,' someone else wrote. 'I have a lot of happy memories there, and I'll keep them.' 'Huge mistake. Huge,' a fourth tweet read, while a fifth said, 'Largest downgrade.' 'Sorry but I'm not going to Disney World anymore. I'm staying at my home park, which is Disneyland in Anaheim, California ,' a different user shared. 'I am heartbroken at the loss of Tom Sawyer island this is the WORST decision ever,' someone else penned. 'This is a travesty! Build new somewhere else. We want nostalgia,' urged another person. Disney shared new details about the upcoming changes coming to Magic Kingdom in a press release on Tuesday. The new Cars land will contain two dazzling attractions. One will 'be geared towards smaller guests and will be fun for the whole family,' while the second will 'invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains.' The company explained that the new area will be called Piston Peak National Park and described it as an 'awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers.' '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. 'Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.' Disney also promised that 'imagineers are hard at work' bringing the 'first-ever land inspired by the Disney villains' to life, which will be located behind the Big Thunder Mountain ride in Magic Kingdom. That land will feature two more new rides, dining, and shopping 'all on an incredibly twisted grand scale.' Tons of other new stuff are in the works at Disney World, including an Encanto river ride, an Indiana Jones attraction, and a Zootopia show at Animal Kingdom.
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Disney World fans threaten to BOYCOTT as theme park reveals closing date of beloved ride: 'Canceling my trip'
Disney World fans are threatening to boycott the theme park after it unveiled the first major details on its upcoming Cars land... and finally confirmed the closing date of a beloved ride. The Happiest Place on Earth announced last year that it would be getting rid of Tom Sawyer Island in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland to make way for a new Lightning McQueen-themed area. Now, the theme park has revealed when it will officially be shut down - and the news has left hoards of Disney fans across the globe outraged. Tom Sawyer Island, as well as the Liberty Square Riverboat ride, will have its final day of operation on July 6, 2025. That means guests only have a little more than a month left to enjoy the serene island inspired by the stories of Mark Twain. Immediately, Disney park-goers took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their heartbreak over the announcement, and some even admitted that they no longer wanted to visit the park. 'Canceling my trip in October and sadly, will never visit that park again,' one user announced. 'This is an abomination and a real disservice to all those who booked summer trips hoping to enjoy all this one more time,' added another. 'Talk about timing. Thankful we enjoyed it recently.' 'Never going back,' someone else wrote. 'I have a lot of happy memories there, and I'll keep them.' 'Huge mistake. Huge,' a fourth tweet read, while a fifth said, 'Largest downgrade.' 'Sorry but I'm not going to Disney World anymore. I'm staying at my home park, which is Disneyland in Anaheim, California,' a different user shared. 'I am heartbroken at the loss of Tom Sawyer island this is the WORST decision ever,' someone else penned. 'This is a travesty! Build new somewhere else. We want nostalgia,' urged another person. Disney shared new details about the upcoming changes coming to Magic Kingdom in a press release on Tuesday. The new Cars land will contain two dazzling attractions. One will 'be geared towards smaller guests and will be fun for the whole family,' while the second will 'invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains.' The company explained that the new area will be called Piston Peak National Park and described it as an 'awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers.' The Cars land will contain two attractions. One will be 'fun for the whole family,' while the other will 'invite you on a thrilling race through the mountains.' Concept art for the land is seen '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,' it added. '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. 'Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.' Disney also promised that 'imagineers are hard at work' bringing the 'first-ever land inspired by the Disney villains' to life, which will be located behind the Big Thunder Mountain ride in Magic Kingdom. The company explained in a press release on Tuesday that the new area will be called Piston Peak National Park. A concept art for one of the Cars rides is seen Disney also promised that 'Imagineers are hard at work' bringing the 'first-ever land inspired by the Disney villains' to life. Concept art for the villains land is seen Over in Hollywood Studios, a new Monsters Inc. land will replace Muppets Courtyard; The Muppet*Vision 3D ride will close on June 8, 2025 That land will feature two more new rides, dining, and shopping 'all on an incredibly twisted grand scale.' Tons of other new stuff are in the works at Disney World, including an Encanto river ride, an Indiana Jones attraction, and a Zootopia show at Animal Kingdom. But that means guests will have to say goodbye to DinoLand and the Dinosaur ride, which is slated to close in 2026. Over in Hollywood Studios, a new Monsters Inc. land will replace Muppets Courtyard; The Muppet*Vision 3D ride will close on June 8, 2025. The Monsters Inc. area is set to have a suspended rollercoaster that will put riders 'right in the middle of the monster action.'
