Magic KingdomNews

Disney Cleared to Drain Rivers of America

Joshua
Written by Joshua Posted
Disney Cleared to Drain Rivers of America

Disney has secured approval from the South Florida Water Management District to overhaul Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. With the “407 Basin Stormwater Modifications” permit, Disney can remove Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island to pave the way for new villains- and Cars-themed lands. Literally.

Map from Magic Kingdom construction permit showing laydown yards and a request to fill in Rivers of America.
Magic Kingdom construction permit map showing laydown yards and plans to fill in Rivers of America. Laydown yards are used to store materials, equipment, and vehicles.

This is unwelcome news for old-school Magic Kingdom fans, many of whom hoped the state would refuse Disney’s request. Last September, the District responded to Disney’s original permit filing with a lengthy request for additional information. But Disney’s plans were never in jeopardy, as evidenced by today’s approval.

I predict Disney will move quickly to close Rivers of America. With Big Thunder Mountain Railroad down for a lengthy refurbishment, this is the perfect time to drain water and move dirt. I had hoped to visit this idyllic part of Frontierland once more in April. I’d be surprised if construction walls weren’t up before then, however.