David KrisoAs the Fall season gets underway, interesting developments are happening in Central Florida. Everyone is aware of the planned expansions in three of the four major parks at Walt Disney World. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, construction for the new Monsters Inc. section is set to begin in early 2025. Signs of construction are starting to become obvious at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where Dinoland USA is soon to be reimagined. Dinoland USA is being reimagined into the new Tropical Americas Village. Meanwhile at the Magic Kingdom, some swift opposition has occurred. Everyone remembers Disney’s plans to demolish the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, replacing them with two new Cars-themed attractions. The State of Florida said, “Not so fast!”.
Having gotten wind of Disney planning to remove the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, the State of Florida put up its right hand saying “Stop everything!”. The State of Florida has asked Disney to revise its permits for the project. As proposed, the two new Cars-themed attractions are going to occupy the current location of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Again, the State of Florida said “Not so fast!”. What’s the situation? It’s most likely environmental concerns. Turning the clock back prior to 1971, when the Rivers of America were being excavated, it must not be forgotten that majority of Walt Disney World (particularly the Magic Kingdom) was once all swamp. The Rivers of America are fed by a swamp-like canal flowing from backstage. How else does Disney get its many artificial bodies of water? They may be manmade, but the water comes from somewhere. It’s quite possible that Disney may have to abandon its current plans and build the two new Cars-themed attractions in another area. If so, Disney will have to refile its permits. Very likely, Disney might just build those two Cars-themed attractions in the wooded area nearest to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. If one can visualize riding on the Walt Disney World Railroad, the trains cross over a bridge having pulled out of Frontierland Station. It’s in that heavily wooded area where the two new attractions may be built. In all honesty, this makes perfect sense.
Originally, Disney filed permits to completely demolish the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Not only would the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island be no more, but the riverboat Liberty Belle would be lost, too. Who would want to visualize that whole section of the park bound being lost forever? Who would want to see the Liberty Belle pulled out of the water and scrapped? Candidly, it’s a good sign that the State of Florida stepped in Disney’s way. On top of that, there has been much disapproval by Disney fans and Disney travelers alike. What’s the situation moving forward? What will Disney do? The situation is the following: Disney has been given window of time, 90 days supposedly, to revise its permits. If the permits aren’t revised in that given time frame, the permits could be and will be denied.
Walt Disney World, its where dreams come true. That almost changed to “Walt Disney World: Where nightmares begin”. Those nightmares would be the proposed removal of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Who would imagine that oh so serene part of the Magic Kingdom being demolished and vanishing into human memory? Luckily, the State of Florida provided a bit of relief. The State of Florida has asked Disney to revise its permits for the project, with the hope that the Rivers of America will not be disturbed. Besides, wildlife from the surrounding area make the Rivers of America their home. Many guests may not notice, but the Rivers of America is their ‘castle’. Without further word, Disney fans and Disney travelers all together can breathe a sigh of relief. The Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the riverboat Liberty Belle could be here to stay. Should that happen, it would be the utmost bittersweet “dream come true” for Disney fans worldwide.
