Walt Disney World is moving forward with significant changes to its Magic Kingdom landscape. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has recently approved a demolition permit involving the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. This approval paves the way for ambitious expansion plans in Frontierland, including new attractions and themed areas.
Here’s a closer look at what this permit means and what to expect in the coming years.
What’s Included in the Permit?
The demolition permit covers modifications to approximately 62 acres in Magic Kingdom. This includes draining the Rivers of America, the removal of Tom Sawyer Island, and land preparation to support future projects. The permit also outlines essential stormwater management adaptations to accommodate the changes.
This marks a crucial step for Disney’s proposed expansion, following months of back-and-forth discussions between Disney, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, and SFWMD. Disney’s compliance with the state’s detailed information requests ultimately led to the project receiving the green light.
Expansion Plans for Frontierland
The demolition of the Rivers of America is part of the largest expansion project in Magic Kingdom’s history. During the 2024 D23 Expo, Disney confirmed plans to transform the northwest corner of Magic Kingdom with new attractions inspired by popular franchises like “Cars” and a highly anticipated Villains Land.
The removal of Rivers of America will create the space needed for these new developments. The expansion will include Cars-themed attractions alongside the long-awaited Villains Land, with construction expected to accelerate following this recent permit approval.
Impact on Current Attractions
Two iconic Magic Kingdom locations, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, are slated to close. While official closing dates have not yet been announced, it’s anticipated they will occur soon to make way for construction.
A related refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also underway and scheduled through 2026. This may allow Disney to coordinate construction efforts in Frontierland, aligning the river and island closure with the planned updates to ensure minimal disruption to park operations.
What Happens Next?
Now that the permit has been approved, construction preparations are likely to begin without delay. This work will include significant site prep like tree clearing and creating construction staging areas. Drainage of the Rivers of America is expected to start early in the process to ready the area for demolition and development.
Disney is expected to release an official timeline soon, detailing park changes and closures for existing attractions. Visitors planning trips for late 2025 and beyond should keep an eye out for these updates and adjust their itineraries accordingly.
Looking Ahead
For fans of Magic Kingdom, these changes bring both excitement and nostalgia. While the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island have been fixtures in the park for decades, the upcoming transformation offers a glimpse into the future of Disney parks: one filled with modern attractions and immersive storytelling.
This expansion aligns with Walt Disney World’s ongoing effort to remain a leader in theme park innovation while honoring its legacy. The addition of Cars-themed attractions and Villains Land promises to bring fresh experiences for repeat visitors and newcomers alike.
Closing Thoughts
The approval of the Rivers of America demolition permit is a major milestone for Disney’s Frontierland expansion. While it means saying goodbye to classic attractions, it also signifies a bold step forward in revitalizing Magic Kingdom with new storytelling opportunities.
As construction progresses, we’ll be sure to keep you up-to-date on timelines and specifics for this expansive project. Stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles delivered to your inbox. Exciting changes are on the horizon at Walt Disney World!
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
