Facts And History Of Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square

Disney World’s Magic Kingdom first opened in 1971. Featuring 6 distinct lands, Magic Kingdom continues to thrill guests with its intricate theming and sense of fantasy, exploration, and history. Liberty Square is one of Magic Kingdom’s lands and was imagined by Walt Disney himself. It is an area that was completely original to Disney World and didn’t come from Disneyland. Walt Disney was a patriot and this area of the park celebrates America’s colonial years in an idealized way. Home to popular attractions and relatively unchanged since its opening in 1971, Liberty Square continues to entertain guests to this day. Continue reading to learn more about Liberty Square’s history as we share some fun facts about this area.

History

Knowing that something adjacent to New Orleans Square would be needed in Magic Kingdom, Imagineers began brainstorming about what they could construct to connect Fantasyland and Frontierland. Because of the bicentennial approaching in 1976, the idea of colonial America was on everyone’s minds. It was decided that Liberty Square would be built to celebrate American history and Walt Disney’s patriotism. There are several homages to American history located throughout the square including a replica of the Liberty Bell.  A Liberty Tree which pays homage to the Liberty Tree in Boston is also present on property and was transplanted from another location in Florida before the park opened. The tree is around 135 years old and is still thriving in its “new” home today. Another homage to old America is the pillory located near The Liberty Tree. This pillory is a fun photo opportunity for guests and is also an accurate replica of what might have been used during the colonial era.

The only change that Liberty Square has seen throughout the years was a Muppet show entitled The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History. This show was performed live and involved the Muppets telling historical tales. The show was discontinued in 2019.

Current Attractions

The current attractions within Liberty Square are The Hall of Presidents, The Haunted Mansion, Liberty Belle Riverboat, and Rivers of America which connects into Frontierland. The current restaurants within this area are Liberty Tree Tavern, Columbia Harbour House, and Sleepy Hollow. Merchandise includes Memento Mori- A Haunted Mansion gift shop, Ye Old Christmas Shoppe, and Liberty Square Parasol and Caricatures.

Fun Facts

• The brown rocky path that flows through Liberty Square is meant to represent sewage that was present on the streets before modern plumbing
• There are no bathrooms within Liberty Square to again be representative of the times
• Florida is home to two replicas of the Liberty Bell after requesting a replica in the park
• The Liberty Tree has 13 lanterns  hanging to represent the original 13 colonies.
• The Liberty Tree weighs 35 tons and is 135 years old

Future Plans

Currently, no future plans for Liberty Square have been announced or revealed.

Do you enjoy visiting Liberty Square? What is your favorite land within Magic Kingdom? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.