In an announcement that took Disney fans by surprise, Josh D’Amaro, Disney Parks Chairman, revealed back in August that Frontierland at Magic Kingdom would be undergoing a major transformation. The news of a Villains-themed land coming to Walt Disney World had fans buzzing with excitement, as it seemed like a long-awaited wish finally coming true.
But alongside this thrilling development came a more controversial plan — one that has sparked quite a bit of backlash among fans.
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In a bold move, Disney unveiled plans to demolish Tom Sawyer Island and part of the beloved Rivers of America, replacing them with two new attractions inspired by the 2006 Pixar film Cars.
While the concept of a Villains Land garnered excitement, the Frontierland expansion met with far more resistance. The unique atmosphere of Magic Kingdom’s lands, each designed to fully immerse visitors in its theme, is one of the park’s most cherished qualities.
Many fans questioned how the sleek, modern Cars-themed attractions would fit into a land meant to evoke the spirit of the American frontier.
Related: Here’s What’s Replacing a Classic Disney World Area
Despite the pushback, Disney is moving full speed ahead with the plans to revamp Frontierland and bring Villains Land to life. Construction on the new areas is set to begin soon, with permits now officially in place.
Construction Gets the Green Light
On February 17, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) issued a crucial permit, granting Disney the approval to proceed with the demolition of Tom Sawyer Island and sections of the Rivers of America. This permit also clears the way for the construction of the Cars-themed attractions and the new Villains Land.
The permit, which will remain active for five years, means that Disney has until February 17, 2030, to complete the work, unless they request an extension. As exciting as it is to know construction is finally moving forward, there’s still plenty of groundwork to be done before we see the full vision come to life.
What the Permit Allows
The issued permit authorizes a wide range of construction activities, including improvements to existing utilities, pavement upgrades, renovations to facilities, and enhanced stormwater management. It also covers the creation of “laydown yards” where materials and equipment for construction will be stored.
One of the first steps will be clearing trees to make way for the new developments, marking the beginning of the area’s major transformation.
Related: Major Magic Kingdom Overhaul and Classic Area Demolition Begins in Two Weeks, Report Says
Interestingly, while the project site itself is only about 14 acres, the permit covers a massive 300.82 acres around the Magic Kingdom area, extending beyond the park’s boundaries. This includes 61.93 acres of wetlands and surface water that will be impacted by the construction.
This expansive area highlights the scale of the changes coming to Magic Kingdom, as well as the level of planning involved in the project.
Construction Timeline and What’s Next
While the permit is a major milestone, Disney had previously announced that construction was set to begin in early 2025. With the permit now issued, demolition and preparation could begin in the near future, with crews already visible working around the park.
However, guests have seen construction activity around the Rivers of America area for some time, but that work is unrelated to the Frontierland changes.
On January 6, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad closed for a significant refurbishment that’s expected to last more than a year.
The closure has nothing to do with the Frontierland overhaul, but guests may notice pieces of track being replaced as part of the ongoing maintenance.
What’s Next for Magic Kingdom Fans?
As Disney moves forward with these ambitious plans, there’s no shortage of mixed feelings among fans. The introduction of Villains Land is undeniably exciting for many, and the Cars attractions could bring a new level of energy to the park.
But for others, the loss of Tom Sawyer Island and the beloved Rivers of America is a sad moment. The changes are sure to be divisive, with some eagerly awaiting the new experiences, while others mourn the passing of iconic Disney moments.
Are you looking forward to the Cars-themed attractions coming to Frontierland, or are you feeling nostalgic for the classic charm of Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
