Recent changes to Magic Kingdom Park have signaled a shift away from one of its more patriotic-themed areas—Liberty Square. This area, which has embraced colonial American themes since Walt Disney World Resort’s 1971 opening, is now undergoing significant updates that could reshape its future in the original Central Florida Disney park.
Liberty Square is one of the six themed lands at Magic Kingdom Park, alongside Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Main Street, U.S.A. However, the future of Liberty Square has been called into question as both it and Frontierland prepare for major transformations.
According to Disney’s plans, the Rivers of America will be filled in, and Tom Sawyer Island will be removed to make room for two new Cars (2006) attractions. While these new rides will technically be located in Frontierland, the impact on Liberty Square is clear, with the loss of the Liberty Square Riverboat attraction and the scenic riverfront area.
Along with these changes affecting Liberty Square, other areas of Frontierland are also being updated. The area has already seen multiple updates, including the original Shootin’ Arcade closing to make room for a new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) lounge. Last year, Splash Mountain reopened as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Country Bear Musical Jamboree premiered a massive refresh.
In preparation for the creation of a new Disney Villains land, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also undergoing a year-long refurbishment. Magic Kingdom Park is on the cusp of a massive transformation, with a brand-new land expanding the park’s footprint.
However, not all construction projects at Magic Kingdom Park are as large in scale as creating entirely new lands. Currently, Walt Disney World Resort is quietly refurbishing some of the historic brickwork near the bridge leading from Cinderella Castle to Liberty Square.
According to a recent report from WDWNT, the refurbishment involves patching and replacing bricks. Newly installed bricks surrounded by fresh white mortar stand out next to the surrounding old, worn bricks. This subtle yet visible update marks the beginning of the area’s historical landscape changes.
Crews have been working overnight to complete the brickwork to minimize disruption to guest traffic. The work is timed to avoid interference with the daily cavalcades and Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade, which pass over the bridge. It remains unclear whether the refurbishments will continue further, but the contrast between the old and new bricks is evident, and it’s likely that this marks just the beginning of a larger shift in the area.
As Walt Disney World Resort continues to update its iconic Magic Kingdom, Liberty Square’s future will look very different from its past. Stay tuned to Disney Dining for updates on construction at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Which of Magic Kingdom Park’s six themed lands is your favorite: Liberty Square, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, or Main Street, U.S.A.? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
