Liberty Square Riverboat Fate

[Kidatheart2010]

Does anyone know if they will utilize the Liberty Belle as a ferry or for special occasions?

 

[kanerf]

My understanding is that this is a very specialized vehicle that runs on a track so that it could not be used as regular boat.

 

[OKW Lover]

My understanding is that this is a very specialized vehicle that runs on a track so that it could not be used as regular boat.

That's correct. It would have to be towed to whatever spot they might want to use it at. Perhaps it will become a static display somewhere in Frontier Land?

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

Unless TWDC and WDI believes the Liberty Belle could be integrated into Fantasmic at HS, the options are to dismantle it or sell it for some other person to display it. In my opinion, the latter options are the most likely options given the current leadership at WDI and TWDC.

There is no reason for WDW to keep the Liberty Belle any longer in MK as it is currently constructed. The attraction was part of Liberty Square and the reality is that there whole new story with Frontierland. The changes to Frontierland (and Liberty Square) in storytelling is so drastic there is no reasonable way to integrate Liberty Belle from a story telling aspect. In fact, it would be a detriment to keep it in or around Frontierland.

What would I do? Well, if I were in charge (and Lord knows there is no way anyone at TWDC or WDI gives two hoots about my opinion -- so I can be frank) the best option is to keep the Liberty Belle, and add it to proposed Villains land by creating the Devil's Bayou and tie it to some attraction involving Madame Medusa. Maybe that attraction can be adjacent or thematically tied to the rear of TBA, as part of the proposed Villains land and give a more natural segway between Frontierland and the Villains land?

You would have your IP tie-in that the suits want so desperately bad. Florida is accustomed to swamp land so it fits the environment. Madame Medusa is a great villain. The Liberty Belle gets to stick, it can be part of a new, neat attraction (i.e. a boat ride through the swamp or whatever). It's a win all around. Does WDW decide to add Madame Medusa and create a Devil's Bayou? No. In fact, I wouldn't think this idea would make it to a pitch meeting. It wouldn't shock me if you asked Bob Iger and Josh D'Amaro about Madame Medusa, they would have to Google her to figure out who you are taking about.

 

[Jonnnyap]

Love your reference to Madame Medusa. She was an "old school" Disney villain that was dark. That diamond/flooding scene still haunts me!

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

Love your reference to Madame Medusa. She was an "old school" Disney villain that was dark. That diamond/flooding scene still haunts me!

Yep. 100% agree. I would love to see the Villains land incorporate more evil, menacing threats, like Shere Khan, Madam Mim, Charles Muntz, Frollo, etc., but I'm guessing that the current leadership will play it safe with Cruella, Captain Hook, Maleficent, etc.

I'd rather see big, bold swings rather than an ordinary land that sticks to the "hits."

 

[BrianL]

Yep. 100% agree. I would love to see the Villains land incorporate more evil, menacing threats, like Shere Khan, Madam Mim, Charles Muntz, Frollo, etc., but I'm guessing that the current leadership will play it safe with Cruella, Captain Hook, Maleficent, etc.

I'd rather see big, bold swings rather than an ordinary land that sticks to the "hits."

To be fair, Cruella is the most evil of all evil villains. I mean, killing puppies? That's a special kind of demented.

 

[HopperFan]

To be fair, Cruella is the most evil of all evil villains. I mean, killing puppies? That's a special kind of demented.

Frollo killed a human.

 

[muppets3d]

I am sure the boat will be splintered.

 

[BrianL]

Frollo killed a human.

Yeah, but these dogs can talk.

 

[Moliphino]

Frollo killed a human.

Also set a house on fire with a family locked inside, nearly dropped a baby down a well, etc.

 

[jade1]

I am sure the boat will be splintered.

Yea it's fun to get ideas but probably correct. Mine are somewhere in D Springs or some kind of bayou thing at Port Orleans. Kindling is most likely though.

 

[Lewisc]

I am sure the boat will be splintered.

Sell some of the pieces to Disney Fans. Weren't some fans buying Splash Mountain H20?

 

[muppets3d]

Sell some of the pieces to Disney Fans. Weren't some fans buying Splash Mountain H20?

Disney didn't sell it, but some people collected it and sold it (or maybe they just filled jars out of their bath tub, who knows). But if you talk too much about Splash Mountain here, all the Tiana's white knights will come out of the woodwork to tell you how much fun Tiana's is without even asking.

 

[Lewisc]

Disney didn't sell it, but some people collected it and sold it

Disney missed an opportunity. Will Disney make the same mistake twice.

 

[muppets3d]

Disney missed an opportunity. Will Disney make the same mistake twice.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the re-theme of the ride they didn't sell any farewell merch for Splash Mountain at all.

They haven't sold farewell merch for any of the recently closed attractions, come to think. And none of the others closed in controversy so I guess this is just the new normal. Not like Disney to ignore opportunities to merchandise something, though.

 

[Lewisc]

Due to the circumstances surrounding the re-theme of the ride they didn't sell any farewell merch for Splash Mountain at all.

They haven't sold farewell merch for any of the recently closed attractions, come to think. And none of the others closed in controversy so I guess this is just the new normal. Not like Disney to ignore opportunities to merchandise something, though.

My comment about selling pieces of the boat was made, sort of as a joke.

Baseball teams have sold things like seats, bases etc from stadiums being closed

 

[Minnie1222]

Disney could easily make a Liberty Belle toy, ornament, pin, etc. if they want.

Speaking of Splash Mountain, Critter Co-Op was selling a log toy with the Brer animals when I was there in May.

 

[fla4fun]

Would the Liberty Belle work at DL? Could she be a backup boat there? Or was there a big size difference between the boats at the two parks?

 

[muppets3d]

Would the Liberty Belle work at DL? Could she be a backup boat there? Or was there a big size difference between the boats at the two parks?

Disneyland hasn't had a backup boat for 70 years, why do they need one now?