Liberty Square (Magic Kingdom) facts for kids
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| Coordinates | 28°25′10″N 81°34′57″W / 28.4194°N 81.5825°W |
|---|---|
| Theme | Colonial America |
| Magic Kingdom | |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | October 1, 1971 |
Liberty Square is a special area inside the Magic Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It's one of six "themed lands" in the park. This area is designed to look like colonial America, especially around the time of the American Revolutionary War.
In Liberty Square, you can find cool replicas of the famous Liberty Bell and the Liberty Tree. It's also home to some of the Magic Kingdom's most popular attractions. These include the spooky Haunted Mansion and the Hall of Presidents, which is a show about American history. The Hall of Presidents features amazing audio-animatronic figures of every U.S. President.
Liberty Square also has a long waterfront along the Rivers of America. From here, you can hop on the Liberty Belle, a real steam paddleboat, for a relaxing ride.
Contents
History of Liberty Square
The idea for Liberty Square first came up for Disneyland in California. It was going to be called Liberty Street and would be an extra part of Main Street U.S.A.. However, this idea was put on hold.
Later, when the Magic Kingdom was being planned in the late 1960s, the idea came back. Disney wanted an area similar to Disneyland's New Orleans Square but with its own unique feel. They decided on an early American theme from the 1700s. This was a great choice because the Bicentennial (200th birthday of the U.S.) was coming up in 1976.
Liberty Square officially opened with the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. It was one of the park's first six themed lands. You can find it in the northwest part of the park, next to Fantasyland and Frontierland. It also has bridges that connect to the park's main hub and Adventureland. The Rivers of America forms its western edge, where the Liberty Belle travels. Liberty Square is actually the smallest themed land in the Magic Kingdom.
Many of the attractions in Liberty Square are still the same as when the park first opened. No big new additions have been made over the years. The area is very detailed and looks just like the time period it represents. You can see this in the buildings, and even in the small antiques and items placed around the attractions and restaurants.
For a few years, a live show called The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History took place outside the Hall of Presidents. The Muppets would share their funny versions of American history. This show ran from 2016 to 2019.
Liberty Square Design and Features
Liberty Square is designed to show how architecture changed over time and across the United States. For example, the Haunted Mansion looks like a house from the 1770s or 1780s in upstate New York. As you walk clockwise around the Rivers of America into Frontierland, the buildings change. They start to look like those from the 1880s in southern California.
Here are some cool details you might notice:
- A building that looks like the House of Burgesses has Paul Revere's lanterns in an upstairs window. These lanterns famously signaled "two if by sea" during the American Revolution.
- The Liberty Tree is a real 100-year-old oak tree that was moved to the park. A younger oak was even added to its base.
- The Liberty Bell replica was made in 1989 using the same mold as the original Liberty Bell. It's a very accurate copy!
- You can see buildings that represent each of the original 13 colonies.
- The flags of the original 13 states, along with the American flag, fly in a central plaza.
Attractions and Dining
Liberty Square offers several places to eat and fun attractions to enjoy.
Dining Options
- Liberty Tree Tavern: This is a sit-down restaurant designed to look like a colonial American home.
- Columbia Harbour House: A two-story quick-service restaurant with a nautical (ship-themed) feel.
- Sleepy Hollow Refreshments: Named after the famous story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
- Liberty Square Market: An outdoor market where you can grab snacks, including popular turkey legs.
Main Attractions
- The Hall of Presidents: A show featuring all the U.S. Presidents as audio-animatronic figures.
- Rivers of America: This is the waterway where the Liberty Belle Riverboat travels.
- The Haunted Mansion: A spooky ride through a haunted house.
Other Interesting Spots
- The Enchanted Glade Gazebo: A pretty gazebo often used for meeting Disney characters.
- Heritage House: This building used to be a gift shop. Now it's a Guest Relations desk where you can get help.
- You can see the replicas of the Liberty Tree and Liberty Bell in the middle of Liberty Square.
- The lobby of the Hall of Presidents displays old items that belonged to different presidents and first ladies.
Shopping
- Memento Mori: A shop specializing in items related to the Haunted Mansion.
- Ye Old Christmas Shoppe: A store that sells Disney Christmas decorations all year round. You can even get personalized ornaments here.
- Liberty Square Parasol Cart: Here you can find special and custom-made parasols.
- Liberty Square Caricature & Cameo Cart: Get a fun drawing or a classic cameo portrait made here.
Former Attractions
Some attractions that used to be in Liberty Square include:
- The Admiral Joe Fowler Riverboat and the Mike Fink Keel Boats, which also sailed on the Rivers of America.
- The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History: A live show that featured the Muppets sharing American history.
