By Juliana Octavini
And the plans for the expansion of Magic Kingdom They're full steam!
As we have announced here before (REMEMBER IN THIS POST), Disney will do the greatest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom, as revealed in the last D23 of California.
On Monday (18 February 2025), Disney received environmental authorization from the South Florida Water Management District to remove the areas where “Rivers of America” and “Tom Sawyer Island” operate today. The company will transform the space to build a new attraction inspired by the “Cars” franchise and, in addition, another one dedicated to Disney villains.
Disney will turn the areas into rough terrain, aligned with the Frontierland theme, to receive a racing attraction inspired by “Cars”. In addition, the project will include a new family attraction, but Disney has not yet revealed the theme.
This environmental license entitles Disney to make modifications in its watersheds, paving the way for the company to eventually demolish both attractions.
Magic Kingdom Expansion will remove original park attractions
Disney opened the Rivers of America in 1971. The artificial river runs through the areas of Liberty Square and Frontierland. Already Tom Sawyer Island opened in 1973 and is an artificial island located in Rivers of America, with a mine, a cave, trails and all inspired by the stories of Mark Twain, one of the most famous writers in American literature. Thus, both are part of the park's original attractions.
Disney, however, has not yet revealed when “Rivers of America” and “Tom Sawyer Island” will officially close even when expansion work will begin, but there are speculations that they should take place later this year.
I confess that I look forward to seeing what Disney is planning for this expansion! Let's wait!
Source: Click Orlando
