Hey Disney Vacationers! The transformation of Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America is hitting a major hurdle. Disney is racing against the clock to save its Rivers of America permit application for demolition and redevelopment, a crucial first step for the planned expansion of Frontierland. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has flagged the permit application as incomplete, giving Walt Disney World 10 days to provide the missing details or face rejection. Meanwhile, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has requested a 60-day extension to facilitate ongoing discussions between the state and Disney, further complicating the situation.
Let’s break down the latest developments, what’s at stake, and how this impacts Magic Kingdom’s future.
Rivers of America Permit in Jeopardy
A recent letter from SFWMD to Disney outlines the issues:
“The additional information requested by letter on September 11, 2024 has not been received by the South Florida Water Management District (District)…
If you are not ready to submit a complete response you may voluntarily withdraw the application prior to the application being denied…
Should you fail to fully submit the requested information, or to withdraw the application, within 10 days of the date of this letter, the application will be considered incomplete and District staff will process the application for denial, without prejudice to your right to reapply at a later time.”
This notice highlights the urgency of Disney’s response. Without approval, work on Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island cannot begin.
The Role of the CFTOD in the Delay
As Disney scrambles to meet the SFWMD’s deadline, the CFTOD has stepped in, requesting a 60-day extension to provide more time for discussions between the state and Walt Disney World.
This request highlights competing priorities between moving the project forward and ensuring thorough negotiations and compliance with state regulations. If granted, the extension would buy Disney additional time to complete its permit application and address concerns, but it would also delay the start of the project.
What Does the Permit Cover?
The permit application details early preparations for transforming Rivers of America into staging areas for upcoming attractions. Plans include:
- Three laydown yards for construction support.
- Impact to wetland areas near:
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- The Rivers of America
These areas will serve as a base for the construction of two new Cars-themed attractions and support the groundwork for a Villains-themed land adjacent to Haunted Mansion.
Permit Issues: A Timeline
Disney’s challenges with the Rivers of America permit have been ongoing:
- August 2024: Original permit application submitted, shortly after Frontierland expansion announcements at D23 Expo.
- September 2024: SFWMD requested additional details from Disney, which have yet to be provided.
- December 2024: Deadline imposed for submission of missing information.
- CFTOD’s Extension Request: The oversight district intervenes with a request for a 60-day extension to extend discussions.
- December 9, 2024: The SFWMD granted a 30-day extension for Walt Disney to provide the required information. The new deadline is January 2025. SFWMD additional stated an second extension will not be granted. Below is a full breakdown of what’s at stake.
This delay is raising eyebrows, considering the high-profile nature of these projects.
The Bigger Picture: Frontierland Expansion
Disney’s vision for this area includes a Cars-themed expansion and, eventually, the introduction of a Villains-themed land. Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, shared his excitement about the Cars-themed addition:
“We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland. Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.”
Hundgen’s comments reflect Disney’s commitment to reimagining Frontierland while honoring Magic Kingdom’s storytelling legacy.
What’s at Stake?
The outcome of the Rivers of America permit saga will directly impact Disney’s ability to stay on track with its ambitious plans. Key considerations include:
- Demolition Delays: Without permit approval, Disney cannot begin clearing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island.
- Construction Timelines: Delays could push back opening dates for the Cars-themed attractions and Villains-themed land.
- Environmental Scrutiny: The state’s water management authorities and oversight district are prioritizing the environmental impact of these developments.
[Updated: December 20, 2024] Disney Submits Updated Demolition Plans
In a major development, Walt Disney World has submitted a revised permit application in response to the South Florida Water Management District’s Request for Additional Information. This update places the decision-making back in the SFWMD’s hands, which now has 60 days to respond.
Key Details from the Updated Submission
- Clarity on Filling Rivers of America:
Disney’s updated plans confirm that the Rivers of America will be drained and filled with dirt to create a leveled construction area. This preparation will support the Cars-themed expansion and future work on the Villains-themed land. - Preservation of Railroad Tracks:
The updated plans emphasize the protection of the Walt Disney World Railroad tracks, ensuring they won’t be physically removed or modified during this phase. However, temporary closures of the railroad remain a possibility. - Detailed Laydown Yard Plans:
The new permit outlines the construction laydown yards and provides greater detail about the demolition of Tom Sawyer Island and the surrounding areas.
What’s Next?
Disney’s revised submission addresses many of the concerns raised by the state. The updates suggest that Disney has provided enough information for the SFWMD to green-light the project. If approved, work could begin as early as next year, with shovels potentially hitting the ground in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Disney Submits Updated Plans: The revised application clarifies demolition plans and confirms key project elements, including the draining and filling of Rivers of America.
- SFWMD Response Pending: The ball is now in the water management district’s court, with a response required within 60 days.
- Railroad Preservation: Disney has committed to preserving the Walt Disney World Railroad tracks during this phase.
- Progress Moving Forward: The updated submission indicates Disney is firmly pushing ahead with its plans.
This developing story highlights the complexity of Disney’s transformation efforts and the challenges of balancing environmental regulations with ambitious expansion goals. Stay tuned for all the latest updates on the Rivers of America permit and Magic Kingdom’s exciting future.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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