Disney’s Own Tweet Backfires on Tom Sawyer Island Closure

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In a tweet posted in 2019, Disney openly admitted that the upcoming closure of Tom Sawyer Island would sever its strong link with Walt Disney. Fans are making sure Disney keeps this in mind.

After Disney recently announced the permanent closure of the Rivers of America, which includes Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Belle Riverboat, at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World on July 6, 2025, longtime Disney fans are echoing the company’s own phrases back to it.

The focus of the criticism revolves around a popular tweet shared by Disney Parks’ official Twitter account (@DisneyParks), which was published on April 12, 2019.

The Disney Parks globally continue to showcase numerous touches from Walt Disney himself, with Tom Sawyer Island standing out as one of the most intimate reflections,” the company stated, but this sentiment is now being used against them.

The tweet featured an ornamental depiction of Tom Sawyer Island, showing its themed sections and fairy-tale-like design. This post has reappeared as a troubling indication that the company, who previously admitted the attraction’s strong association with Walt Disney, is now dismantling it.

Fan Backlash Mounts

Disappointed supporters have been sharing the 2019 post following the announcement of the closure, viewing this action as contributing to a larger elimination of Disney’s authentic identity, as initially established by its cherished creator.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s being said:

Of course pre-2020.

Something went down inside Disney in 2020.

— Ivan (@Valiantes_) June 4, 2025

According to Valientes_ on topic X, there was a significant change observed in the Disney company starting from 2020. “Clearly, something notable happened within Disney in the year 2020.

According to Disney themselves, they intend to alter a significant and deeply personal aspect of Walt Disney, which is found at WALT DISNEY World. This action seems to indicate that Iger and his team either hold disdain towards or show indifference to both Walt Disney and the dream he had for his theme parks.

— Tommy Macklin (@tcmack568) June 4, 2025

@tcmack568 delivered a persuasive critique of what they perceive as Disney’s inconsistency. “According to Disney themselves, they intend to demolish a project they refer to as one of the most significant symbols associated with Walt Disney himself. Remarkably, this destruction is set to occur at WALT DISNEY World. It’s evident that Iger & Co. either harbor disdain for or simply don’t value Walt Disney and his aspirations for his theme parks.

I couldn’t agree more.

— Theme Park Casual (@ThemeParkCasual) June 4, 2025

@ThemeParkCasual simply stated, “I couldn’t agree more.”

As a movie enthusiast, I find it hard to believe the direction your company, Disney, seems to be heading in. The magic and charm that once defined you are nowhere to be found in this recent decision. It’s like watching a beloved classic film being rewritten without understanding its essence. #BringBackSplashMountain @Disneyland @WaltDisneyCo @WaltDisneyWorld @DisneyParks @elonmusk

I can’t help but wonder, what happened to the company that brought us timeless stories and memorable experiences? I eagerly await a return to those golden days.

— Michael (@MTARDI32) June 4, 2025

@MTARDI32 addressed Disney and Robert Iger directly: ‘The statement I’m reading seems to be far from the image of your company today. I wonder, what has become of this once proud organization?’

This didn’t age well
HT @RetroSixFlags

— Aahs n Oohs (@Aahs_n_Oohs) June 4, 2025

@Aahs_n_Oohs simply pointed out the obvious. “This didn’t age well.”

What’s Closing and What’s Coming

Starting from July 6, 2025, the iconic River of America, which has been a mainstay at Magic Kingdom since its debut in 1971, will cease its operations.

This includes:

  • The Liberty Square Riverboat (Liberty Belle)
  • Tom Sawyer Island, with its caves, barrel bridges, fort, and self-guided exploration trails
  • The Mike Fink Keelboats dock, a remnant used in recent years as extended queue for The Haunted Mansion

As per Imagineering’s plans, the construction barriers won’t spring up right away; instead, they’ll become visible a few weeks after the closing. The necessary demolition permits were secured and granted back in early 2025.

Instead of recreating Radiator Springs or Route 66, Disney is building an expansion of Frontierland themed around the Cars franchise. This new area will be set within Piston Peak National Park, a fictional landscape modeled after the Rocky Mountains and first introduced in the movie “Planes: Fire & Rescue”.

The growth phase is likely to unveil novel attractions based on specific themes, which may include a fun-filled ride suitable for families, as well as narrative storytelling seamlessly incorporated into the natural landscape setting.

A Pattern of Replacing the Past

Although Disney hasn’t addressed the irony implied in its 2019 tweet, it has sparked ongoing criticism that the company is persistently swapping out attractions from the Walt era with fresh, intellectual property-centric content. To numerous enthusiasts, Tom Sawyer Island wasn’t merely theme park property—it was a vibrant element of Walt’s creative heritage.

Closing the region right after the Fourth of July holiday has further fueled criticism, as some people interpret the move as a sign that the company is distancing itself from traditional American values to embrace more progressive corporate partnerships instead.

It’s yet unclear if fans will find satisfaction in whatever takes the place of the Rivers of America, but Disney’s statements from 2019 might now serve as the strongest counterargument to their recent decision.

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2025-06-04 18:56