Disney Fans Divided: Is Magic Kingdom Replacing This Classic Attraction with a High-Speed Racer?
Wjh$17 Billion Could Cost Trillions in the Long Run
For nearly 50 years, Magic Kingdom has been the heart of Walt Disney World—a place where nostalgia and innovation exist in harmony. But what happens when beloved classics are replaced with modern attractions? That’s the question fueling a heated debate among Disney fans as details about a controversial expansion come to light.
At the center of this storm is the iconic Rivers of America, a staple of Magic Kingdom since opening day. The slow-moving riverboat, the peaceful waters, and the rustic charm of Tom Sawyer Island have been a haven for guests looking to escape the park’s hustle and bustle. But if recent developments are any indication, this tranquil corner of the park may soon be unrecognizable.
Could Disney really be planning to drain the Rivers of America to make room for a high-speed racing attraction? And if so, why is this happening now?
The Bigger Picture: Walt Disney World’s $60 Billion Theme Park Expansion
Last year, Disney CEO Bob Iger made a bold announcement: the company would be doubling down on theme park investment, pouring nearly $60 billion into its Experiences division over the next decade. The move came at a time when Disney’s stock had been struggling, and investors were hesitant about the company’s financial direction.
Despite Iger’s promises of massive growth, Wall Street wasn’t enchanted. Disney’s stock price took a hit after the announcement, leaving many to wonder whether these investments were the right move. Still, Disney pushed forward, securing approval for a $17 billion, 15-year expansion plan at Walt Disney World.
The company has since teased major updates, including expansions based on Indiana Jones, Disney Villains, and Cars—an IP juggernaut that has generated over $10 billion in merchandise sales. But while new lands are exciting, fans are now realizing that these developments may come at an unexpected cost.
The Rumored Fate of Rivers of America
It wasn’t until February that concerns about the future of Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America reached a fever pitch. Disney received official approval from the South Florida Water Management District to make fundamental changes to the area, and concept art released last year showed a dramatic transformation: The serene waterway replaced with a dusty, high-speed dirt track.
A recently shared teaser video of the upcoming attraction has only fueled the outrage. The footage features ride vehicles resembling All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) racing through an environment that looks more suited for an off-road park than Disney’s most historic theme park.
For fans, this isn’t just another ride—it’s a shift in the very soul of Magic Kingdom.
Backlash from Fans and Industry Experts
Reaction to the potential removal of Rivers of America has been swift and intense. Theme park insiders and everyday visitors alike have flooded social media with pleas to Disney, begging them to reconsider.
“Nobody wants this to replace Rivers of America,” wrote theme park industry commentator WDWPro. Others echoed the sentiment, with one fan posting, “I don’t know how we can make this any clearer to you: We. Don’t. Want. This.”
Even industry veterans have weighed in. Former Imagineer Jim Shull, who has worked on multiple Disney attractions, suggested that a Cars-themed land would be a better fit for Fantasyland or Hollywood Studios, where the movie franchise’s aesthetic would blend more naturally.
Perhaps the most damning critique came from Frommer’s travel guide, which noted, “Is this Disney? We could do this by renting an off-roader anywhere in America.”
Why Is Disney World Making This Change?
From a business standpoint, Disney’s focus on intellectual property-driven attractions makes sense. Bob Iger has openly stated that IP integration drives returns on investment. And with Cars being one of the company’s most successful merchandising franchises, there’s no doubt that this new expansion is expected to be a moneymaker.
The decision to replace an opening-day attraction with a ride that—at least from early previews—lacks the charm and timelessness of its predecessor is being seen as a betrayal by many Disney loyalists. The removal of Rivers of America would also mean the loss of a piece of Walt Disney’s original vision—an area dedicated to American history and storytelling rather than corporate synergy.
Can Disney World Reverse Course?
Historically, Disney has been known to change plans in response to public outcry. The cancellation of the highly controversial Lake Nona campus is a prime example of the company shifting gears after facing backlash. Could the same happen with the Magic Kingdom expansion?
For now, there’s no official word from Disney confirming or denying the fate of Rivers of America. But as fan pressure mounts, the company may be forced to acknowledge the controversy.
One thing is certain: Magic Kingdom is on the brink of a major transformation, and whether that change is for better or worse will ultimately depend on Disney’s willingness to listen to its most devoted fans.
Disney already made a mistake when they added a LARGE hotel at the Polynesian Resort. You completed ruined the atmosphere and took away the tranquilly of the resort. ALL FOR MORE MONEY! Not sure who is making this terrible decision but seems like you’re doing it again with Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom. Leave the area alone it is beautiful the way it is. If you want to put in a Cars ride that is totally fine. It needs to replace Tomorrows Speedway. I understand the nostalgia, but it is a slow boring ride and there should be plenty of space. Stop destroying resorts and parks just to desperately squeeze things in where they don’t belong just to make more money.