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Disney’s plans for the Frontierland makeover may have hit a snag. Can Rivers of America be saved?

BBG News

As a lifelong Disney enthusiast, I’ve seen my fair share of park changes over the years – some good, some not so much. The proposed transformation of Frontierland into a Cars land has left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I’m excited about the prospect of new attractions, as the success of Radiator Springs Rally in California Adventure speaks for itself. However, the idea of paving over the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island feels like a step too far.

It appears that Disney’s proposal to transform Rivers of America/Tom Sawyer Island into a Cars-themed area in Walt Disney World might encounter significant obstacles. Could there be hope for this part of the park to remain unchanged?

Enthusiasts of Disney parks are typically excited when they hear about new attraction unveilings. However, the announcement at D23 that Frontierland in Walt Disney World will be revamped with two attractions based on Cars has sparked significant criticism. While it could be exciting to have these rides breathe life into the area, as Radiator Springs revitalized California Adventure and became a key draw for visitors, many fans are expressing reservations about this transformation.

However, it appears that the art depicts Disney planning to cover the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island in their upcoming project. This decision has sparked significant protest among Disney enthusiasts, as these waterways are integral components of Frontierland. Many appreciate Tom Sawyer Island for its peaceful atmosphere, while the rivers also serve a crucial cooling function during the scorching Florida summers.

It appears that Disney is prepared to proceed, but has encountered a major issue due to Florida’s recent actions. For those who may not have been aware, Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have been involved in a significant disagreement over Disney’s stance against DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” legislation. This dispute has resulted in a lengthy and intricate legal battle regarding the potential revocation of Disney’s rights to its private land, which took some time to resolve.

Just like any other project, Disney has to apply for permits for construction work, and it’s this process where the challenge arises. A significant problem in Florida is the high water table and swamp areas, which make basement installation uncommon in homes there. Reconfiguring a 50-year-old artificial river is an enormous task that the state approaches with great care due to its complexity.

According to WDWMagic.net, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has sent Disney’s first plan for the Frontierland expansion back, asking them to make more adjustments and provide additional information before they can proceed with the process.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has pointed out several discrepancies between Disney’s construction blueprints and the previously sanctioned conceptual layouts. The SFWMD is urging Disney to provide additional explanations regarding the potential consequences these inconsistencies might have on the wetlands and complex stormwater systems beneath Walt Disney World. Furthermore, they need Disney to explain how they intend to mitigate any negative effects on the environment, Magic Kingdom, and local wildlife – a critical concern for the Rivers.

The delay in the makeover doesn’t necessarily signal its demise, as such hold-ups are typical for any Disney project, especially one as vast as this expansion. However, given the project’s immense scale and significant environmental impact compared to a standard Disney venture, there’s an increased significance attached to it.

Currently, Disney has 90 days to submit a new permit; however, they might request an extension. If granted, this delay would push back the overall construction timeline. Interestingly, Florida has postponed the final closure date for Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island attractions, offering fans a temporary reprieve, albeit unlikely, before they ultimately close permanently.

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2024-09-18 22:57

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