Mixed emotions as the most magical place on earth closes iconic park attractions

The most

magical place on earth

is pulling up ladders to three of its original attractions on July 7.

Disney World

announced the

closure

of their Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America features.

Since the amusement park first opened in 1971, the three slower paced experiences have offered generations of parents a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of dizzying rides, long lines and anthropomorphic mascots.

The rides are being shuttered to make room for an entirely new feature called Piston Peak National Park, a fictional “wheelderness” based on the film “Cars.”

According to the

Disney Park Blogs

, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and will be “the exciting new backdrop for a big rally race.”

The key change will be what Disney described as the “largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom” and the addition of Piston Peaks National Park.

Disney World

“Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers,” the blog reads. The park area’s inspiration lies in “the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks. ”

“Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar ‘Cars’ universe.”

Disney says the new additions represent the largest transformation in Magic Kingdom’s history, according to a post from Theme Park Life.

Fan’s reactions on Facebook have been a bit mixed.

“I’m excited to see what’s coming,” wrote an optimist, “Disney did an incredible job expanding Fantasyland and I have no doubt that the next expansion will be perfect too!”

“Not a good idea,” wrote another, “taking out the river in favor of a patch of clay dirt/sand is only going to make the park hotter than it already is, especially in the summer months. Just have trouble understanding why they’re so dead set on deleting Disney history when they still have a couple hundred acres of land available for expansion.

“They’re gonna regret this one,” one Facebook user wrote. “I can’t see Cars, which is already 20 years old, having any lasting interest once the initial curious crowds die off.”

“It’s sad to see the Americana that Walt was so proud of in his parks being destroyed,” replied a long-time fan. “Tom Sawyer’s Island has always been a favorite of our family as it was the only place kids could go just to run and play and burn off all that energy.”

“It’s funny when Disney changes thing to keep up with the times. Everyone always complains,” went one person’s take, “But then when Disney has finished the change everyone praises it.”

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