Liberty Square
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Liberty Square is one of seven "themed lands" and is exclusive only at the Magic Kingdom, a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida USA. Themed after colonial America, replicas of both the Liberty Bell and Liberty Tree can be seen here. One of the most popular attractions in the Magic Kingdom, the Haunted Mansion is located in this land. Presiding over the square is the Hall of Presidents, an American History show featuring an audio-animatronic figure of every President of the United States. Liberty Square has a long waterfront on the Rivers of America and the Liberty Belle steam paddleboat departs from a landing here. The land affords excellent views of the river and Tom Sawyer Island in adjacent Frontierland.
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[edit] History
Originally conceived as an annex to Main Street USA for Disneyland Park at the Disneyland Resort inAnaheim, California USA, the idea was revisited when the Magic Kingdom was being designed in the late 1960s. 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.
Liberty Square opened with and as part of the rest 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. As of 2006, it is the only land yet to undergo a major refurbishment. All of the attractions, original from October 1, 1971, with the exception of the Liberty Belle, still exist in some form or another. No major additions have been added. 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.
[edit] Trivia
- Liberty Square begins an architectural progression through history and geographically across the United States. This progression begins with the Haunted Mansion (late 1600s, upstate New York) and travels clockwise around the Rivers of America into Frontierland terminating at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (1880s, southern California).
- Several buildings have rocking chairs on their porches where guests are invited to sit down and relax.
- Find the replica of the House of Burgesses and look in the upstairs window to find Paul Revere's lanterns signifying "two if by sea".
- 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 Pennsylvania. It is the only bell ever cast from these molds.
- There are stockades in the Square where guests can take pictures of their family in lockup.
[edit] Features
[edit] Attractions
See also: List of current Magic Kingdom attractions
- The Hall of Presidents, a show on American history featuring Audio-Animatronic figures of every past and present U.S. President.
- The Haunted Mansion, an omnimover ride through a spooky house with 999 ghosts!
- Liberty Square Riverboat, a leisurely sail around the Rivers of America on the Liberty Belle Riverboat.
[edit] Entertainment
- The Diamond Horseshoe Saloon, Originally host to a western-style revue show, now a "meet-and-greet" location for characters from the Disney-Pixar Toy Story movies.
- Liberty Square Portrait Gallery, Disney artists will draw your caricature or capture your silhouette.
[edit] Dining
- Colombia Harbour House, offering chowder and fish-and-chips, home to a multitude of historical artifacts.
- Liberty Square Market, offers fresh fruit and beverages.
- Liberty Tree Tavern, offering American cuisine, at dinner dine with the Disney characters.
- Sleepy Hollow, offers funnel cakes and ice cream.
[edit] Shopping
- Heritage House, offering American themed gifts, also has genealogical resources available for guests to use.
- Madam Leota's Gypsy Wagon, offering Haunted Mansion and Nightmare Before Christmas souvenirs.
- The Yankee Traders, offers dry foods and housewares and (seasonally) Halloween merchandise.
- Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, offering a wide selection of Disney-themed Christmas gifts and decorations.
| The themed lands of a Magic Kingdom-style park: |
| Main Street, U.S.A. | Fantasyland | Tomorrowland | Frontierland | Adventureland |
| New Orleans Square | Liberty Square | Mickey's Toontown | Critter Country |
