David KrisoDisney’s plans to transform the Rivers of America into a Cars-themed land at The Magic Kingdom has come down to an decisive obstacle. Not too long ago, the State of Florida ordered Disney to make revisions to its permits pertaining to its plans to demolish the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island and turning them into a Cars– themed land, including a rally race thrill attraction. Disney announced the plans back in August 2024. Disney was ordered to revise their permits, and then given a ten-day warning to make its revisions. If Disney didn’t meet this time window, the permits would have been denied. Now with revisions having been made, it’s now the moment of truth. Are the revisions sufficient enough? What would the verdict be?
On December 3rd, Disney was issued an RAI (Request for Additional Information) by the South Florida Water Management District. If Disney didn’t meet this request, their permits for the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island demolition would be denied. December 9th, Disney submitted a request for additional time to make amends to its permits. One week later, Disney submitted its revisions to its permits for the project in a twenty-three page response to the South Florida Water Management District’s request, or RAI. According to the revisions, there aren’t any adjustments to the plans, other than some minor tweaks. Further, the revisions show that the Rivers of America will indeed be filled in with gravel to allow for earth to be laid down. This must be done because of the high water table in the area. Hence, the Magic Kingdom is built on what was swamp land and a series of tributaries. While riding on the Walt Disney World Railroad, guests with an eagle’s eye can spot one of these canals behind the Magic Kingdom. These canals were in place from the very beginning for wildlife to navigate about the area. So, are these revisions sufficient enough for the project to move forward?
Here’s what can happen. The South Florida Water Management District can be somewhat lenient-ruling in Disney’s favor having some revisions been made, or it can put its foot down and say “No” to the entire project. The project, to fill in the Rivers of America and demolish Tom Sawyer Island, and ultimately removing the Liberty Belle riverboat was met with much opposition. This attraction has been a favorite of millions of guests. It’s has served as the perfect attraction for guests to stretch out, catch up with each other, and relax a bit while on their voyage around Frontierland and Liberty Square. The second objection was that the new Cars-themed area would disrupt the vibe of that area of the Magic Kingdom all-together. The tranquility of that area of the park would be tremendously disturbed. Further, the wildlife, especially wild birds, ducks, and geese make the Rivers of America their home-their ‘castle’. Why would Disney want to disrupt their home? All of this must be considered by the South Florida Water Management District. It’s not so much of how water will be removed, but how will wildlife be affected in the process is a major concern. How disturbing it is that Disney didn’t foresee this situation from the very beginning!
The new year 2025 is just days away. Walt Disney World is making progress on its ambitious park expansions. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland USA will be replaced by Tropical Americas Village, including Dinosaur being reimagined into a new Indiana Jones thrill ride. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Muppet Vision courtyard will be transformed into Monstropolis, featuring Disney’s first ever indoor suspended roller coaster. Further, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith will be re-imagined as a Muppets coaster, featuring the Electric Mayhem. At the Magic Kingdom, ground has been broken on the new villains-themed land beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. However, the Rivers of America’s fate hangs in the balance. Will it live to see 2025 or will the South Florida Water Management District put the brakes on this controversial project?
Cars may be a popular film along with its well-known cast of characters, but according to Disney fans weighing in from far and wide, the plans to demolish of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island may run out of gas before Lightning McQueen does. How mystifying it is that a family entertainment enterprise, conceived by one of the most influential figures in American history, would dare to destroy one of the most iconic attractions in the world’s #1 family destination? If Disney could stop for a moment and realize the mistake it is making, the situation wouldn’t be where it is now. The South Florida Water Management District’s verdict could be this-the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will live on forever and Disney can ‘burn rubber’ on the Cars-themed land elsewhere in the Magic Kingdom. It all comes down to what donning a pair of thinking ‘ears’ can do.
