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    Home News Massively popular theme park closes iconic attractions, and fans aren’t happy
    Massively popular theme park closes iconic attractions, and fans aren’t happy
    The steam-powered riverboat Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America passing Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World in 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/TNS
    Nation & World
    June 11, 2025

    Massively popular theme park closes iconic attractions, and fans aren’t happy

    (TNS) — A massively popular theme park has announced the closure of some of its most iconic attractions.

    Yes — Disney World is shuttering said attractions for good. And many a fan is not jazzed over the news.

    According to Disney Parks Blogs, Disney World will be shutting down Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat for good as of July 7.

    This, the blog explains, is to make way for something entirely new: Piston Peak National Park, which is inspired by the popular Pixar film, “Cars.”

    “Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers,” the blog reads. “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 creature structures that harmonize with the natural environment.”

    “This is really sad,” wrote one X user in response to the news. “I know that parks are always changing, but it’s depressing that they’re removing such a central feature to the spirit of the parks.”

    “Such a disgusting betrayal of Walt’s legacy and the history and literature of Americana,” writes another. “The House of [Bob] Iger has NO shame.”

    “What a disaster,” simply states someone else.

    “I think I’m going to wait to have an opinion until I see what actually gets built,” reads a rather measured take on Reddit.

    Disney Parks Blog adds that Imagineers are also working on reopening Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as well as a new area that will, for the first time, be inspired by Disney villains.

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