There is a lot of change happening in Disney World!
Animal Kingdom is saying goodbye to DinoLand and hello to Indiana Jones, Aerosmith is packing their bags so Kermit and Miss Piggy can move in, and Ariel is warming up her voice to get back on stage soon! Some of these changes are exciting, some bittersweet but there’s one change that I truly think is a mistake and I can’t keep quiet about it any longer!
There are many attractions, snacks, and shows that have come and gone since Magic Kingdom first opened in 1971. However, this next anticipated closure somehow feels bigger than the others. If you haven’t heard yet, there’s a new Cars land coming to Magic Kingdom, bringing two new attractions with it.
While this is objectively exciting, to gain this new area we have to say goodbye to Tom Sawyer Island, The Liberty Belle Riverboat, and the Rivers of America. I’m not too proud to admit that I understand losing the riverboat and the island. I don’t love it, but there’s no denying that attendance at these attractions doesn’t hold a candle to rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Tron.
The loss of Rivers of America though? I’m having a hard time with this for a few reasons! First, the rivers make the park come alive in my opinion. It adds life, nature, and beauty to the otherwise orange and brown Frontierland. (No offense to Frontierland!) It also is a great place to spot ducks enjoying the water.
This is like asking what would the world look like without oceans! I’d put money on the fact that Earth would be duller, less complex, and missing an integral part of itself. That’s how the Rivers of America feels to me — integral! Second, it does raise environmental concerns.
The Rivers of America are connected to the Seven Seas Lagoon meaning there is a question of wildlife and impact on the areas around it. Disney will have to drain the rivers to make way for the new attractions so we can only imagine how this will impact the natural wildlife around the area. (As much as Disney might try to keep them out, we have seen different examples of wildlife in the rivers.)
Now we are sure Disney will handle this well, they don’t make decisions lightly. However, it is something we are curious about how they will move forward. The recently filmed permits and approvals hint at a drainage system that leads to a new inlet or pond. Now that we have the animals covered, the removal of the Rivers of America begs the question — is nothing sacred?
The Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom are inspired by a body of water with the same name over in Disneyland, a decision Walt Disney worked on directly. Not every Disney park features the rivers, Shanghai Disney and Hong Kong Disneyland both went without the Rivers of America, however, they both have similar bodies of water. (Because they know the importance of water making the parks feel alive!)
Walt Disney said the parks will never be completed. Disney and its team of Imagineers are constantly dreaming of things to create and build, which means things can always change. I’ve always been a staunch supporter of this idea but for some reason, the thought of replacing the rivers that I associate with natural beauty and life with rocks, dust, and long lines is giving me pause.
Finally, I think it’s a mistake because I love the Rivers of America! Has Disney considered how I feel personally? (Please read with sarcasm.) I will truly be gutted to see this area go. I love the riverboat, wildlife (gators included), and Tom Sawyer Island so much as a reprieve from the crowds and heat of Magic Kingdom. I will struggle to find a place that feels so mine in the park for a while. (Which is okay, I’m down to share.)
I know everything will be fine, it will be! The two attractions coming to the park will be fun and exciting. The first is an off-road-inspired adventure, which we recently got a behind-the-scenes look for. The second is a more family-focused attraction for guests of all ages, although we don’t have tons of details about it just yet.
I’m sure this new land and area will bring lots of joy and memories to millions of families once it opens but I, and lots of other Disney fans, will never forget the Rivers of America. So it is actually a mistake? That’s up to the reader, but truly only time will tell. We will see how it all plays out as construction begins in 2025.
For now, you’ll find me in the rocking chairs on Tom Sawyer Island while I book my Disneyland trip to see their Rivers of America in 2026. As always, make sure to keep following AllEars for all of your Disney discussions, news, and updates.
If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!
Watch Disney Imagineers Test The Brand New “Cars” Ride Coming To Magic Kingdom
Are you excited to see these changes? Tell me in the comments!
Removing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyers island is a big mistake and with many of the decisions Disney has been making like Splash Mountain. We need to keep to keep Disney a Theme Park not an amusement park. There are plenty of places to put Cars. In fact Cars is a movie ad belong in Hollywood Studiosl
I like the area of the park `But I totally disagree with what everybody is saying here. We go there every time I visit and the reality is it’s always empty. All these areas the park cost a lot of money for Disney that maintain why should they leave that wasted space filled with things that people don’t use is because of a few people being nostalgic over it. I for one am all for the change and look forward to it.
Huge mistake. Things like Rivers of America is what elevates Disney World and makes it special in the realm of theme parks. Glad you are saying something while still being open to changes. I get that content creators want to keep things positive, but when you think something you love might be going in the wrong direction, you should make the case for why you think so. Emma does this with grace. Well done.
I don’t care if the steamboat and Tom Sawyer’s Island don’t hold a candle to attractions like Tron or the Seven Dwarves Mine Train. Why do all attractions have to be at that level in the first place?
Thank you Emma! Indeed! 🥰 Great perspective! 😉 For example, I enjoy the Rivers of America, as several guests do. The Liberty Belle adds a special kinetic energy and charm to Liberty Square and Frontierland. The animatronics along the river bend are iconic and also tell a story. The “story” on how Samuel Clemens got his name “Mark Twain” from marking the depths of the Mississippi by The riverboatman’s cry of “mark twain” or, more fully, “by the mark twain”, meaning “according to the mark [on the line], [the depth is] two (Twain) [fathoms]”; that is, “The water is 12 feet (3.7 m) deep and it is safe to pass”, is legendary! Sure, I’m a history nerd, and most people find history boring, 🥱 but the area has always brought me joy and fascination! It shall be missed. I do love CarsLand in DCA, But, WDW is not recreating the majestic Radiator Springs either! I’m just sad and disappointed! The river is life and shall be surely missed! 🥰🏰🪵🌲🤠😔😭
Finally, you are posting what a bad idea getting rid of Rivers of America is. This is going to destroy the theming of the park. Instead of being a theme park, Magic Kingdom will be just another amusement park. The cars ride could be put where the Speedway is.
Well said, Emma! I couldn’t agree more, but unfortunately, it’s all about bringing in new (subjectively relatable) IP to enhance their bottom line for shareholders.
Yes, I agree that this is maybe the worst change at WDW, certainly in Magic Kingdom. Will the kids today get any exposure to that 18th and 19th century American nostalgia? It is sad that no one seems interested in anything except material from Disney movies made in the last couple decades.
Terrible mistake, and it’s worse in my opinion as I feel not only the same about the rivers but I love the riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island. Destroying these destroys the very idea of frontierland which makes me certain Liberty square is doomed. The Americana is clearly what they are rooting out and they will eventually turn to ruining liberty square. Can’t believe we are losing taking going kids to explore TSI and cooling off on the boat, for a lame four wheeler gimmick and car IP no one cares about.
I agree. There are so many other places at WDW they could built this new attraction. Why destroy this beautiful area. So disappointing.
😢 You are correct that Millions of folks will miss this INTEGRAL PART of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World!!! I completely agree that the Rivers of America and the boats are a relaxing respite from the sun, dust and crowds of the parks!!! ⛴️🛶🍋 How many millions of families will not get to experience the hunt and exploration of Tom Sawyer’s Island while many others get to feel the breeze and enjoy the shade aboard the MUCH-LOVED Riverboats? Disney Management, PLEASE RECONSIDER this decision to remove this MUCH-LOVED attraction!!!!! 😢 Per Walt’s own words, the advantage of WDW in Florida is that there’s plenty of room for new rides & attractions!!! 😎 Thanks for your consideration to move the new Cars attraction to another piece of land at Walt Disney World!!! 🏰🛶⛵🚤🌅
Destroying Disney’s Rivers of America is the absolute dumbest decision that Burbank has ever made in 100 years. It’s disgusting.
We need the open space so MK doesn’t feel so congested. Big mistake. Look at Tomorrowland, feels claustrophobic with so many people with no escape.
I could not agree more! Do the Imagineers have no poetry in their souls? Losing the Rivers is a lot more than replacing two legacy rides with two, new, and more-exciting rides. The natural beauty of the rivers is a pressure valve to all the concrete and crowds elsewhere in the park. This is a major redesign of the Magic Kingdom which I know Walt would not approve. It turns MK into more of an Amusement Park than a Theme Park.
Profit over posterity.
More skip the line sales.
No vegetation to absorb heat and humidity.
A concrete parking lot.
Southern charm removed scenery destroyed, looking more like a carnival grounds than Florida or the south.
It is, or was a break from the chaos of crowds to get away from the urban congestion of the carnival rides in your face.
Frontierland is next to go. What was early America is being drown in the woke urbanism.
Not a vacation in it’s definitive form, but more like the place you were TRYING TO GET A BREAK FROM !
That’s what the blind cannot see,
“YET”
I agree that it’s a mistake. There is something special having the rivers there. I don’t see as there would ever be a good reason to remove it but especially for one Cars ride. When Carsland in California is so special and immersive. People will think they’ve seen Carsland and that ride won’t even be close.