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Disney’s Latest Permit Filing Reveals Changes Fans Have Been Dreading

A water taxi taking guests from the Magic Kingdom to Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort.
Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World’s duel with the South Florida Water Management District has seemingly ended with Disney’s latest permit application. However, parts of the application confirm Disney fans’ biggest fears.

A large, green Mickey Mouse-shaped balloon floats in the foreground on the left side. In the background is the Rivers of America at Disneyland Park, with the Mark Twain riverboat.

Credit: Inside the Magic

Disney has been negotiating with the South Florida Water Management District over the permits to demolish Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom. Disney World submitted its original permits three months ago; however, the SFWMD has been asking for more information about Disney’s plans each time.

Disney submitted its updated plans and the SFWMD’s request for more information this week, explicitly outlining its plans to demolish the two opening-day attractions. The point of contention between the South Florida Water Management District and Disney World was that Disney only hinted at its plans, which included filling in Rivers of America, but these news plans clarified that position.

A split image showcasing Tom Sawyer Island on one side with a wooden dock, barrels, and serene waters, and a rugged, red rock terrain on the other side with a rustic, old western-style wooden building.

Credit: Disney

In the new plans, Disney World explicitly says that it plans to fill in the entirety of Rivers of America to create a level grade for its latest expansion. The plans also state that Disney plans to keep the Walt Disney Railroad intact, giving fans a small piece of good news.

This latest confirmation from Disney World confirms what fans had long feared: Rivers of America would be removed entirely to make room for the new lands. While Rivers of America is not a fan-favorite, it offers aesthetic value to the Magic Kingdom and, along with Tom Sawyer Island, is one of the few remaining opening-day attractions at the park.

Disney fans assumed that when the company announced that the new Cars and Villain Lands would replace Rivers of America, it would be completely filled in, but this confirmation puts the final nail in the coffin, removing any hope of its survival.

Concept art for a 'Cars' racing ride in Frontierland.

Credit: Disney

In early January, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close for an entire year as the ride is revamped for the latest additions to Frontierland. Disney also confirmed in the filing that the Cars Land will be completed first, and then work will begin on Villains Land.

Disney fans know for certain that another water feature will be leaving one of Disney World’s theme parks to make way for more concrete and blacktop. The aesthetic value of those water features cannot be measured, which is probably why they are being removed.

What do you think about Disney World paving over Rivers of America? 

About Rick Lye

Rick is an avid Disney fan. He first went to Disney World in 1986 with his parents and has been hooked ever since. Rick is married to another Disney fan and is in the process of turning his two children into fans as well. When he is not creating new Disney adventures, he loves to watch the New York Yankees and hang out with his dog, Buster. In the fall, you will catch him cheering for his beloved NY Giants.

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