Theme parks aren’t exactly known for their mysticism, peace or spirituality. We want to go fast on roller coasters and we want to eat food that tastes amazing but we know isn’t good for us. That’s been true since Disneyland opened in 1955 and will stay true for however long theme parks exist. But once in a while, a place transcends in the middle of theme park chaos. For me, that’s Rivers of America.

Today is the final day of operation for Magic Kingdom’s river as we know it. The icon will continue to live on at Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland, with nods to it in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong. Magic Kingdom’s version will be replaced by an area themed to the Cars franchise, that will include some water features. Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America has existed since the park opened in 1971. The water, and Liberty Square Riverboat on top of it, circling Tom Sawyer Island has always been one of the most picturesque areas in Walt Disney World.

As we know, theme parks change and evolve. That’s a good thing! Exciting updates keep guests coming back to the park and pre-existing attractions can become stale. I have nothing against a Cars area and think that, once completed, the new rides will be pretty fun! Heck, it’ll probably look good too. But I can’t get my head wrapped around Magic Kingdom without Rivers of America.

Part of my disappointment in the river going away is this being a small representation of a bigger worry. I’m as guilty as anyone of being too into screens. Heck, my job is writing words onto a screen! If I’m not doing that, then I’m on my phone or watching a movie. There’s nothing inherently wrong with any of that but, like most people, I worry about what it’s doing to our attention spans.

That’s a bit of a jump but please stay with me. Theme parks offer the fastest bit of entertainment possible, outside of some TikTok videos (I believe the youths just call them TikToks?). A typical theme park ride lasts less than 5 minutes. In a way, this storytelling medium is perfect for our currently decreasing attention spans.

But, just like everywhere else in our lives, it’s coming at a cost. We’re losing slower paced, atmospheric attractions in the name of fast and exciting rides. We need both, not just for a park’s capacity but for stimulation during the course of a day. I think the days of seeing something as broad (in theme) and beautiful as Rivers of America being built in a theme park are over. It’s far more likely to see them close.

If you couldn’t tell by the tone of this post, I don’t think that’s the right move. I think of all of the people I’ve talked to Tokyo DisneySea about. Most people agree that it’s the best Disney theme park in the world. But when discussing it, the attractions aren’t usually the first thing people mention. They talk about how beautifully designed it is, with gorgeous water and scenes throughout. Of course, you can have both fast rides and gorgeous environments but it takes something special to build in thoughtfulness.

The other part of my disappointment in closing Rivers of America is just pure sadness for losing one of my spots. I find the area breathtaking and calming, a combo that isn’t found anywhere else in Magic Kingdom. The kinetic energy and transition between lands is eased by the river but, more than that, there’s a certain feeling that comes with the water.

When I was in a high school, one of my favorite songwriters, Josh Ritter, played a concert that NPR recorded and then released. In it, Ritter played a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s The River. I’d never heard the song before but instantly fell in love with the cover and, later, the original.

I listened to it so much that I still remember what Ritter talked about before playing the song. While growing up, he had a paper route that he’d do before the sun would rise. He talked of the houses and animals he’d see each day. In those early mornings he had this tape that he’d listen to. Before launching into The River’s chords, Ritter said that tape made him feel like someone was out there; that he wasn’t alone.

There’s the obvious connection in the title of the song here and the Rivers of America. But something else about how the songwriter spoke of his time delivering papers reminds me of the feeling I get while cruising on the riverboat, exploring Tom Sawyer Island or, more frequently, taking pictures late on the boardwalk as the park was closing. I slow down, relax, and can feel the lights twinkle next to the docked riverboat in the still night.

Everyone else has gone off to Main Street and the quiet water is left behind, surrounding an area meant to be explored. I’d set up my tripod and think of all of the footsteps walked on that boardwalk over 50 years. It’s the sort of contentment and peace I get from exploring Kyoto’s temples or walking through a great cathedral in Paris. When things slow down and are quiet like that, it’s easier to find your place. That could be in the middle of a city, nature or a theme park. Something about that Rivers of America scene makes me feel like there’s something else out there. While Magic Kingdom evolves, that feeling will be missed.

“That sends me down to the river
Though I know the river is dry
That sends me down to the river tonight”

What will you miss about Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America? Let us know, along with any thoughts you might have, in the comments below! If you are planning a trip to Disney World, then check out our planning guide. Looking for discount Walt Disney World tickets? Check out this site! If you enjoy what you are reading here on Wandering in Disney please share this post with your friends, as well as like our social media pages. You can also subscribe to the blog via WordPress or email. You can do all of that on the right side of this page. Thank you for reading, we really appreciate it!