Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Belle close permanently for Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom

I know changes aren't permanent. But change is.

The fandom seems pissed... about a ride they never did and an island they haven't been on in a decade (approximately the last time I did both).

Vater:

I know changes aren't permanent. But change is

Tomorrows Tom Sawyer mcQueen Queen ride.

(Yes, I know it's terrible, but best I could do this late at night.)

I was just at Disneyland last week. I liked that you could walk all the way around the lake and island unlike at MK. I see they have removed the island and lake from the MK map inside the app.

Anyways, people will quickly get over this once they see how cool Carsland is, or whatever it’s called. People are nostalgic, but are always craving the next big thing

The area being removed is a beautiful part of the park, and it will be strange when it's not there. That said, I never once stepped foot on that boat or the island. This new Piston Peak area looks amazing and once many guests lay eyes on it, the old attractions will be out of sight, out of mind.

I'm all for nostalgia and still miss plenty of rides and attractions that are gone. I still listen to the old TTA audio in my earbuds whenever I ride the Peoplemover. Heck, a day doesn't go by that I don't still think about and miss Geauga Lake.

That said, we visited WDW every year when I was growing up, I worked there for six years and still live in Orlando. I think I visited Tom Sawyer Island three times. And maybe road the riverboat 5 times? And one of those times on each was a few months ago when I made the point to do it for the last time.

They were park staples for sure and I have no doubt they were somebody's favorite. But they don't define the park the way plenty of other attractions do.

I hear you Brett, though I did ride the Riverboat more often than not because I just appreciated the nostalgia and the quiet retreat from the overcrowded midways. I think Cars Land is a gem of DCA and I know it will be well-received.

My thinking is that the lake, island and the riverboat is instrumental in the place setting element of Frontierland and Liberty Square and reinforces the atmosphere even if you aren't riding or visiting those specific attractions. Maybe the new improvements will invoke similar dynamics and, if so, great.

I'm a little disappointed about the disrupted operations to the Railroad after it was just reopened with the completion of Tron, but what can you do?

I tended to ride Liberty Belle about once per trip, maybe a little less. It was a good "anytime" attraction that was enjoyable and relaxing, though definitely showing its (cultural) age.

As for the island: We visited a few times (probably at least once on each coast) when the kids were younger, mostly so that the more active one could have some unstructured play time without the usual theme park constraints. It's unfortunate to lose that bit, but it's a large chunk of under-performing real estate in the world's most popular theme park, so....

It's gotta go!

Vater:

I know changes aren't permanent. But change is.

Ka-chow!

I always made it a point to visit the island the few times I've been to the park. It was neat exploring the caves and buildings. I never rode the boat though.

I totally understand why they would take it out. The theme and story is very outdated. But there was a lot of nostalgia there. It's hard to imagine that part of the park without the river. It gave the area kinetic energy and "charm".

My favorite Disney park Vloggers, Mark Brickey, posted a great video about the last day of operations for the attractions. He captures the fandom, and the "vibes" of the moment. So good...

Anyone ever do the canoes 🛶? I never did myself. I asked my daughter at Disneyland last week if she wanted to try it and her reply was “too much work”. 😂

I have not, but I've wanted to.

I paddled the canoes at Disneyland when I was a little kid in the early 70s. I remember riding them and the submarine but I didn't really have a good handle where (neither had clear Disney theming/elements). Wasn't until 40 years later when I took my kids there that I put it all together.

I went through Tom Sawyer just once. I was a young adult, and for some reason I recall we ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They were cheap. I wish I could remember the walk-thru aspect of the island and the various scenery. I seem to think it was a bit of a time suck or something. Do kids these days even know who Tom Sawyer is?
The Liberty Belle was certainly iconic and so picturesque. Disneyland and Magic Kingdom were originally places where one could go to actually experience various modes of antiquated transportation first hand. Walt was a fan of stuff like that, hence it had a museum-like ring to it and it was perfect for families. However, I think current entertainment technology renders that type of ride obsolete and slow-ass experiences like these are at the bottom of the totem pole. I’m a sucker for nostalgia and see the value in preservation, but the 4 or 5 times I went on the Rivers of America was about 3 or 4 too many. The boat itself is cool and hopefully it will be repurposed somewhere.
I experienced Cars Land at DLR and was enchanted by it. I spent the good part of a day there and the creativity was top-notch. I struggle with the thought that MK’s version will not be a re-creation of the original and there will be a new central character. We already know that Disney can to do the national/state park vibe really well, but at first glance the attractions don’t seem to measure up. Don’t all/most of DL’s attractions already exist in some form, somewhere within WDW? So…
With the amount of repurposed land set aside, it at least has a good chance of being gorgeous to look at, so that may be a saving grace.

I'm glad you brought up the attractions being recreations of ride systems found elsewhere on property. That was a concern I had as well, though I suspect the popularity of Cars will offset that. And, let's be honest, there are lots of versions of roller coasters all over the place and we don't get too worked up about that. At least the MK Cars ride is going to be an immersive experience.

Curious as to whether they would remove the boat(s) at Disneyland, or perhaps that is sacred because it's an opening day attraction with Walt's fingerprints on it ?

Can you imagine if they ever retire the Carousel of Progress?

My daughter would lose her mind. But, I won't be surprised if it goes one day. Doubt it is feasible, but it would be neat if they could move that to the Walt Disney Family Museum out in San Francisco. (Which I highly recommend to anyone who finds themself out there).

Jeff:

Can you imagine if they ever retire the Carousel of Progress?

I love that ride! Nooooooooo!!!!