Disney’s plans to transform its Magic Kingdom theme park by adding lands based on “Cars” and Disney villains are one step closer to becoming a reality.
After months of back-and-forth, the South Florida Water Management District has approved a permit Disney World filed for its massive Magic Kingdom expansion project.
The permit, which covers a 62-acre area of the park, calls for stormwater management enhancements, drainage system upgrades and more. The approval gives Disney the green light to drain Rivers of America and to demolish Tom Sawyer Island to make way for a land based on Pixar’s “Cars” movies.
Disney revealed plans for this land at D23 Expo in August. The “Cars” area will be an extension of Frontierland and will include two attractions—a ride designed like a rally race that takes riders over rugged terrain and a ride geared toward “smaller racers.”
At the D23 event, Disney also announced plans for a villains land in an area of Magic Kingdom behind Big Thunder Mountain that’s been referred to as “Beyond Big Thunder.” This area will also include two attractions as well as shopping and dining.
Rivers of America opened with Magic Kingdom in 1971. Tom Sawyer Island opened two years later in 1973. The Liberty Belle riverboat, which also calls Rivers of America home, is expected to close as well.
Disney has not yet said when Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will close. Construction on the “Cars” area is expected to begin this year.
In addition to the Magic Kingdom project, Disney is also replacing Dino Land, U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a new land. Tropical Americas will feature attractions based on Disney’s animated movie “Encanto” and the Indiana Jones franchise.
