Disney is courting massive controversy.
Last weekend, Disney announced a slew of brand-new attractions at the 2024 D23 Ultimate Fan Event. However, once the new announcement hype began to subside, fears emerged about where these new additions would go, and what classic rides they may replace. In the case of the Magic Kingdom’s upcoming Cars-themed attractions, those fears have been confirmed.
As announced at D23, the massive Cars area coming to the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland will feature one attraction that will “invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes”, while the other will be a smaller attraction geared toward the children and the whole family.
While many fans were initially wary at the idea of Cars being placed into the western-themed land — even with Disney’s explanation that “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,” – – they were mostly accepting of it, until a few days later, when Disney announced where exactly the new attractions would be going.
A few days after D23, Disney confirmed that “to make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers.”
Based on the feedback to our coverage of the announcement on Facebook, it’s an understatement to say that many are unhappy with the idea of losing the Rivers of America — an integral part of Disney’s castle-based theme parks and their aesthetics since Disneyland opened in 1955 — for a pair of Cars attractions.
Reader Eric summed up the feelings of several commenters who expressed frustration at a classic Disney element being replaced by an intellectual property-based attraction: “This also means Rivers of America will be gone, which is incredibly sad. So much of the soul and idea of the park is being stripped away to shoehorn IP where it doesn’t really fit. There should be a new park built, there is plenty of land to do so. It would also help alleviate some of the congestion in the current parks.”
Reader Kathleen expressed a similar sentiment to Eric, writing “It’s just sad to me that IPs seem to be taking over everything. And there’s going to be just a lot more asphalt to keep you nice and hot. I agree with those saying just reinvent the speedway. Leave the river and riverboat alone. I don’t visit Tom Sawyer Island but I know a lot of people like the down time away from the people and the heat.”
Reader Stephanie was also upset, and was one of several readers to express bewilderment about how the change will affect a remaining classic attraction. “I’m so upset about this. It’s going to make the Haunted Mansion seem very out of place. The Magic Kingdom needs to expand not replace. The boat and the island are what still holds some nostalgia for some of us.”
Reader Wendy will miss the aesthetic appeal of the area, “This is too bad. I loved going to Tom Sawyer island with a picnic lunch and just take a break from everything. Losing the river of America is also sad as it added a nice ambiance to the park.”
Reader Mary also expressed sadness at the loss of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, but for different reasons. They expressed, “I don’t love TS island but as a parent to a kid with autism, I think it was a good place for parents to bring kids with autism to get away from all the simulation and crowds. They should just replace the speedway. I don’t think they should get rid of the river or the boat.”
Reader Jody Ann gave arguably the most blunt reading of the situation, “I hate this. They are getting rid of all the classic Disney.”
Other readers, like Marina, expressed more mixed feelings about the change. They wrote, “This is what I was afraid of. My hope was that this was an expansion without having to replace any other existing areas in the park. I’m excited about having a Cars Land at MK but it is sad to be sacrificing Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island for this. This was such a nice quiet place to take a break from the crowds.”
While the vast majority of reader reaction to these changes were negative, we would be remiss to not include some of the more positive reactions we received.
According to reader Lisa, no more Tom Sawyer Island is no loss at all. “Tom Sawyers Island was in need of an upgrade or something. Personally I found it creepy. I am really not that sad to see it go. Looking foward to seeing this expansion in about 10 years.”
Reader Daniel expressed his believe that Walt Disney himself would approve of this change, writing “Thank you, so glad they are getting rid of Tom Sawyer’s. To those that say they are getting rid of Walt’s dream. Clearly don’t know his dream enough. He knew that the parks should never be classed as complete. It’s like saying they shouldn’t change Tomorrow land because it’s Walt’s original design. But has been changed numerous times over the years. If you watch the Imagineering story Walt would have said “what took you so long”. Both ferry and island are long past their expiration dates and are no longer the IPs/attractions they were.”
Reader Bryan said something similar, writing “I’m sad to see the original history of the park going, but if I’m going to be completely honest, I haven’t been to the island or on the River Boat since 1980. It’s such an underutilized area. When I heard that the Nemo Submarines were gone it was sad, but it made way for the 7 Dwarves Mine Train, Ariel, Be Our Guest, and so many more great rides and areas. This feels the same to me. Walt’s vision was always of an evolving and changing park. I’m sure he’d be tickled pink that the Carousel of Progress and its a small world were still around.”
Disney’s decision to add a massive Cars expansion to the Magic Kingdom at the expense of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island is causing some major divided feelings amongst Disney fans. Stay tuned to AllEars for further updates on all of Disney’s upcoming projects.
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What are your opinions on Cars replacing the Rivers of America? Let us know in the comments below.
Leave the classic Disney alone. Cars has no place in frontier land. Build a Pixar park instead. Plenty of land available and plenty of concepts for rides, attractions, and shows from the Pixar library. Disney could also build Pixar themed hotels by Pixar Land.
IT STINKS!!! There is plenty of space available where this could be done without destroying a classic area. I don’t have any desire to go back to what Disney World is becomning.
Walt always said that you cannot grow without change. Tom Sawyer’s Island was great back in the day, but it has long since lost it’s luster. It is time for new attractions to be brought in that reflect the interests of our kids and grandkids. We cannot expect them to appreciate the same things we did. While I agree that Cars land is a strange fit for Frontierlabd, it could have for nicely where the Tomorrowland Raceway is now. The could have made it a new expansion of New Fantasyland,so it wouldn’t disrupt the theming of Tomorrowland. Instead of putting CarsLand in to area of Tom Sawyers Island, they could have incorporated that area into Liberty Square and used the backdrop of The Haunted Mansion to build their Villainsland. As for the expansion of Frontierland,the area behind Big Thumder would have been perfect. The fact that they want to make things more appealing for a new, younger audience is not the problem, the problem lies with the logistics!
I would be ok with redesigning the area to keep Rivers of America and some seperation between the main frontier land and cars attraction. They could maintain the asthetics of the river vibe while still adding to frontier land. Re-purpose the riverboat. I love the idea of a new restaurant for Tianna.
I hate this. I think they should just expand toy story land and put cars there. Also let’s talk about the hotel for Star Wars. All that money just setting empty. At least turn it into a hotel. I am sure they can find other star wars related things to.fill the space. The Catania in Glaxay’s Edge is always pack, why not move it into there along with star wars based shopping. The shops are way too small. But back to the Riverboat and Tom Sawyers Island, leave it alone.
I would of rather saw them get rid of The Tomorrowland Speedway and put it there! It doesn’t belong in Frontierland!
This new area is going to be SO UGLY
So…rather than tie it in to BTM and expand in the NW corner of the park (they can move part of Floridian way)…they will wipe away a beloved reprieve….Management doesn’t seem to learn.
I’m not sad to see Tom Sawyer Island go or the steam boat really. However, I do wish they would have chosen a different genre for that area. Not real thrilled with cars. I wasn’t a happy camper when splash mountain was replaced. There was no need for that in my opinion. I’m hoping when we ride that for the first time in December that we enjoy it. It’s a shame Disney doesn’t take surveys before they move ahead with their plans!
I am incredibly sad that such an iconic place in the Magic Kingdom is being destroyed. Why? It’s a beautiful, gentle place to be and it shouldn’t all be about rides. Disney is about taking you to a different place: ambience. Add to the park do not take away. A very natural part is being destroyed: the lovely river and all the trees and bushes on the island.
I would so miss Tom Sawyer’s Island if this happens. It’s such a great escape from the congestion and the crowds, like having a park in the middle of a city. Now it will be more congestion in Frontierland with no escape. Very sad.
I am not concerned about losing a fake man-made river. Lol. The riverboat is largely empty most of the time. As is Tom Sawyers island. So a new area is great. My concern is how it blends into old America, western and now New Orleans themed areas. It’ll meld good with Big Thunder. Initially I was concerned but have faith that imagineers will execute this well and we will love it.
It’s just another screw up! What idiot is running the show! They did away with splash Mountain and gave it to Tiana. She should have had her very own attraction. I rode it and it was really nice. But they could have done so much better for her. Now they’re going to take away nostalgia. Yes, it’s great to move forward to the future, but don’t forget the past, a part of our history. Cars would have been better over in Hollywood studio where there would be more for younger kids other than Andy’s playground.
People always look for the negative. I can’t wait to go to Tom Sawyer island said no one visiting Magic Kingdom. Let’s wait to see the finished product before we trash it.
Disney seems too forget what got them their and continues to add cheap thrill attractions which take away from what was once a pleasant place too visit
To all those who say “Walt’s dream was of a park never finished”, a) that was of Disneyland, b) DisneyWorld was supposed to be a city. W/ that said Tomorrow land was supposed to be that area always changing, and yet Autotopia once again gets a pass. Meanwhile, Tom Sawyers Island, Rivers of America and the River Boat were both Walt and Roy’s childhood. They were put in as the innocent remembrance of their childhood view of the American West. Of a time where the land was vast and open and adventures were found in trees, rocks, rivers and forts. Not in concrete, asphalt and cars. They were also put there just to have a place to slow down and enjoy nature. That sh*t area they just opened at EPCOT is not relaxing and from what I’ve heard , most people are starting to hate it calling it a waste of money. Autotopia is what should have been changed to CARS land and they could have done it while building TRON. This is an epic fail for Disney corp.
I echo the feelings of so many that I’ve personally spoken with and, also, for many comments that I have seen posted. I’m sick and tired of watching the powers that be, rip the iconic parks apart to REPLACE. I have no problem with expansion….but replacement of classics are unwelcomed. Is Disney listening and do they care about their loyal fan base? I feel that they don’t. And once gone…these things are gone FOREVER.
This is disappointing and nothing more than a money grab. I’m sure the new cars land will have LOTS of shops and a few restaurants. I thought that getting rid of Crapick would have recentered the company. Unfortunately it’s becoming more and more apparent that the biggest problem at Disney is leadership. Disney needs another Isner! Under his leadership rides rarely broke down and the parks were spotless. The company didn’t wade into woke or political debates. They did what they were supposed to do which was sell smiles for a living. It’s not too late to right the ship but the door is closing.
I just feel that the Cars attraction is going in the wrong place. I’m wondering how the “modern” vehicles will look in a Frontier setting.
I’m sad that the one quiet zone where parents can take a break and let kids just run off some sugar energy is being replaced with desert. I’d don’t care much about the theme itself, but I sure wish they’d keep the river, the shade, and the ambiance. It’s hot enough without adding more desert. And I love seeing the birds around the water.
Spot on, good sir. They cut so much from the EPCOT remodel because they couldn’t afford to pay for everything. Eliminating the river and filling it in, compacting to enough to build on then actually building the entire land will surely cost more than what was spent on. EPCOT. How will this be funded? Or should we expect the same lackluster finished product they made in EPCOT? It’s just sad to me that the Disney executives no longer care about the guest experience. It seems they only care about how much they can remove from your bank account. Man, I miss Mr. Eisner! He championed the Disney spirit like no other Disney executive, expect, of course, Walt himself.
I’m just confused as to a “Cars” attraction. It’s looks to be very similar rude vehicles and mechanics to that of Teat Travk, one park over…
Shocked ! Destroy TS Island and the Rivers of America ? There are parcels of land that could be utilized instead of the Rivers of America footprint. What a huge mistake and loss to the park ambience.
I hate that these whiny Disney adults who call themselves “true fans” ignore Walt’s desire for the parks to always be changing. And that idea applies to ALL parks, despite what some people say… Tom Sawyer island is a total waste of space and has been for a long time. Glad to see it going. Cars Land proves that Cars has a place in the parks, and I’m excited to see 2 completely new rides replacing a part of the park that basically nobody goes to.
Reader Myma says that she goes to the island every time with the kiddos. It was a good quiet break from all the crowds. Perhaps too quiet, as we would often have the place just about to ourselves. My kids are OK with the new Cars concept, as long as they keep a moat around the areas, with a bridge or two like how there are bridges to most of the lands in MK.
Disney should reconsider destroying this classic and beautiful part of the park. Cars land can go somewhere else (like Hollywood Studios), but there’s only one Liberty Square and one Frontierland. Taking out Rivers of America will remove an important part of the theming and make it unrecognizable. I’ve been a longtime Disney pass member, but I’m considering let it expire and just go to Epic Universe.
Nope. It’s sad to see some people”glad” that an under utilized area is being bulldozed. Whether they go there or not is irrelevant. And any point equating people wanting to keep the scenic waterway with ” never changing Tomorrowland” is loony town. Walt himself DID say the parks would change, although more about Epcot than MK. But anyone who is glad that the water way with its cooling effect and natural beauty being destroyed is not really a classic Disney fan. The point, Tom Sawyer Island Haters, is that Disney has PLENTY of room to add CARS attraction without tearing out a single thing. When you tear something down to build something else you are remodeling, not expanding. Magic Kingdom needs expanding. I guess we’ll wait until 2050 for Villains land (at the rate Disney has been completing projects lately). Maybe they should hire Universal engineers, who are building an entire new theme park in the same time it took Disney to do a mediocre “upgrade” at Epcot Future World (“The water is not feeling playful right now, come back next week between 9-10 am, when it will actually work for an hour”).
Joe Rohde still has enough earlobe stretch left to fix this if you give him a call. Frontierland was all about taking a step back. You can’t just hop aboard a steam powered train or riverboat anymore…
Dig out more swampland. A new Pixar ip park should have been in development since at least 2005. Now you are shoehorning into places where it doesn’t fit while ruining the character of many parts of the parks. A Pixar land and Star wars land once it became viable were the options. Universal has been smelling blood for years and they may end up building two more parks (in infinitely less space available) before Disney gets with the program.
Exactly! Walt did want the park to evolve, but he also had a strong love for preserving history and making sure the park is a place for EVERYONE. The rivers of America are a place for people to relax, which are few and far between in a theme park without paying extra or having an expensive meal. Cars will look extremely out of place there and it makes no sense. I’d be happy if they updated the island, but getting rid of it just seems like a terrible idea. Cars next to liberty square will look ridiculous, especially with how historically accurate the buildings there are. Plus the first thing I thought was, great, now Magic Kingdom is gonna collect heat the way Hollywood Studios does, instead of a nice breeze we’ll get a valley that’s boiling. People who say it’s good it’s going away because they don’t go there don’t get the point. It’s like saying they should get rid of areas geared towards small children because they don’t appeal to adults.
But it isn’t natural, it’s man made. Now if they still had the canoes it might be more utilized. The new area will have water judging by the images.
What statement at the park would never be finished was never meant to be an excuse for every stupid and isidiotic idea that the current inept Disney Administration is coming up with with the rapidity of multiplying rabbits. I’m so disgusted and tired of hearing that excuse every time Disney comes up with another piece of garbage to ruin the park. Without Tom Sawyer island, it’s no longer the Magic Kingdom, And even if they did need to come up something new, the ideas that they’ve presented with glee are the most amateuristic and lame things I could possibly imagine.