Liberty Square - Exploring the World, One Land at a Time

Everyone knows "Four Parks, One World", but each of those parks is made up of multiple, themed "Lands". Each land contains it's own unique decor, dining, experiences and history. With so much to do and see, it's easy to miss many of the details that make these lands special in their own way. This series will explore each of these lands in detail to show how they are part of the Magic that is Walt Disney World resort.

We travel through time from the Pioneer Days to Colonial America. Liberty Square opened as one of the six original themed lands at Walt Disney World's grand opening on October 1, 1971. 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.

As you stroll through Liberty Square, the design and decor have a very colonial feel. The Liberty Tree is more than 100 years old and is the largest living specimen in Magic Kingdom. It represents the original Liberty Tree christened in Boston by the Sons of Liberty in 1765. It features 13 hanging lanterns to represent the original 13 colonies. You will also find a replica of the original Liberty Bell. In 1976, 50 replica bells were created, one for each state to place in honor of the bicentennial. Since Pennsylvania already had the original Liberty Bell, Walt Disney World requested their replica years later. Pennsylvania agreed and it was place in Magic Kingdom on July 4, 1989. And be careful not to get into any trouble while you're there, or you may end up in the stockade!! 

Take a riverboat ride on the Rivers of America around Tom Sawyer Island aboard the Liberty Belle. A pre-recorded narration plays along your tour. Magic Kingdom once featured two riverboats, the Admiral Joe Fowler which was retired in 1980 and the Richard F. Irvine, which was refitted and renamed the Liberty Belle in 1996.

A favorite table-service restaurant found in Liberty Square is the Liberty Tree Tavern. Enjoy a New England inspired meal when the town crier summons your party into this authentic recreation of an 18th century American Inn furnished with colonial artifacts. If you've tried it, we would love to hear your review HERE

One of the most patriotic and educational attractions at Walt Disney World is the Hall of Presidents. The lobby displays some historic memorabilia including gowns and place settings from some of the White House's most memorable First Ladies. The multi-media show features a film about the history of America and a stage show featuring audio-animatronic figures of all the U.S. Presidents, some of whom stand and address the audience. It's a lovely and informative show and it displays the hard work and dedication of Walt Disney in developing the human-like audio-animatronic figures. 

The latest addition to Liberty Square is The Muppets Present: Great Moments in American History. You can view this show from the street outside Hall of Presidents. Your favorite Muppet characters use original songs and comedy to tell the stories of some of the most important moments in American history when our country was declaring it's independence. The Muppets’ view of history may be a little fuzzy, but it’s totally entertaining!

Liberty Square is home to what is arguably one of the most popular attractions in Disney parks and, my personal favorite ride in all of Walt Disney World, The Haunted Mansion. By a happy coincidence, this ride officially opened to guests at Disneyland on the day I was born August 12, 1969. It was an opening day attraction at WDW. 
Guests enter the mansion and are introduced to the ride at a walkthrough show narrated by your Ghost Host. After which, you board your "Doom Buggy" and are taken through the mansion where you will find the 999 Happy Haunts.

An interactive queue line was added in 2011. This ride showcases some of the best audio-animatronics and special effects of any attraction at Disney and is fun for all ages. It is definitely not your "typical" haunted house ride!

Another fan favorite is the Momento Mori shop, opened in 2014. This shop features more Haunted Mansion-themed merchandise than you can imagine! Another great feature offered here: you can have your portrait taken that will transform you into one of Happy Haunts featured in the ride!

There is plenty to satisfy the hungry in Liberty Square. The Diamond Horseshoe is open seasonally, serving a quick service lunch or an all-you-can-eat dinner. Find or leave your reviews HERE
Or, visit Columbia Harbor House for a counter service lunch or dinner featuring some tasty seafood favorites. Tell us about it HERE
For something on the go, visit Sleepy Hollow refreshments. Always a favorite spot to pick up funnel cakes or Mickey waffles. Review it HERE

Now, some Liberty Square Fun Facts:

*Did you ever notice that all the maps and artifacts in Columbia Harbor House are dedicated to a ghost ship or a ship lost at sea? It's no coincidence since you look out the windows and see the Haunted Mansion.

*In keeping with authenticity, there are no restrooms in Liberty Square (except those required in full service restaurants) as there would have been no indoor toilets in colonial times.

*Notice the doors around Liberty Square have two numbers on them resembling an address. But if you put an 18 in front of each number, it represents the year that style of house would have been popular. Look in the upstairs window next to the house with number 26 on the door. There are two lanterns that represent the lanterns hung to warn Paul Revere the British were coming by sea.

*Do you love to ride the Haunted Mansion at night? Look up at the top story window above the front door and you will occasionally see a ghost moving about.

*Does your Ghost Host sound familiar? Not only did Paul Frees provide the voice for the auctioneer in POTC, but he also voiced Ludwig von Drake, Boris Badenov and even the Pillsbury Doughboy!

*The pipe organ in the ballroom scene is a replica of the organ used in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

*Notice the singing bust that looks very much like Walt? He is actually voiced by Thurl Ravenscroft who also voiced Tony the Tiger and sang the infamous song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch".

*The real Madame Leota, Leota Toombs, can be heard in the attraction, but NOT coming from the crystal ball because her voice was considered too child-like. She is the voice of the bride above the exit door urging you to "hurry back". The voice of the Leota in the crystal ball is none other than Eleanor Audley who famously voiced Maleficent  in Sleeping Beauty and the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella.

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photo credit: some images were obtained from Google Images