Originally conceived as an annex to Main Street U.S.A. for Disneyland in Anaheim named Liberty Street, the idea was revisited when the Magic Kingdom was being designed in the late 1960s.[1] The need arose for an area analogous to, but distinct from, New Orleans Square at Disneyland. Walt Disney Imagineering decided on an early American, eighteenth century theme, with special concentration on the American Revolutionary War, as the Bicentennial would occur soon in 1976.
Liberty Square opened as part of the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World's grand opening on October 1, 1971, as one of the original six themed lands. It is located in the northwest corner, bordering Fantasyland and Frontierland. The Square also has bridges to the park's central hub, as well as Adventureland. Forming its western border is the Rivers of America, on which the Liberty Belle travels. It is also the smallest land by guest area in the Magic Kingdom.
As of 2007, it is the only land yet to undergo a major refurbishment. All of the attractions, original from October 1, 1971, still exist in some form or another. No major additions have been made. The theming in the Square is comprehensive and accurate to the time period, from major architectural and engineering homages to the small antiques and artifacts peppered throughout the many attractions and dining locations.
On July 28, 2016, it was announced that a new live show, The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History starring the Muppets, would be coming to the area outside the Hall of Presidents in October 2016.[2][3] The show took place throughout the day, with the Muppets sharing their own take on American history and a new song.[3] The show was discontinued in 2019.[4]
At D23 Expo 2024, plans were unveiled for a Cars sub-area focused around off-road adventures in a new portion of the Cars universe's American wilderness, which is set to replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, along with the Liberty Belle Riverboat, which is nearly the other half of the attractions in Liberty Square and Frontierland.[5][6]
Liberty Square begins an architectural progression through history and geographically across the United States. This progression begins with the Haunted Mansion (1770s or '80s, upstate New York) and travels clockwise around the Rivers of America into Frontierland terminating at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1880s, southern California).
A replica of the House of Burgesses features Paul Revere's lanterns signifying "two if by sea" in an upstairs window.
The Liberty Tree is an actual 100-year-old oak found on the property and transplanted, with a younger oak grafted into the base.
The Liberty Bell replica was cast from the mold of the actual Liberty Bell in 1989. An urban legend falsely claims that it is one of two bells ever cast from this mold, however there are many others also cast from it. Yet another urban legend claims that this bell is the one that was cast for Pennsylvania, as one of the 50 cast for states in 1976. According to the legend, Pennsylvania gave it to Walt Disney World since they already had the original. However, Pennsylvania's replica is located in Allentown.[7][8][9]
There are architectural representations of each of the original 13 colonies.
The state flags of each of the original 13 states, as well as the American flag, fly in a plaza in the center of Liberty Square.
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