Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have revealed the final days of operation for a handful of attractions at Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios theme parks. They’ll all be unavailable by the end of summer.
The last day to experience Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat and Rivers of America will be July 7. Those attractions opened in 1973, about 18 months after Magic Kingdom first opened.
The final day to ride Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster at Universal will be Aug. 17. The thrill ride debuted in 2009.
These shutdowns were previously announced, but a precise closing date was not announced until this week.
Two “Cars”-themed rides are going into the Tom Sawyer Island area as part of an expansion of Frontierland. Disney announced some theming based on the (fictional) Piston Peak National Park. “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,” according to a post on the official Disney Parks Blog. Trees will be a natural barrier between the “Cars” attractions and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square, the Disney post said.
The steam-powered riverboat Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America passing Tom Sawyer Island, left, at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 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)
Tom Sawyer Island is reflected in the Rivers of America in this two-minute time exposure photographed at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, June 10, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests are transported on a log raft across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction will become two new rides based on the Cars movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests check out the explorers’ map on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The riverboat Liberty Belle sailing on the Rivers of America passes Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests wait to board at Tom’s Landing on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn along the Rivers of America on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The riverboat Liberty Belle passes guests waiting to be transported across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
A young guest waves from Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The steam-powered riverboat Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America passing Tom Sawyer Island, left, and The Haunted Mansion, background, at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 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)
Guests cross the Barrel Bridge at Smuggler’s Cove at Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests board a log raft to be transported across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
A young guest explores Scavenger’s Fort on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The windmill at Potter’s Mill on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests walk through Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The riverboat Liberty Belle passes by guests waiting to be transported across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
A welcome sign on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The riverboat Liberty Belle passes by Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn, with The Haunted Mansion in the background, on the Rivers of America at Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Harper’s Mill, left, on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The riverboat Liberty Belle passes guests waiting to be transported across the Rivers of America off of Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Pappy’s Fishing Pier on the Rivers of America at Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
A view of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad from Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The horse stable at Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests walk to Tom’s Landing on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Fort Langhorn on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests are transported on a log raft across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn along the Rivers of America on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The Indian Territory along the Rivers of America at Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests wait in line to be transported on a log raft across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests are transported on a log raft across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Guests cross the Barrel Bridge at Smuggler’s Cove at Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that the island and surrounding river —that have operated since 1973 as a Mark Twain-inspired attraction— will become two new rides based on the “Cars” movie franchise as part of a major reimagining of the Frontierland area of the park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The steam-powered riverboat Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America passing Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 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)
The interior cabin of the steam-powered riverboat Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 2024. Disney has announced that Tom Sawyer 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)
The steam-powered riverboat Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America passing Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 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)
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The steam-powered riverboat Liberty Belle on the Rivers of America passing Tom Sawyer Island, left, at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Thursday, August 15, 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)
No timeframe has been announced for the Magic Kingdom expansion, which will also include a villains-themed land.
Tom Sawyer Island has been a low-tech, kids-run-free attraction with old-timey activities to explore such as Superstition Bridge, Fort Langhorn, Tom’s Landing, Poor Ole Jim’s Shack, Harper’s Mill, Old Scratch’s Mystery Mine and Barrel Bridge.
Universal has not revealed what will replace Rip Ride Rockit, which is wedged between soundstages and the theme park’s Music Plaza. The coaster has included onboard audio and the ability to choose between dozens of songs — including a secret-song menu — in several genres. In 2023, the options were reduced to five songs.
The ride also was known for its dramatic 17-story, straight-up lift hill right out of the loading station. An earlier announcement indicated that Rockit would close in September.
