It’s been a hard summer for Disney Parks lovers. On June 7, Muppet Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios closed permanently. It originally opened in 1991 at Disney-MGM Studios and won the hearts of millions. Sadly, almost exactly a month later, fans will endure a second closure at Walt Disney World. This time, Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close at Magic Kingdom on July 6. The closure will make way for something new – Piston Peak National Park.
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Disney Announced The Closures Earlier This Summer
Disney shared the news of the closures on the Disney Parks Blog in June. They also shared some exciting info about the new Cars-themed area.
“Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers, and impressive geysers. 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,” the post explains.
“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.”
The news of the anticipated closure saddened many Disney fans. They took to social media to share their grief.
“Made my last visit to Tom Sawyer Island. I’ve been so focused on losing the river that I’ve really not even considered what a loss this will be until now. There’s no other experience like this in WDW. Unfortunate that it will be removed for more of the same,” a fan wrote on X.
“I’m not a huge fan of Disney. But the decision to bulldoze Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island for a new Cars ride is emblematic of what the company has become. Once again you placed profit over beauty. You took something lovely and broke it,” another person shared.
This story’s featured image is by Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images.
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