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Credit: Business Insider, XWalt Disney World is facing a significant roadblock in its ambitious plans for a new expansion at Magic Kingdom, as the Florida Water Management District has issued a critical warning regarding Disney’s permit application for early construction work on the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
If the application is not updated within 10 days, Disney risks seeing the entire proposal rejected, which could severely delay the start of these high-profile projects.
Permit in Jeopardy
In a letter from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) sent on December 1, 2024, Disney was informed that its permit application remains incomplete and in danger of being rejected.
The permit, which is necessary for the early phases of work on the Rivers of America and surrounding forested areas, is crucial for the upcoming overhaul of Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. It includes plans for construction laydown yards and demolition work to pave the way for a new Cars-themed land and a Villains-themed area.
SFWMD’s letter highlighted that additional information requested from Disney back in September 2024 has not been provided, despite the looming deadline for resubmission. Should Disney fail to address the concerns or withdraw the application, the permit will be processed for denial, effectively stalling the project.
The letter stresses that the permit rejection would not preclude Disney from reapplying, but it would create substantial delays for the timeline of the Magic Kingdom expansion.
Potential Impact on Disney’s Expansion Timeline
The news could have far-reaching consequences, with many of the highly anticipated changes tied directly to the approval of this permit. The construction of three laydown yards for the Cars-themed expansion—situated near key areas like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Rivers of America—would serve as the first phase of a broader renovation.
These laydown yards are vital for staging equipment and preparing the ground for what promises to be a major transformation of Magic Kingdom’s iconic Frontierland. Without the green light for this work, the entire project could face significant delays, pushing back not just the construction but potentially the planned 2025 opening of Cars Land at Magic Kingdom.
Cars Land and Villains Land at Magic Kingdom
At the 2024 D23 Expo, Disney officially revealed plans for “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” an expansive new section of the park that includes Cars Land and a long-rumored Villains-themed area.
This marks a major shift for Magic Kingdom, as the transformation will necessitate the closure of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. Both of these beloved attractions, which have been a part of Magic Kingdom since its opening in 1971, will be replaced with sweeping new landscapes inspired by the Cars franchise and Disney villains.
The project has generated excitement among Disney fans, particularly those eager to see the Cars universe expanded at Walt Disney World. However, many are also lamenting the loss of iconic attractions like the Liberty Square Riverboat, which will cease operations as part of the construction.
Major Changes in the Disney Parks Pipeline
The current situation with the Rivers of America project is just one part of Disney’s larger strategy to overhaul its theme parks. In addition to the major work planned for Magic Kingdom, Disney has already broken ground on significant expansions at other parks.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, construction is underway to replace DinoLand U.S.A. with a South American-inspired land themed to Encanto, alongside a new Indiana Jones attraction that will replace the classic DINOSAUR ride. Meanwhile, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plans for a Monsters, Inc.-themed area are set to begin in 2025.
While these exciting developments continue to shape the future of Disney’s parks, they also highlight the increasing complexity of managing multiple high-profile construction projects at once.
The current permit issues at Magic Kingdom illustrate just how critical it is for Disney to keep projects on track. Any delays in securing the necessary approvals could ripple through the construction schedules and delay the opening of new attractions that were already scheduled for 2025.
What’s at Stake for Disney and Visitors
For Disney fans, the stakes are high. With the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island slated for demolition to make way for new lands, many visitors who’ve planned trips to Magic Kingdom in the near future will need to adjust their expectations. The upcoming closures will be a disappointment for those hoping to take their final rides on classic attractions like the Liberty Square Riverboat.
For Disney, delays in construction will likely have a cascading effect on the timing of new park experiences across the resort. With the competition among theme parks growing fiercer and guest expectations higher than ever, any significant delay in the debut of new lands could disrupt not just Disney’s plans, but also its ability to compete in the rapidly evolving theme park market.
Looking Ahead
As Disney scrambles to address the permit’s issues within the next 10 days, the clock is ticking. A rejection could throw the entire project timeline into disarray, delaying construction on what are some of the most anticipated expansions in recent years.
Fans and visitors alike will be watching closely to see how Disney responds to the challenge, and whether the promised new lands at Magic Kingdom will open on schedule or face even further delays.
With stakes this high, the future of Disney’s Magic Kingdom transformation—and the entire Walt Disney World resort—may hinge on swift action in the days to come.