Disney World's Cars-Themed Expansion Faces Minor Roadblock with SFWMD Permit Request

Sep 16, 2024 in "Cars Land Magic Kingdom"

Frontierland Concept Art Aerial View
Posted: Monday September 16, 2024 11:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney Imagineering's plans to transform Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom into a new Cars-themed land have hit a minor speed bump.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has returned Disney's initial permit application, requesting additional information and revisions before the project can move forward.

The permit, which focuses on modifications to the stormwater management system behind Tom Sawyer Island and Big Thunder Mountain, was a necessary early step in preparing the land for its large-scale redevelopment. Disney had filed the permit as part of its plans to ensure proper water flow and environmental considerations for the new Cars-themed area, scheduled to begin construction in 2025.

However, the SFWMD identified several inconsistencies between Disney's construction plans and the previously approved conceptual designs. These issues primarily relate to wetland impacts and how the development might affect surrounding ecosystems. The District has requested further clarification on the proposed modifications to stormwater systems, the exact extent of wetland impacts, and the mitigation measures Disney will implement to protect the environment.

In addition, the SFWMD asked Disney to revise their construction plans to include detailed maps showing the current conditions of wetlands, as well as the areas expected to be affected by the new construction. These maps must outline the full extent of wetland boundaries, upland buffers, and other water management details. The permit review also pointed out that Disney needs to ensure the project's impact on local wildlife, especially any listed species, will be minimized and appropriately mitigated.

This delay doesn't signal the end of the project but highlights the rigorous environmental regulations Disney must follow to ensure compliance with local and state requirements. The returned permit is part of the usual process for large-scale developments, especially those in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands.

At Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro, with the help of Tow Mater via video call, announced that a new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film "Cars" will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. "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 told the crowd.

In this Cars adventure, guests will be able to experience two new "Cars"-themed attractions. One attraction 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.

The second attraction will be geared towards smaller guests and will be fun for the whole family. Work on this new space in Frontierland will begin in early 2025.

"As we develop the next generation of Disney Experiences, we're always looking for new ways to tell the stories people love," D'Amaro said. "We're thrilling Cars fans by building on this incredibly successful franchise and creating the next chapter in this story."

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    DisneyHead1231 day ago

    I guess it depends on the intent? Maybe they’re trying to justify a decision, or maybe they’re really trying to ground themselves in real world feedback.

    Brer Panther1 day ago

    Yeah, the "insensitive" choice confuses me too. What else remains in the park that could be considered insensitive? I mean, I guess Peter Pan's Flight still has the Indians, there are some people who consider Sebastian an offensive stereotype so maaaaaaaaaaaybe the Little Mermaid ride would qualify in Disney's eyes? The Tiki Room?

    mickEblu1 day ago

    What else can they possibly do? Remove COP or HOP? They already removed Splash Mountain and entire ROA. Not to mention the CBJ update.

    Brer Panther1 day ago

    I find that terrifying.

    mickEblu1 day ago

    Just filled out this survey. Gotta be proactive.

    Nobody nobody1 day ago

    I think that post the big stink about the three rides closing, maybe is trying to analyze what guests like and care about at the parks? Good idea and completely understandable, but the fact that I wdw is mostly gp, I don’t know how well that bodes for more “cult favorite” attractions that we as fans like but the gp may see as “boring”, depending on the results. Maybe I’m overblowing this. But idk.

    DisneyHead1231 day ago

    I think it was all the rides at MK. I started screenshotting it and then it was so long I stopped. First few were: Small World, Liberty Square Riverboat, Philharmagic, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, People Mover, Railroad, Big Thunder Mountain. But again, I think all the rides were on there, also parade and shows. Huh, that’s interesting.

    DisneyHead1231 day ago

    Nooooo! I was hoping it meant second thoughts.

    Nobody nobody1 day ago

    If you remember, what else was on the list? I’m a bit worried for this being used to justify closing or changing more things. I have a few attractions in mind for this. Also I remember a guy said they were doing this on Dinoland closing day at DAK. Maybe Disney is trying to see what guests care about. Look out for it at other parks ig? The future of our favorite rides might be in the hands of the gp in some form. Uh oh.

    aladdin20071 day ago

    They will use that outcome to skew/justify the stupid decision . They are hoping for a negative vote there no doubt so they can do just that. Notice how the first three are first on the list.

    DisneyHead1231 day ago

    This may have been mentioned on these boards already, but after visiting the parks recently I got a survey that asked a lot about the rides. After some general questions, you could check off the following options in regard to each attraction at MK, including the riverboat: Bored, Dated, Insensitive, Personal Favorite, Immersive, Iconic, Not Familiar, None of These.

    mickEblu1 day ago

    For sure. Disney World is huge and has a lot of waterways and of course that softens the blow if you look at the resort as a whole. It’s still a huge blow to the MK in my opinion.

    Disgruntled Walt1 day ago

    Bring back the Dragon Cave effects!

    Disgruntled Walt1 day ago

    To those who are arguing that boat transportation = boat attraction, I'm not sure how you're making that work as a comparison. No one is using the Riverboat to get from Point A to Point B, because there is no Point B. It's an attraction, not a transportation method. It's a relaxing trip aboard a steamboat that affords you cool, unique views of some of the attractions and nature. It's one of the more unique experiences in any of the Florida parks because of that. It's comparable to the PeopleMover in that way. It exists only as a scenic, experiential attraction. It's not going to thrill you, unless you have a fascination with steamboats, but it's a pleasant experience that many people enjoy.