It can often feel like you’ll never be able to squeeze in all of your to-dos during your Disney World vacation.
From endless restaurants and exciting new rides to try, to a neverending supply of fun merchandise to check out — how do you make time in the day to appreciate the overlooked parts of the park? Disney is FULL of elaborate details and easter eggs that really make the park what it is, and many of them are right in a section of Magic Kingdom that you probably pass right through. Liberty Square has some amazing backstories, and we’re covering the best details people MISS when they’re there.
Liberty Square is a colonial America-inspired land in Magic Kingdom situated between Frontierland and Fantasyland. While this location is home to one of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom, the Haunted Mansion, often guests don’t give much attention to the rest of the section. But we found 8 things about Liberty Square that you need to look for on your next trip to the parks.
1. Liberty Tree
This more than 130-year-old live Oak Tree, the Liberty Tree, represents an often-forgotten symbol of American history. According to Smithsonian Magazine, during the American Revolution, Jon Adams and the original Sons of Liberty would meet in a distillery in Boston across from an ancient elm.
Soon, this tree became a symbol of revolt — and other Liberty Trees were named across the colonies in homage to the original. A similar rendition was seen in the Disney live-action film Johnny Tremain, a film that follows Tremaine as he joins the Sons of Liberty.
Hanging from its branches are 13 “liberty” lanterns representing the original 13 colonies.
This Liberty Tree was actually found and transplanted from another area on Disney property and had a full-grown weight of 35 tons when moved. It is said to have “fathered” more than 500 trees from its acorns.
2. Liberty Bell
You’ll also find a replica of the Liberty Bell here in Liberty Square. This model was cast from the same mold as the original that sits next to Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Surrounding the Liberty Bell is a court of flags — one for each of the original 13 colonies.
Below, you’ll find plaques for each, and an indication of when the state ratified the Constitution.
This replica was installed just in time for July 4th, 1989.
3. One if by Land, Two if by Sea
During the Revolutionary War, patriot Paul Revere was said to have taken a midnight ride before the battle of Lexington and Concord. In order to warn the colonial militia in which direction the British were coming, he put lanterns in the window of the Old North Church tower.
“One if by land, and two, if by sea,” was the code. You can see two lanterns in the windows of a building in Liberty Square!
4. Slanted Shutters
If you look up, you’ll also notice some of the shutters are slanted.
During the Revolutionary War, people donated whatever metal they could to be made into ammunition — even from their window hinges. Leather hinges were used in their place, which would over time start to sag.
Disney has used metal in the windows in Liberty Square but tilted the shutters to be visually historically accurate.
5. Time Progression Throughout Land
While you’re strolling through Liberty Square, you’ll notice the buildings have numbers near the front door. This is actually a nod to the different architectural styles you would see in the colonial time period.
The buildings’ construction changes to match the passing of time, and if you add an 18 to the beginning of the numbers on the buildings, you’ll see what year it represents.
The dates progress forward the farther into Liberty Square you walk. Take a look next time you’re there!
6. Presidential Seal in the Hall of Presidents
Right after you walk into Liberty Square, you’ll notice the Hall of Presidents on the right — an attraction where you can see all of the US presidents come to life with animatronics. But in the waiting room, you’ll notice a lot of impressive details.
The first thing you’ll see is the “Great Seal of the United States,” crafted out of 100 percent wool carpet.
It took two acts of Congress for The Great Seal of the United States to be placed in the Hall of Presidents.
7. Presidential Artifacts
Also inside the Hall of Presidents, you’ll find an impressive collection of Presidential artifacts — from Herbert Hoover’s fishing reel to John Adams’ coat buttons.
This place is perfect for history buffs — the artifacts here date back to George Washington!
With so many high-quality pieces of history in the lobby, the Hall of Presidents is actually recognized as a Federal Presidential Museum.
8. No Bathrooms
Imagineers wanted to make this land as historically accurate as possible, so there are no restrooms. Because there were no modernized bathrooms during this time period, having modern restrooms would take away from the authenticity.
Even the restrooms in Liberty Tree Tavern and Columbia Harbour House are said to be far back enough in the restaurant to technically not be in Liberty Square.
If you need to use the restroom, you’ll have to head to either the Rapunzel bathrooms in Fantasyland or the restrooms in the Adventureland breezeway.
Well, there you have it! Liberty Square isn’t so boring after all. Make sure you keep an eye out for the little details next time you’re in Disney World. In the meantime, we’ll continue bringing you all the best Disney tips and tricks, so stay tuned to AllEars for more!
Click here to read about the HIDDEN secrets of Disney World
What is your favorite hidden detail in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
Thanks for this! I had forgotten some of these and didn’t know about others. The last time we were in WDW, we were waiting for the parade and I started reading the plaques. I was appreciative all over again!