Walt Disney World has submitted their updated plans for the transformation of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), following the district’s Request for Additional Information (RAI).
Disney Submits Updated Plans for Rivers of America
The RAI response letter is a whopping 23 pages, in which Disney responds to each of SFWMD’s comments regarding the project, though there are no significant changes to the plan itself shown in these documents.
However, the updated documentation does include several new diagrams that show that Rivers of America will indeed be filled to make way for the previously announced “Cars”-themed area, with a gravel laydown yard located just outside of the bounds of Magic Kingdom. The waterway will be filled to a minimum elevation of 98.75 feet, with surface water to be directed to a new pond.
Other new documentation added with this filing includes a table detailing wetland and mitigation information, a basin drain report, a financial form, a sluice gate letter, a permit information form, and revised sections of the initial application.
According to Scott Gustin on X, SWFMD now has 30 days to review the updates and ask for any additional information from Disney regarding the plans.
This is the latest development in the ongoing back and forth between Disney and SWFMD over the plans to transform Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America into a “Cars”-themed section. Disney first filed permits in August 2024. SWFMD asked for revisions just a month later, outlining 20 issues with the application in a six-page letter. The issues in question included wetland impacts, stormwater management, mitigation, and effects on local wildlife. Disney was given a 90-day deadline to submit the requested information.
On December 3, SWFMD gave Disney a tight 10-day deadline to respond to their previous RAI, otherwise the application would be denied. On December 9, Disney was granted an extension to update its plans through January 9, 2025; the updated plans were filed on December 19.
With this latest submission, SWFMD will now review and determine if the application materials are sufficient enough to give Disney the green light to begin work on the project. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025.
What do you think about “Cars” taking over Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom? Will you be sad to see this piece of park history go? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and on social media.
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This will completely change the vibe for Liberty square area with no benefit as “Cars” should have been a “re-imagined” upgrade to the gasoline powered “Race Track” area using electric vehicles. There was no need to remove Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island – one of the the few quiet retreats in the Magic Kingdom.
Any idea if this is starting before March 2025?
Totally bummed by this. The rivers area is amazing. Not every square inch needs to be packed with attractions like a six flags, especially with an area the size of San Francisco to work with.
Yuck!!!!!
I think they should build a passageway, underneath the railroad track, between Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder. Would have to bulldoze Tiana’s Bayou General Store (no great loss- plush animals for sale everywhere) and a restroom, and a few small, backstage buildings. Then, build the Cars ride, either west of Big Thunder, or northwest, or slightly north, in between the railroad tracks, and Floridian way. Might have to move Floridian Way a little; might not. There’s. LOTS of space back there. I think they are trying to demoralize older guests, who like the Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Rivers of America. The ambiance around the Haunted Mansion and Liberty Square, will be forever ruined.
Goodness, Tom Sawyer Island, the one place at the Magic Kingdom where kids can get some exercise, and “blow off some steam” is closing? Oh, the humanity!