Magic Kingdom’s major expansion plans just passed another hurdle.
Cinderella Castle
The permit for the park expansion has just been approved by the South Florida Water Management District signaling the first major move towards the park’s updates. The permit was first filed in August 2024 with a few additions and expansions added throughout 2024.
Project 407 Basin Stormwater Modifications has been approved! This project is for the construction and operation of a stormwater management treatment facility just east of Magic Kingdom. It also includes pavement upgrades, facility renovations, and other minor upgrades around the area.
Permit number 48-00714-P
The permit doesn’t expire until February 17, 2030. In previous permit filings connected to this project, there were mentions of impacts to 7.3 acres of surface water to the Rivers of America implying that this project is directed to Cars Land specifically.
©Disney
The drainage system will most likely impact both the Cars Land and the upcoming Villains Land. This permit approval could signal Disney’s ability to begin construction on one or both projects. At the time of writing, Disney hasn’t revealed a specific opening date for either project although construction is expected to begin in mid to late 2025.
Villains Land ©Disney
The Cars expansion is replacing Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America to bring 2 new attractions! For the first attraction, guests are going to race through the mountains on wild terrain along mountain trails as we dodge geysers and splash through mud holes. The second ride will be geared toward “smaller racers.”
©Disney
The Villains Land will also be bringing two new attractions to the parks as well as new shopping and dining options as well! In regards to the new land, Disney has shared “Guests will be able to venture Beyond Big Thunder Mountain into an all-new land dedicated to Disney Villains. Inspired by the wicked characters fans know and loathe, the multi-acre expansion will include two major attractions, plus dining and shopping. Walt Disney Imagineering is pushing creative boundaries to dark and mysterious levels to bring this new, first-of-its-kind land to life.”
©Disney
We can’t wait to see these lands come to life! As always, keep following DFB for all of the latest Disney news.
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What is the construction just southwest
of the above map?
Very much against Cars in Magic Kingdom. It belongs in Hollywood Studios. Also against them doing away with the Rivers of America and the boat ride. Seems like they could find a repurpose for Tom Sawyer Island. Sadly, Disney execs don’t seem to care about the feelings of loyal, longtime guests or the damage they’re doing to beloved parks and Walt’s vision. As for Villains Land, not sure about it, especially where it’s being located. Segue seems a bit jarring and has nothing to do with Frontierland though perhaps closer to Haunted Mansion may make sense. If they’re going to force a Villains Land on us (I think it should be part of this fifth park they’re contemplating and likely to build in competition with Epic Universe), they should not ignore so many villains and only include a few as I’ve heard. With so many from which to choose (I don’t consider Captain Jack Sparrow to be a villain, do you?), I hope they include the cruel Magnifico from their 100th anniversary Wish! Imho, he’s worse than just about any villain in Disney history! Others always had a bit of humanity and humor about them but not this guy. Magnifico almost made watching the movie unbearable (though the characters during the credits and the scenes and song after the ending are the best ever! Have a tissue handy!). Mostly, I’m disappointed at how many years this construction will take and its effect on our Disney experience, especially as they’re taking so many rides away yet charging us more to buy a ticket!
Not sure why Norma’s comment got published the way it did. Here it is again in full:
Very much against Cars in Magic Kingdom. It belongs in Hollywood Studios. Also against them doing away with the Rivers of America and the boat ride. Seems like they could find a repurpose for Tom Sawyer Island. Sadly, Disney execs don’t seem to care about the feelings of loyal, longtime guests or the damage they’re doing to beloved parks and Walt’s vision. As for Villains Land, not sure about it, especially where it’s being located. Segue seems a bit jarring and has nothing to do with Frontierland though perhaps closer to Haunted Mansion may make sense. If they’re going to force a Villains Land on us (I think it should be part of this fifth park they’re contemplating and likely to build in competition with Epic Universe), they should not ignore so many villains and only include a few as I’ve heard. With so many from which to choose (I don’t consider Captain Jack Sparrow to be a villain, do you?), I hope they include the cruel Magnifico from their 100th anniversary Wish! Imho, he’s worse than just about any villain in Disney history! Others always had a bit of humanity and humor about them but not this guy. Magnifico almost made watching the movie unbearable (though the characters during the credits and the scenes and song after the ending are the best ever! Have a tissue handy!). Mostly, I’m disappointed at how many years this construction will take and its effect on our Disney experience, especially as they’re taking so many rides away yet charging us more to buy a ticket!
Why oh why does Disney refuse to listen to their lifelong guests??? We do NOT want the Rivers of America, the boat or Tom Sawyer island replaced!!! Move Cars to Hollywood Studios or replace Tomorrow Land Speedway with Cars. That attraction is definitely dated (though I had fun with it as a kid). It seems that Bob Iger and Josh D’amaro are ruining everything Walt built and visitors love! They’re like bulls in a china shop! Please stop!!!