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Credit: Inside the MagicWalt Disney World is on the brink of its largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, following an official green light from the South Florida Water Management District.
The long-rumored new areas— a Cars-themed land and the much-anticipated Villains Land—are now set to move forward with construction.
While many fans are thrilled about the park’s upcoming additions, others are heartbroken over the loss of historic areas that have been a part of Disney World since its early days.
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Expansion Moves Forward
The expansion plan comes with a cost—one that has many longtime Disney diehards up in arms. The project will require the removal of Rivers of America, a scenic waterway designed with Walt Disney’s original vision in mind. This means the end of Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the classic water routes that have delighted guests since the park’s opening in 1971.
If you’ve written before, do so again! – @JLHomni on X
If you've written before, do so again! https://t.co/m49nxHfgXS
— Joshua L Harris (@JLHomni) February 17, 2025
Now, hundreds of Disney fans have taken to social media and online forums, organizing efforts to petition Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Their goal? To persuade the governor to intervene and protect these historic areas from demolition.
While Disney and Governor DeSantis have had a publicly contentious relationship in recent years, fans are hoping this issue will transcend politics. Their argument centers around preserving Walt Disney’s legacy and ensuring that classic attractions are not erased in favor of new IP-driven lands.
Why Disney Fans Are Reaching Out to DeSantis
Many letters and emails highlight concerns that Disney is straying too far from its traditional storytelling roots. Fans argue that historic rides and scenic elements like Rivers of America offer a unique, nostalgic experience that should not be sacrificed for new, movie-themed expansions.
Disney is not one company. Once you realize each park has its own managers bidding for projects to serve a purpose, you realize the intent is not to replace dead areas of the park, but locations that serve multiple purposes. – @BBindman on X
Disney is not one company. Once you realize each park has its own managers bidding for projects to serve a purpose, you realize the intent is not to replace dead areas of the park, but locations that serve multiple purposes. pic.twitter.com/rE20au9VBe
— Bindman (@BBindman) February 17, 2025
“Walt Disney’s vision was about blending history, fantasy, and innovation,” wrote one concerned fan in a letter to the governor. “Removing Rivers of America is erasing a piece of Disney history.”
The news of Magic Kingdom’s expansion has generated a mixed reaction across Disney fan groups. Some are celebrating the long-awaited Villains Land, which has been at the top of fan wish lists for years. Meanwhile, others feel blindsided by the removal of classic attractions.
The Community’s Reaction to Disney’s Expansion
“Villains Land is a dream come true, but not at the cost of something so iconic,” says one longtime Disney Annual Passholder. “Disney should expand without erasing what makes Magic Kingdom special.”
On the other hand, many fans believe the change is necessary for the future of the park.
“It’s time for something fresh,” another guest shared. “Rivers of America is great, but it doesn’t hold the same appeal as a fully immersive Villains experience.”
That’s it. It’s over. RIP Magic Kingdom. – @Kneon on X
That's it. It's over. RIP Magic Kingdom. https://t.co/75IxN4dBpw
— Kneon (@Kneon) February 17, 2025
The controversy has also ignited debates among theme park analysts. Some experts argue that Disney must innovate to compete with Universal Orlando Resort, which is preparing to open Epic Universe, a massive new park featuring Super Nintendo World and additional high-tech attractions.
“There’s no denying that Disney has to step up its game,” said a theme park expert. “Universal’s expansions are pushing Disney to evolve, and sometimes that means letting go of nostalgia.”
How Disney Theme Park Expansions Impact the Guest Experience
Theme park expansions are often met with mixed reactions, but history has shown that new lands can revitalize attendance and guest excitement. When Disney’s Pandora – The World of Avatar opened in 2017, many initially doubted its relevance. However, it quickly became one of Animal Kingdom’s biggest successes, drawing massive crowds and earning critical acclaim for its immersive design.
Similarly, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land reshaped Hollywood Studios, transforming it from a half-day park into a must-visit destination. Could the same happen with Villains Land and Cars Land in Magic Kingdom? Fans are divided, but Disney’s track record suggests that major expansions lead to long-term gains.
Beyond fan sentiment, the financial aspect of Disney’s expansion cannot be ignored. A project of this scale requires a significant investment, potentially exceeding billions of dollars. The company must balance guest satisfaction with revenue growth, ensuring that the new attractions generate enough excitement to justify their cost.
Moreover, large-scale construction projects require careful planning to minimize disruption to the guest experience. Disney will likely implement phased construction, allowing areas of Magic Kingdom to remain operational while work is underway.
What Could Happen Next?
The likelihood of Governor DeSantis stepping in to halt Disney’s expansion remains unclear. While his past disputes with Disney have been highly publicized, it is uncertain whether he would take action against the company’s decision to repurpose Magic Kingdom’s existing space.
At this stage, the best hope for those opposed to the expansion is that Disney acknowledges fan concerns and finds a way to preserve some of the park’s historic elements while moving forward with the new lands.
In the meantime, fans are continuing to spread the word on social media, write letters, and sign petitions, hoping their voices will be heard. Some have even called for a compromise, suggesting that Disney relocate the historic attractions rather than remove them entirely.
The Future of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
Whether fans support the expansion or not, one thing is certain—Magic Kingdom is about to change forever. The introduction of Villains Land and a Cars-themed area will mark a new era for the park, bringing thrilling new attractions, immersive storytelling, and state-of-the-art experiences.
But with so much history on the line, the question remains: Is progress worth the price of nostalgia?
As emails and letters continue pouring into DeSantis’ office, all eyes are on Disney and Florida’s governor to see if any last-minute changes could be made. For now, fans wait anxiously to see whether their voices will make a difference in shaping the future of Disney’s most iconic park.
What are your thoughts on this Magic Kingdom expansion? Should Disney World stop or should they do away with these landmarks?