In a recent update to the upcoming “Cars” and Villains lands coming soon to Magic Kingdom Park, the new Walt Disney World construction permit for demolishing sections of Frontierland has now been approved.
Construction Permit Now Approved for “Cars”
Walt Disney World originally filed a permit in August of 2024 to seek approval for construction to take place in Frontierland and to expand Magic Kingdom beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The permit specifically mentioned that the flow of water in the park would be altered due to the closure of the Rivers of America, requiring basin stormwater modifications and the construction of a stormwater management master treatment facility.
In September, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) responded to the permit with a multi-page list outlining problems with the original application and asking for additional details regarding the water drainage changes. The SFWMD also requested for Disney to clarify if the planned construction would impact the surrounding wetland environment and how the effects on wildlife in the area could be reduced. After giving Disney a December deadline for submitting the updated permit, the District eventually offered Disney a deadline extension.
The approval of this permit means Disney has now addressed all of the SFWMD’s concerns over the environmental impacts of the demolition and provided sufficient information for the new water drainage systems. With most permits now in place, more details regarding the construction of the new “Cars” land may be announced soon.
Disney has announced that the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be closed permanently, and the space in Frontierland will be transformed into a new area based on the “Cars” films. Magic Kingdom Park will also be expanded by 14 acres into a new area located behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which will be themed to Disney Villains. To prepare for the upcoming changes, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has also been closed for a lengthy refurbishment and is not expected to reopen in 2025.
The approval of the construction permit comes shortly after rumors that the construction for the new Villains land will start sometime in March of 2025.
Are you excited for construction on either of these new lands to begin? Let us know in the comments.
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What’s the Future of the Riverboat? Someone, Tell Me!
No! Cartoon cars don’t make sense in the colonial section of MK! Let alone boxing-in the area without “breathing room.”
I think it’s a big mistake for Disney world imagineers to remove rivers of America and build a cars land. They should’ve rethemed Tom Sawyer Island into something like the rescuers devils Bayou island. Or the Muppets Kermits swamp, or muppet treasure Island. I don’t really want to go on cars ride right where Tom Sawyer Island used to be, also it’ll get hotter in the park. I think this is a big money pit and the people running Disney world are only interested in their own ride projects and not what we wanted. I’m already letdown by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure being a boring empty ride. I’ll skip cars ride at Disney world unless they build it elsewhere.
👍🏻 I See the Same 😢
I really don’t like the idea of doing away with the Rivers of America and the wonderful river boat, Liberty Belle. But, that’s me. I am curious as to what will happen to the Liberty Belle? There seems to be a path to the Seven Seas Lagoon. I suppose it could be used for a cool ride around Bay Lake and perhaps beyond. Guess we’ll see…
With so much land why does Disney have to remove and replace areas. Why not add to the park and it would help with crowding