Disney Submits Magic Kingdom Transformation Plans to South Florida Water Management District

The transformation of Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island is moving forward, with Walt Disney World submitting revised plans to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). This marks the latest step in Disney’s journey to turn these classic park areas into an all-new “Cars”-themed land.

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In response to SFWMD’s Request for Additional Information (RAI), Disney submitted a 23-page document addressing comments on the project. While the updated plans don’t reveal significant changes, they include new diagrams and details that bring the project’s scope into sharper focus. One of the most notable updates confirms that the iconic Rivers of America will be filled in to make way for the new expansion. The waterway will be filled to an elevation of 98.75 feet, with surface water redirected to a newly constructed pond to ensure proper stormwater management.

The plans also include a table of wetland and mitigation data, a basin drain report, and other technical documents that address the environmental and structural aspects of the transformation. These updates come after SFWMD initially flagged 20 issues with Disney’s permit application, citing concerns about wetland impacts, stormwater management, and local wildlife.

Disney was given a 90-day deadline to address the RAI, and after requesting an extension, filed their updated plans on December 19, 2024. SFWMD now has 30 days to review the submission and decide if additional information is needed or if the plans can move forward.

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What’s Next for the Magic Kingdom Transformation?

If approved, construction is expected to kick off in early 2025, marking the beginning of a significant change for Magic Kingdom. Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America have long been staples of the park’s frontier and adventure themes, but the new “Cars”-themed area promises to bring fresh excitement and a Pixar-inspired flair to the park.

While some fans might be sad to see these iconic areas transformed, Disney’s plans aim to balance innovation with environmental responsibility, ensuring the new land is both imaginative and sustainable.

Stay tuned as SFWMD reviews Disney’s latest submission—this is just the start of what promises to be a major shift in Magic Kingdom’s landscape!

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