During the D23 Expo event this August, Disney fans were treated to a slew of new announcements of theme park attraction additions, but one of those announcements, and arguably the largest, may not be going as planned.
With Magic Kingdom being the flagship park at Walt Disney World Resort, many Disney fans were awaiting big news to come out about the park’s future expansion. Disney had been hinting at what was to come, “beyond Big Thunder,” for years now, and this past August, we finally got the news that the Disney villains would be claiming land in the park, as well as Pixar’s Cars.
In order to make this happen though, Disney fans will have to say good bye to certain sections of the Magic Kingdom, including Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America.
Or will they?
Walt Disney World is currently navigating significant challenges regarding its demolition project for the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, as state officials have identified numerous flaws in the initial permit application for these sections.
On September 11, the South Florida Water Management District sent a six-page letter requesting extensive modifications to the application originally filed on August 12, 2024. One of the most pressing issues is the requirement for Disney to transition their permit type from an “Individual” Environmental Resource Permit to a Conceptual Permit, which would allow broader construction implications while necessitating additional information.
Disney is operating under a 90-day deadline to address the state’s concerns before the application is automatically denied.
The state has highlighted dozens of faults, indicating that the discussions surrounding the demolition—part of a broader expansion project in Magic Kingdom—are far from resolved. This represents a significant hurdle in their plans to develop the new lands, which would transform the landscape of Frontierland and impact the beloved areas of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
Environmental Concerns Raised
Part of the state’s apprehension stems from environmental concerns, including the potential impact on wetlands associated with the proposed demolition.
The state is particularly focused on the hydroperiod—the timeframe within which an area remains flooded—as officials suspect that the finished elevations may adversely affect surrounding wetlands. To address these concerns, the state has requested detailed graphs illustrating the pre- and post-development hydrology.
Considering how often Disney theme parks are left flooded by the extreme rainfall that Florida experiences on a nearly day-to-day basis, it makes sense that flooding remains a concern.
Additionally, the issue of dewatering operations—essential for the draining of the Rivers of America prior to demolition—has come under scrutiny.
The state seeks clarification on the potential impacts of these operations on wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem. Requirements have also been set for comprehensive wildlife studies and mitigation plans to address any detrimental effects on protected species.
As the state regulatory body evaluates Disney’s proposal, it has stressed the importance of demonstrating that alternative site plans have been considered to minimize wetland impacts. The necessity of field inspections to verify wetland delineation has also been underscored, reinforcing the complexity and depth of environmental considerations in urban developments, particularly for large-scale expansions like those planned for Magic Kingdom.
Will This Ruin Disney’s Upcoming Plans?
The overarching goal behind the demolition of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island is the development of new attractions themed around Disney’s Cars and, eventually, a Villain Land.
The planned expansion of Frontierland, which currently includes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, will introduce a new Route 66-themed addition.
“To make room for this entirely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into rugged landscapes for a rally race featuring some of the world’s most iconic racers,” Disney announced in a blog post.
The rally race attraction will guide guests through scenic mountains, geysers, and trails. In addition, a second Cars-themed ride is set to join the expansion. Cars Land, which was introduced at Disney’s California Adventure in 2012, has remained a fan favorite on the West Coast, making its arrival on the East Coast a long-anticipated development. Construction is slated to begin next year.
Plans indicate that the new attractions will include a rally race that navigates through rugged terrains, aligning with Disney’s mission to deliver fresh and engaging experiences to its guests. This transformation is expected to significantly alter the landscape of the current Rivers of America and introduce new family-friendly attractions catering to a broad audience.
Alongside the Cars themed area, the project may pave the way for a Villains Land, increasing the scope of the expansion and altering the overall visitor experience at Magic Kingdom. Integrating these attractions within the park’s existing infrastructure will require thoughtful consideration of both environmental impacts and guest flow.
Villains Land, a new area dedicated to Disney’s iconic villains, is set to arrive at Magic Kingdom in Disney World, Florida, and promises to be “dark and thorny.”
First teased at D23 two years ago, the land has now been officially confirmed. According to Disney Experiences Chair Josh D’Amaro, Villains Land will be located beyond Big Thunder Mountain, at the edge of the current Magic Kingdom map, extending toward the Haunted Mansion.
The area will feature two major attractions, as well as dining and shopping experiences “on an incredibly twisted grand scale.” While construction is already underway, Disney has not yet announced an official opening date.
A teaser for the land on Instagram showcases elements inspired by classic Disney villains such as Maleficent, Dr. Facilier, Ursula, Gaston, Yzma, Queen of Hearts, Hades, the Evil Queen, Lady Tremaine, Captain Hook, Jafar, Kaa, Madam Mim, Cruella, Scar, King Magnifico, and Mother Gothel.
Disney Continues to Fight Against the State
The challenges faced by Disney World at this juncture must be understood within the broader context of ongoing developments regarding its governance and relationship with the state of Florida.
Recent legal disputes between Disney and the state, particularly involving Governor Ron DeSantis, have affected how the park is administered. A settlement reached recently has realigned aspects of Disney’s operational authority within Florida.
These changes come at a time when economic opportunities related to tourism are critical for the state, and Disney’s major expansions could substantially contribute to job growth and investments.
The anticipation surrounding the new attractions and the proposed changes at Magic Kingdom exemplify the complexities involved in balancing regulatory compliance with developmental ambitions.
As Disney World addresses the permit challenges surrounding the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, the outcomes could set a precedent for future projects not only within the park but also across the tourism landscape in Florida. It is likely that Disney will address the permit issues in order to move forward, as these massive announcements have already been made and promised to the fans.
Are you excited for the Magic Kingdom expansions set to come our way?
