Walt Disney World’s ambitious Magic Kingdom expansion, which includes a Cars and Villains-themed redevelopment, might face significant delays due to issues with its construction permits. The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) flagged deficiencies in Disney’s permit application for the demolition and redevelopment of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America, key sites in Frontierland.
Permit Complications and Tight Deadlines
On December 1, 2024, SFWMD informed Disney that the application for preliminary construction work was incomplete. The permit covered site preparation, demolition, and the establishment of three laydown yards near Rivers of America and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for staging equipment and materials. Disney has been given ten days to rectify the issues, but the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s (CFTOD) request for a 60-day extension to address the concerns could push the approval timeline into spring 2025.
This delay jeopardizes the planned 2025 construction start and the late 2025 opening of the highly anticipated Cars Land at Magic Kingdom.
Major Changes to Iconic Attractions
The expansion marks a significant transformation for the northwest section of Magic Kingdom. As part of the redevelopment, Rivers of America would be converted into rugged rally terrain for Cars-themed adventures, and Tom Sawyer Island would become a hub for the beloved Cars franchise.
Additionally, the Liberty Square Riverboat, a long-standing attraction, is set to close permanently. These changes have stirred both excitement and nostalgia among fans, as they represent a departure from Magic Kingdom’s original identity, established when the park opened in 1971.
This delay comes amid Disney’s broader park renovation efforts. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, DinoLand U.S.A. is being replaced by an Indiana Jones attraction and a South America-inspired Encanto section. Meanwhile, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to begin construction on a Monsters, Inc.-themed extension in 2025.
Any delays to these projects could impact Disney’s ability to stay competitive in the ever-evolving theme park industry, where timely delivery of new attractions is critical to maintaining guest interest and revenue.
What Happens Next?
If Disney cannot address the SFWMD’s concerns by February 2025, the permit could be rejected, forcing the company to reapply. This would reset the approval process, causing months—or even years—of delays.
As Disney navigates this setback, fans and industry insiders will be watching closely to see how the company addresses the challenges and ensures the future of its Magic Kingdom expansion stays on track.