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The Rivers of America underwent a 4-month refurb - the water was drained completely as the whole area underwent a massive refurbishment/update. The Rivers of America will now be themed to 4 different American rivers: the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Potomac, and the Rio Grande.

The new features include live animals, a brand-new track for the riverboats, hundreds of new trees and shrubs, and a lot more:

For the first time, the body of water around Tom Sawyer Island will have distinct sections designed to look like four U.S. river regions: the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Potomac and the Rio Grande.
And with the rivers, visitors for the first time will see new creatures, plant life and scenes when the Rivers of America re-opens Saturday.

After the river was drained in January, Disney crews:
- Installed a new 2,500-foot track for the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Sailing Ship Columbia for the first time since the park opened in 1955.
- Built a corral for two live ponies [including a Mustang]. (It is the first time live animals are along the banks).
- Planted 4,000 new shrubs and 130 new trees that look like the river regions.
- Added 10 new figures and repainted about 16 old ones.
- Posted Mike Fink's Keel Boat in front of the cabin.
- Put in a new paddle wheel on the Mark Twain Riverboat.
- Replaced nine of the 11 docks.

Click on this link to see a full article with more information, including a video : //http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/2010/05/06/behind-the-scenes-look-at-disneylands-new-river/43239/