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Niles: Lessons Endure After Disney Closes a Favorite Ride

MAGIC KINGDOM, WALT DISNEY WORLD, ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA, JUL 6 – The new Piston Peak National Park will replace classic attractions, marking Magic Kingdom's largest expansion and introducing themed experiences from Disney and Pixar's 'Cars' universe.

  • On July 7, Disney will close Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom to make way for Piston Peak National Park.
  • Prompted by Disney’s largest-ever expansion announced last month, the park is closing Rivers of America and related attractions to make way for Piston Peak National Park.
  • Since 1971, Rivers of America has anchored Frontierland and Liberty Square, with the Liberty Belle steamboat and Tom Sawyer Island added in 1973 to offer narrated frontier-life rides.
  • In the wake of the closures, fans launched petitions with thousands of signatures and campaigns to express frustration to Disney.
  • Beyond the closures, Disney’s shift toward themed IP lands highlights a broader trend prioritizing merchandise and franchise integration over traditional park charm, raising questions about future guest experiences.
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Theme Park Insider broke the news in on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
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