The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has given Disney 10 days to respond to their previous request for additional information regarding the transformation of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America into a “Cars”-themed area. If Disney does not respond within 10 days, SFWMD will deny Disney’s application.
Florida Gives Disney 10 Days to Update Rivers of America Permit
Disney announced the “Cars” area as an expansion to Frontierland in Magic Kingdom. They later confirmed it would replace Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America. They filed a permit regarding basin stormwater modifications with SFWMD on August 12. SFWMD responded a month later with a six-page Request for Additional Information (RAI), asking Disney to make 20 adjustments to the permit.
On December 3, SFWMD sent Disney this notice:
The additional information requested by letter on September 11, 2024 has not been received by the South Florida Water Management District (District). This information is necessary for the District to timely complete the processing of the above-referenced ERP application. The requested information was to be provided pursuant to the timelines outlined in Section 5.5.3.5, ERP AH, Vol. I to avoid denial of the application.
If you are not ready to submit a complete response you may voluntarily withdraw the application prior to the application being denied. If you elect to withdraw the application, Section 5.5.3.7, ERP AH, Vol. I, provides a process for you to refile the application within 365 days without the necessity to pay a new processing fee.
Should you fail to fully submit the requested information, or to withdraw the application, within 10 days of the date of this letter, the application will be considered incomplete and District staff will process the application for denial, without prejudice to your right to reapply at a later time.
Among SFWMD’s requests is clarification about the project’s effect on wetlands and how Disney plans to mitigate adverse impacts on wildlife. SFWMD also asks Disney to provide information on “proposed dewatering operations” and to confirm the project and permit areas for activities proposed under the application.
At the time of the initial letter, Disney had 90 days to respond or file for an extension.
SFWMD also requested additional information about Disney’s planned Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but that letter was significantly shorter, with only two questions.
The new “Cars” area will include two attractions. One is a rally race through the mountains, which could be a similar ride system to Radiator Springs Racers in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. The second attraction is geared toward smaller guests and families. Disney previously said construction would begin in early 2025.
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No one wants this. It’s a horrible spot and will not, absolutely not fit in there. Plenty of land, build it somewhere else or risk losing all those Disney fans who grew up going to the parks. That nostalgia spends money.