Disney world river demolition plans
Forbes Torches Disney as Imagineers, Historians, Expert Pundits, and Fans Unite Against Rivers of America Demolition in Walt Disney World
When Disney makes national headlines, it used to be for billion-dollar acquisitions or blockbuster box office numbers. But this time, the House of Mouse is under fire — not from competitors, not from politicians, but from every corner of its own fanbase. In a blistering piece for
Forbes
, journalist Caroline Reid lays out the full scope of Disney’s latest disaster: the planned demolition of the historic Rivers of America at Walt Disney World in the Magic Kingdom.
A Closed Sign on the Entrance to Tom Sawyer’s Island – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
It’s the kind of scathing critique rarely seen in legacy media, and Reid pulls no punches. Her article, titled “Disney Facing Furious Backlash Over $17 Billion Theme Park Investments” details a wave of fury sparked by Disney’s decision to replace the scenic Rivers of America, the iconic steamboat to Liberty belle, and Tom Sawyer Island with a Cars-themed rally ride.
Forbes
also directly cites
That Park Place
and its publisher WDW Pro.
This wasn’t just a rundown of negative tweets.
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 Flo
Nature “Reclaims” Rivers of America as Disney World Drains Waterway for Demolition
Almost three months after closing, nature is starting to reclaim the Rivers of America, crews try to drain the remaining water, construction walls are up, and there’s a flurry of worker activity in Magic Kingdom. There are a a few new notable changes worth sharing as Imagineering gears up to start on Piston Peak and Villains Land, and we’re going to cover those here.
As we previously reported, permits have already been filed for the demolition of Tom Sawyer Island. In the months since that area closed, countless workers have been spotted on the island, initially with boats transporting items away. As is normally the case, a variety of teams from Operations, Imagineering, and the Walt Disney Archives tag various items for reuse, preservation, or resale to collectors.
While we’re sure that the Lopez Bros, Stamos and NPH are all adding to their collections as a result of the closures
(happy for them–but jealous)
, we’re really hoping a lot of this stuff receives a new lease on life at Lakeshore Lodge, Fort Wilderness, and elsewhere around Walt Disney Wo
Scaffolding Rises in Riverbed of America as Piston Peak Prep Accelerates in Magic Kingdom
With the Rivers of America mostly drained (
depending on daily afternoon storm status
), crews are now erecting a multi-level metal scaffolding structure to block guests views of the demolition of Tom Sawyer Island, and construction of the Piston Peak Cars Land in Magic Kingdom. Here’s a look at the latest.
As we previously reported, permits have already been filed for the demolition of Tom Sawyer Island. I’ve spent a lot of time around the River(bed)s of America in the last couple of weeks, and have actually spotted construction crews on Tom Sawyer Island on several occasions. Or maybe project leadership? I’m not really sure. It’s mostly been people walking around in yellow vests pointing at things and having very important conversations, not doing any demolition or other substantive work.
Speaking of which, this update picks up where our previous one,
Nature “Reclaims” Rivers of America as Walt Disney World Drains Waterway for Demolition
, left off. As the title there suggests, crews were contending with storm season, meaning that some mornings the Rivers of