Disney has officially received approval from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to begin construction on a new Cars-themed land at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, a move that will erase classic attractions like Tom Sawyer Island and significantly alter the Rivers of America, Frontierland, and Liberty Square.
The permit, issued on February 17, 2025, gives Disney the green light to modify the 407 Basin Stormwater System, impacting 61.93 acres of wetlands and surface water. Disney has promised to mitigate these environmental impacts through credits from the Disney Wilderness Preserve and Mira Lago sites, but fans aren’t buying the corporate double-speak. While Disney ensures compliance with state water quality standards and the Clean Water Act, the real issue for many isn’t environmental—it’s the destruction of Magic Kingdom’s original storytelling and charm in favor of yet another intellectual property (IP) cash grab.
Concept art for Disney’s unnamed Cars attraction at Magic Kingdom
For decades, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle riverboat have offered guests a tranquil, immersive experience rooted in classic Americana. This area, steeped in nostalgia, has provided a unique break from the increasingly commercialized park landscape. Now, Disney’s decision to bulldoze this iconic section for a Cars-themed land feels like yet another instance of corporate greed trumping creativity and heritage.
The new project will bring two Cars-themed attractions:
One will be a high-speed rally race through mountainous terrain, complete with geysers and mudholes, while the other will be a more family-friendly Cars ride aimed at younger guests.
Concept art for Disney’s unnamed Cars attraction for smaller racers at Magic Kingdom
Construction is expected to begin this year, with early site preparations like clearing and grading already on the horizon. While Disney executives tout this as an exciting new chapter for the park, longtime fans and Disney purists see it as yet another soulless addition to the parks under Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro’s leadership.
This move feels all too familiar. It mirrors the controversial removal of Splash Mountain for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—a change many fans have called uninspired, non-functional, and more about corporate pandering than creativity. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has faced numerous operational issues since opening, and its reception has been lukewarm at best. Now, the same fate seems to await Frontierland, as its rich storytelling and historic significance are sacrificed for a Pixar IP.
An image of Tom Sawyer’s Island via DocumentDisney YouTube
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Adding insult to injury, Disney is also planning to remove MuppetVision 3D, the last project Jim Henson worked on, to make room for a Monsters, Inc. land. The disregard for legacy attractions and the creative giants behind them is becoming a disturbing trend at Disney. For a company that once prided itself on storytelling and imagination, this shift toward commercial exploitation of existing IPs has left many fans disillusioned.
However, there might still be a glimmer of hope. Disney historian Joshua Harris revealed that the removal of the Liberty Belle riverboat has been postponed indefinitely, with expensive repairs already underway. This unexpected development suggests that perhaps not all is lost—yet. Harris also noted that some within Disney are backtracking, claiming that only parts of the Rivers of America will be removed, though what remains and what goes is still unclear.
YES, there is absolutely a chance.
The removal of the Liberty Belle has been postponed indefinitely & (expensive) work to repair its boiler (among other things) is going ahead.
Also, A LOT of people are backtracking/gaslighting by saying only PART of the ROA is going away. https://t.co/bLhnD1RFQ7
— Joshua L Harris (@JLHomni) February 17, 2025
Harris has urged fans to take action, calling for Disney enthusiasts to send emails to the company, expressing their opposition to the project. He emphasized the importance of keeping these messages short, polite, and G-rated, noting that this is the most effective way to be heard. While it’s uncertain whether fan outcry will be enough to halt or alter Disney’s plans, Harris’s plea offers a potential path forward for those hoping to preserve what remains of the park’s historical charm.
A screenshot of Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios via DocumentDisney YouTUbe
As Disney pushes forward with its plans, fans now find themselves at a crossroads: accept the corporate steamroller or fight for what made Magic Kingdom magical in the first place.
Are you sad to see the Rivers of America leave the Magic Kingdom? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!
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