Ron DeSantis and his Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) have confirmed that they were able to safely relocate thousands of wildlife from Rivers of America at Disney World before the draining commenced.
Ron DeSantis and Disney World Unite in Effort To Relocate Wildlife From Rivers of America
Imagine stepping into Magic Kingdom before dawn and discovering a quiet, heroic operation underway: thousands of fish being carefully scooped from one of the park’s most beloved waterways. It’s a surprising glimpse of the care Disney puts into its massive renovations—far beyond the rides and themed lands fans usually notice.
This behind-the-scenes story comes straight from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), the body that manages infrastructure and environmental projects in collaboration with Walt Disney World. Following the settlement between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the district is finally returning to normal operations. One of the first major updates under this “new normal” involves relocating wildlife from the Rivers of America, a project few visitors could have anticipated.
In this article, we’ll reveal exactly what was done to protect the fish, offer practical tips for guests navigating the park during construction, and explain why this effort matters for Disney fans everywhere.
The Rivers of America Transformation
In August 2024, Walt Disney World confirmed plans to reimagine a portion of the Rivers of America, introducing Piston Peak National Park, a Cars-themed expansion in Frontierland. Additional areas will become a Villains-themed land, requiring a partial draining of the river and the demolition of Tom Sawyer Island.
According to CFTOD District Administrator Stephanie Kopelousos, 2,000 fish were safely relocated to the nearby Seven Seas Lagoon in a carefully coordinated nighttime operation. The breakdown of the relocation included 70% sunfishes, 20% largemouth bass, and 10% miscellaneous species such as catfish and Seminole killifish. The operation relied on backstage canals to move the fish, minimizing stress and disruption to the ecosystem.
“This project shows how we work closely with Disney to balance construction needs with wildlife preservation,” Kopelousos explained.
Tips for Experiencing the Park Amid Construction
Even with parts of Frontierland under renovation, Magic Kingdom still offers plenty of opportunities for a seamless visit:
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Best visiting times: Early mornings or evenings reduce wait times and exposure to construction activity.
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Virtual queues & app hacks: Disney’s app provides real-time updates for rides and shows, helping guests plan around work zones.
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Ride and attraction strategies: Alternate between Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland to maximize your experience while Frontierland evolves.
Pathways remain open, and dining locations are largely unaffected, meaning your day at Magic Kingdom can still be magical.
Insider Secrets Only Frequent Visitors Know
Savvy Disney fans know where to sneak peeks of construction without leaving public areas:
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The Liberty Square Riverboat provides glimpses of early theming for Piston Peak National Park.
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Elevated views from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover allow guests to spot construction and relocated wildlife areas.
Disney also continues to roll out limited-edition snacks and merchandise inspired by upcoming lands, giving fans an early taste of the new experiences.
Why This Matters for Disney Fans
Disney’s attention to detail extends beyond attractions. Preserving 2,000 fish while reshaping one of its most iconic waterways reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and fan satisfaction.
Social media is already buzzing with praise for the operation, highlighting Disney’s unique ability to blend innovation, storytelling, and conservation. Historically, projects like this drive attendance, strengthen fan loyalty, and underscore the cultural significance of the parks, ensuring that both the experience and the natural environment thrive.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Disney fan, the Rivers of America transformation is a reminder that magic extends behind the scenes. Keep an eye out for Piston Peak National Park and the Villains-themed land, and consider exploring lesser-known areas to catch early glimpses of Disney’s latest creations.
