Liberty Square Riverboat is Now Closed for Refurbishment

The Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom is now closed for a brief refurbishment.

Liberty Square Riverboat Closed for Refurbishment

A large, white, multi-deck paddle steamboat named "Liberty Belle" is sailing on a river, surrounded by trees and a mountain in the background. Passengers eagerly await the captain's daily recap of their scenic journey.

As previously announced, the Liberty Square Riverboat will be closed from August 20 through 22. It’s scheduled to reopen on August 23.

WDW MK Frontierland Cars Expansion Concept Art

The Riverboat is expected to close permanently soon to make way for new “Cars” attractions in Frontierland. This refurbishment is likely for general maintenance and the Liberty Square Riverboat will remain operational through the holiday season.

Disney filed permits for the new “Cars” area in mid-August, shortly after the announcement at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Disney confirmed with concept art that the “Cars” rides will replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, with construction beginning in 2025.

The first Liberty Square Riverboat was the Admiral Joe Fowler. It entered service on October 2, 1971, the day after Magic Kingdom opened. The current riverboat, the Liberty Belle, entered service as the Richard F. Irvine on May 20, 1973. This was the same day Tom Sawyer Island opened to the public. The Admiral Joe Fowler was destroyed in a dry dock accident in 1980 but the Richard F. Irvine continued running and was renamed the Liberty Belle in 1996.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

The post Liberty Square Riverboat is Now Closed for Refurbishment appeared first on WDW News Today.

First Look at Disney Imagination Garden Aboard Disney Adventure Cruise Ship

Disney Cruise Line shared a first look at Disney Imagination Garden, the central hub of the upcoming Disney Adventure.

A decorated indoor stage with a castle mural, surrounded by ornate green and gold architecture, trees, and plants, with green carpeting in the foreground and staircases on either side.

An enchanting valley, blooming with beloved stories, will welcome guests onboard the Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line’s new ship sailing out of Singapore in 2025. 

Disney Imagination Garden, one of seven uniquely themed areas coming to the Disney Adventure, will transport guests into the pages of well-loved Disney stories alongside their favorite characters.

The vibrant, open-air space will be the emotional heart and central hub of the Disney Adventure. Planted within the garden, guests will discover a state-of-the art theatrical stage, two tasty quick-service eateries, an alluring bar and a selection of garden-view staterooms.

The Adventure Begins: Exploring Disney Imagination Garden

Recalling the pages of a classic pop-up storybook, Disney Imagination Garden’s playful, paper cut-out styled landscapes will be embellished with decorative foliage of blossoming flowers, shaped topiaries, tall trees and cascading vines. Among the decorative greenery and trellises, guests will be able to spot a mix of popular characters, iconography and fan-favorite Easter eggs from Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories. 

Families staying in designated Garden View staterooms, an all-new room category for Disney Cruise Line, will have access to a verandah providing unmatched views of the ship’s garden.The space will be anchored on one end by the theatrical Garden Stage and a charming courtyard on the other. A large, open “lawn” area will lead to a large staircase, framed by adorned arches and layers of leafy tree branches spotted with hanging lanterns, that will create amphitheater-style seating perfect for enjoying live entertainment on the Garden Stage — including Avengers Assemble!, an action-packed signature stage show starring Marvel Super Heroes and Villains.

A multi-story indoor garden atrium with intricate decor, green turf flooring, and balconies overlooking the central area. Lush plants and detailed architectural elements are visible throughout.

At the top of the grand staircase, guests will discover a quaint courtyard surrounded by lofty trees designed to look like storybook cut-outs featuring a few familiar animal pals. See anyone familiar? 

Orchestrating the courtyard’s symphony of storytelling will be a topiary of Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse with his wand held high as if conjuring this magical garden where beloved characters and stories bloom to life.

An indoor courtyard featuring ornate ironwork, lush greenery, a statue of a cartoon character, and a large mural of a castle, with tables and chairs under decorative parasols in the center.

Fit for Royalty: Disney Cruise Line’s First Castle at Sea

Presiding over Disney Imagination Garden will be a stunning storybook castle showpiece soaring three decks tall.

This beautiful artwork is inspired by castles, both real and imagined, from Disney stories and theme parks across the globe. Look closely to find nods to the Walt Disney Pictures castle, Sleeping Beauty’s castle at Disneyland Paris and Rapunzel’s castle, as well as influences from sketches done by legendary Disney artists such as Herbert Ryman, Frank Armitage and Eyvind Earle. The Disney Imagination Garden castle will sit above a decorative waterfall surrounded by a wave motif to celebrate Disney Cruise Line’s first castle at sea.

An indoor space features a large, ornate castle mural with a decorative archway. Plants and lanterns add to the whimsical ambiance, and there are multiple floors visible along the sides.

At the Family Table: Showcasing Regional Cuisines 

Disney Imagination Garden will be home to two quick-service eateries inspired by the animated worlds of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Jungle Book” and “Moana.” With options for indoor and outdoor seating at both locations, guests who opt to dine on either patio will also have a view of the Garden Stage to enjoy that day’s entertainment.

A restaurant with ornate woodwork, round windows, patterned ceiling, wall art, and rows of neatly arranged tables and chairs. The space is well-lit with hanging lamps.
A dining room with wooden tables and chairs, decorative paddles on the walls, circular windows, and a mural featuring an ocean scene. The ceiling has a detailed pattern, and the floor is herringbone wood.
  • Mowgli’s Eatery – Serving Indian cuisine, including vegetarian and regional dishes with a special Disney twist, this casual eatery will be inspired by Mowgli’s epic journey in “The Jungle Book.”
  • Gramma Tala’s Kitchen  This inviting quick service restaurant will be inspired by the vibrant scenery and island flair of “Moana” with an imaginative menu showcasing the diverse flavors found throughout the Pacific and Asia.

We can’t wait to share more details with you about this incredible new ship as the Disney Adventure gets ready to set sail in 2025! 

If you’re thinking of booking a cruise on one of Disney Cruise Line’s new ships, why not contact our official travel agent, Be Our Guest Vacations, and let them handle the entire booking process for you!

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

The post First Look at Disney Imagination Garden Aboard Disney Adventure Cruise Ship appeared first on WDW News Today.

Deadpool Joining Disney Cruise Line As Part of Avengers Stunt Show on Disney Adventure

Deadpool will make his Disney Cruise Line debut as part of “Avengers Assemble!” on the Disney Adventure.

Deadpool Joining ‘Avengers Assemble!’

A large cruise ship with the name "Disney Adventure" is docked in calm water under a clear blue sky.

The Disney Adventure will bring many firsts to the Disney Cruise Line fleet when it sets sail in 2025 – the first ship to be based in Singapore, the first ship to have its own castle at sea and the first ship to welcome aboard the Merc with a Mouth, Deadpool!

Making his grand Disney Cruise Line debut, Deadpool will be among a legendary line-up of Marvel Super Heroes and Villains who take the stage in Avengers Assemble! This epic entertainment experience will feature jaw-dropping stunts and unbelievable special effects during an action-packed battle of good vs. evil. 

During the show, guests will witness first-hand the unbelievable powers of Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Thor, Black Panther, The Scarlet Witch, Ms. Marvel, Loki, Red Skull, Taskmaster and more. 

Avengers Assemble! is one of the signature shows coming to the Garden Stage onboard the Disney Adventure. Complete with three-deck-high LED screens, special effects and innovative theatrical tools, the cutting-edge Garden Stage will delight guests of all ages throughout each day of their voyage. 

The Garden Stage will be located within Disney Imagination Garden, the emotional heart and central hub of the Disney Adventure that will transport guests into the pages of beloved Disney stories alongside their favorite characters. 

More high-energy shows, character appearances and magical surprises are planned for families sailing on the Disney Adventure in 2025.

If you’re thinking of booking a cruise on one of Disney Cruise Line’s new ships, why not contact our official travel agent, Be Our Guest Vacations, and let them handle the entire booking process for you!

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

The post Deadpool Joining Disney Cruise Line As Part of Avengers Stunt Show on Disney Adventure appeared first on WDW News Today.

Almin Karamehmedovic Named President of ABC News

Debra OConnell announced that Almin Karamehmedovic has been named president of ABC News. What’s Happening: Almin Karamehmedovic has been named president, ABC News; it was announced today by Debra OConnell, president, News Group and Networks, Disney Entertainment, to whom Karamehmedovic will continue to report. In his new role, Karamehmedovic will oversee the day-to-day operations of the […]

The post Almin Karamehmedovic Named President of ABC News appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

10 Disney/Pixar Heroines I’d Like to See in Future Expansions of “Chronicles of Light” by Ravensburger

Ravensburger had one of the most popular booths at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, thanks in no small part to the craze surrounding the trading card game Disney Lorcana and the well-established board game Disney Villainous. But they also brought something new to the event – Chronicles of Light. My colleagues Kyle and Bekah got to […]

The post 10 Disney/Pixar Heroines I’d Like to See in Future Expansions of “Chronicles of Light” by Ravensburger appeared first on LaughingPlace.com.

Disneyland to Update Never Land Tribe Scene on Peter Pan’s Flight & More: Daily Recap (8/19/24)

Sewage in the street left loops unusable at Fort Wilderness Resort, Universal Orlando revealed new SINIST3R and SURR3AL lore for Halloween Horror Nights 33, and Bayou Country replaced Critter Country three months early — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Monday, August 19, 2024.

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

A flooded road section surrounded by orange traffic cones near a small covered shelter, with trees in the background and grass along the sidewalk.
  • A sewage backup in select loops of Fort Wilderness Resort at Walt Disney World has left areas unusable for guests for several days.
  • With only four months to go until the opening of Disney Vacation Club’s new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, we spotted Moana’s outrigger boat in what will be a splash pad inspired by the animated film.

Disney Springs

Left: People entering Raglan Road pub with open double doors. Right: Smiling man wearing a nametag "Josh" in a dark checked blazer, standing outdoors.

New Merchandise

Other Walt Disney World News

A marathon medal with cartoon characters Mickey and Minnie is displayed in front of a colorful building with numbered flags.

Disneyland Resort

In this daily recap, a group of animated Native American figures, including children and adults, are depicted sitting and dancing near teepees in this lively scene.

Disneyland Paris

Mickey and Minnie Mouse are dressed in steampunk-themed outfits, standing on a colorful stage with industrial decor in the background.

Entertainment and Media

Disney+

Universal Studios

Two ethereal figures stand back-to-back, one in red and the other in blue, in front of a dark, mystical structure with glowing accents amidst a swirling, colorful background. This haunting scene brings to life the Icons Lore of Halloween Horror Nights 33 at Universal Orlando.

Figment Vanishing from EPCOT, Major Changes at Pirates of the Caribbean

That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!

The post Disneyland to Update Never Land Tribe Scene on Peter Pan’s Flight & More: Daily Recap (8/19/24) appeared first on WDW News Today.