Disney World Files Amended Permit For Rivers of America Demolition
At D23: The Ultimate Fan Event, Disney announced that a new Cars Land was coming to the Magic Kingdom.
Replacing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, the new land will differentiate itself from Cars Land at Disney California Adventure by integrating the Cars IP into Frontierland.


Photo: Disney
“The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city,” Josh D’Amaro told the audience at D23.
Disney Announced That Construction Would Begin Next Year
With construction set to start in earnest next year, Disney has been preparing for the Frontierland overhaul by filing the proper paperwork with various governmental bodies in Florida.
While these permits are usually routine, Disney has had some trouble with a permit relating to the draining of the Rivers of America. Beginning shortly after the project was announced, Disney has gone back and forth with the state.


Photo: South Florida Water Management District
Earlier this month, the South Florida Water Management District notified Disney that their permit application was incomplete. The notice explained that it would be rejected if Disney did not amend the application with the needed within 10 days. Subsequently, Disney got an extension.
Disney Has Now Filed the Amended Permit
Today, Disney finally filed the amended permit request with the water management district. The entity now has 30 days to review the update or request additional information.
While it is almost inevitable that Disney and the state will work through the administrative roadblocks, the prolonged process could push back the start of construction.
For now, however, the ball is in the South Florida Water Management District’s Court.