The Liberty Belle Sets Sail as the Rivers of America Prepares a Return to Magic Kingdom Park
- Feb 5, 2021
- 3 min read
For nearly 50 years, Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park have embarked on a relaxing half-mile journey around the picturesque waters of the Rivers of America, sailing aboard an iconic grand streamer riverboat with stunning views of both Frontierland and Liberty Square. But after many years of helping Guests make memories, the Liberty Belle riverboat recently took her own very unique journey, sailing through open water.
Last October, Cast Members drained the waters of the Rivers of America, sending the Liberty Belle to dry dock behind Magic Kingdom Park in order to replace her underwater track. In preparing for her return, teams worked together overnight to sail her through Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, around Disney’s Contemporary Resort and crossing in front of Magic Kingdom Park.
They then towed her by hand through a narrow water channel before underwater divers reconnected her to the newly refurbished track and brought her home. Once docked back in Liberty Square, Cast Members put on the finishing touches before opening to guests this morning.
In the Liberty Belle’s absence, more than 100 cast members contributed their specialized crafts and skill during the four-month scheduled refurbishment. Anchored by the planned track replacement for the vessel, Cast Members took advantage of the Rivers of America being drained to also make some enhancements including updated rockwork, landscaping and adding fresh paint to the surrounding areas.
A project of this scale truly took a Kingdom to ensure its success, and today Guests and Cast Members can once again sail the waters of the Rivers of America aboard this historic 47-foot authentic steam-powered paddle wheeler.
Are you ready to experience THE MAGIC of Walt Disney World?
We understand and respect that traveling is not for everyone at this time. But for those who are comfortable traveling this year, there truly has never been a better time to visit Walt Disney World! With the parks and resorts operating at reduced capacity, enhanced sanitization and cleaning practices in place, reduced wait times, character cavalcades and pop-up character experiences, you can have a more laid-back, spontaneous type of trip right now. The magic is still there, even if it looks a bit different right now (and honestly, we think the magic is even BETTER than before!).
One question we are consistently asked is "when will the parks go back to normal". It is important to remember that Disney is doing all they can to protect their guests and Cast Members and that level of safety will not be waivered from. Having seen the protocols first hand, several times, we can confidently say Disney is doing a fabulous job at this time and we have felt completely safe on all of our visits.
If you are looking to travel in 2021, please reach out to Tina and Scott at Wishing on a Star Travel to help navigate this new landscape of travel requirements. Our team of agents at Wishing On A Star Travel have been in the parks over 75 times since July and we KNOW Disney and we KNOW the new requirements. We will help you navigate the new safety protocols, Park Pass Reservation System and more!
If 2021 is not your year, but you would like to plan for 2022, reach out to get on our waiting list and you will be the first to be contacted when 2022 packages are released.
Remember, when we go back to "normal", that is when the crowds return. If you want a less crowded experience with more flexibility than ever before, reach out to us to start planning your adventure!
Dream along with us and you could have days filled with surprises and unforgettable joy. The instant you start planning a Walt Disney World vacation, the magic of tomorrow can begin.
As agents with Wishing On A Star Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency and having over 1,000 trips to Disney between all of our agents, there is no one better to help plan your next trip to Walt Disney World!
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