Have you been keeping up with all the announcements of things to come to Disney World in the near future??
If you have, you’ve probably probably heard the massive transformation they’re planning for Magic Kingdom. In typical Disney fashion, they’re planning big with new lands, new attractions, and fresh experiences for the next generation of Disney fans. On the face of it, all of these things sound amazing, right? Well, not everyone thinks so. Let’s talk about it!
As we were saying, there’s a TON that’ll be coming to Magic Kingdom like a new nighttime parade and two whole new lands — a Cars Land and a Villains Land!!
Now, while we can’t wait to tromp about these new spaces and enjoy all they have to offer, these announcements have definitely sparked some serious debates among Disney lovers.
On one side, we’ve got the group of fans who are pumped for the changes, and they’re hyping themselves up for the new rides and lands. But on the flip side, some longtime Disney fans are absolutely heartbroken about what they’ll have to give up — specifically, Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America.
It’s nostalgia vs. new standoff, and it’s absolutely got the fandom split.
The Excitement for the New
Let’s start with the folks who are ready and raring to embrace the future. For them, Disney has a solid track record for creating immersive new lands that make guests feel like they’ve stepped straight into the movies they love. They’re referencing the mind-blowing detail of Galaxy’s Edge and the enchantment of Pandora — The World of Avatar. You can see why they’re imagining a Cars Land where you can race with your favorite Cars characters, and a Villains Land where you finally get to meet the baddies in a dark and thrilling atmosphere.
These are the people who can’t wait and are speculating how Disney will use next-level technology to create new jaw-dropping attractions for these lands. So, all in all, for them, these announcements have been a dream come true. At the same time, however, they may have some fond memories of Tom Sawyer Island, but they’re all about trading that nostalgia for something brand new straight from the minds of Imagineers.
The Nostalgia for the Old
As we said, there’s another side to this — all the fans who are devastated about what Disney is choosing to leave behind. For many of them, Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America are irreplaceable pieces of Disney history. These aren’t just attractions, they’re memories. The slower pace of these areas offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the park, and to some, losing them feels like a betrayal of Disney’s roots.
These fans feel like Disney could have easily built the new attractions somewhere else — maybe in another part of the park or, better yet, in a fifth park altogether. They feel that there’s plenty of space around Disney World, so why get rid of beloved classics? For them, the idea of losing these slower, more peaceful areas in favor of another high-energy land feels like the park is losing some of its unique charm.
A Divided Fandom
Like we said, if nothing else, these announcements has definitely left the Disney fan community divided. While some are eagerly counting down the days to run around the new Cars and Villains Lands, we’ve got others who are mourning the loss of some simpler and more nostalgic parts of the park. Ultimately it’s the battle of out with the old, and in with the new.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Are you ready for the new lands, or are you holding onto the magic of the older ones? Sound off in the comments below!
And keep following us here at Disney Food Blog, where we will continue to monitor any news about the construction that will happen in Magic Kingdom.
Cars Land Will Bring A New Shortcut To Magic Kingdom…And We LOVE IT!
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What are your thoughts on everything coming to Magic Kingdom? Please let us know with a comment!
Monica says
I was excited about the changes but didn’t realize they meant losing these classics. For someone like myself who has taken my elderly grandmother who had Parkinson’s before she passed, and now two young kids, this was a nice reprieve from the stimulation of the rest of the park. Really wish they had thought to build this out elsewhere. It’s definitely dampened my excitement a bit.
Sherry Sweet says
I think they can build the new elsewhere . They have the land. I wonder if they are getting rid of Tom Sawyer Island for woke reasons. Will the Hall of Presidents be next? We have been to WDW 5 times in the last 8 years, but this move makes it unlikely I will want to return.
Carrie says
I’m a long time WDW Fanatic! It kills me to see them removing the iconic parts of the park to have new attractions. Though, I am extremely excited about Villains Land, I hate we had to give up a classic. I agree, tons of space to make a new park or add on. Disney needs to stop erasing the HISTORY!
Stuart Wallace says
I have never forgiven Disney for cancelling Spectromagic. It was by far the best night time parade they ever had. I am sorry to say that for me and many other former Disney Bonkers visitors, Disney has lost much of the magic it previously had. This coupled with huge increases in prices following the reopening after Covid. There is little wonder that sadly it has ben overtaken by Universal Studios as the place to visit when in Florida.
Pete says
I believe that Disney has lost sight of their roots and it is affecting the whole experience at all of the parks.
Attendance is down , prices are up and all of the newest offering in terms of attractions and hotels seem to be cheaply done and do not measure up to the quality of the older existing offerings.
I believe that the new Universal is going to hurt Disney badly , especially if Disney doesn’t start to treat their guests better and stop insulting us with this low quality crap that they have been offering lately.
The place has gotten dirty and some of their policies are just weird .
Clean the place up , leave the legacy attractions alone and for god sakes get the politics out of your theme parks.
And while they are at it they can bring the pricing back down to a level that matches what they deliver .
I am a big Disney fan and hate to see them slip but at this point they are taking advantage of the guests .
Mickey says
The loss of Tom Sawyer’s Island is painful. I just brought my 5 and 7 year old there this year and they absolutely loved it. It’s also always been a good place to to take a break and watch the RIVERBOAT GO BY. They are making a terrible mistake.
Joyce says
This iconic waterway is not just a beloved feature of Walt Disney World; it is a vital part of the park’s ecosystem. You speak of the new generation of Disney fans – if they are the younger generation – they should be in favor of keeping nature in Magic Kingdom. There is enough pavement, and certainly enough rides with long lines. Why not add to Tom Sawyer’s Island with fun adventures without rides? Bridges and walkways up in the trees. Pirate scavenger hunts. Slides and climbing to be enjoyed by all. How about a relaxing open-air lounge with rocking chairs along the rivers edge? Serving cold alcohol and non-alcohol drinks while relaxing, will bring everyone’s body heat down! How about adding character meet & greets (especially Tiana) to the Liberty Belle Riverboat? Take a quiet river boat ride and meet some of the princesses or Chip & Dale – to name a few.
Maybe Cars would be a fun and exciting ride – but put it somewhere new! Imagineers must use their imagination to add to Walt Disney’s magic – not destroy it!
Nikki Rice says
Rivers of America Riverboat Ride is always a go to attraction on every visit and I will be sad to see it go – especially when there is ample space to have this somewhere else on Disney property 🙁
Christian Magee says
I see two large problems with this plan.
1. I feel like Disney is whitewashing history and removing Americana. This fuels the idea that Disney doesn’t believe that America is a great country.
2. If I remodeled my home and don’t increase the square footage, I have not expanded or increased the value. We are tired of Disney retheaming and calling it an expansion.
Danyelle Letendre says
I’m still deeply disappointed that Disney didn’t build a Harry Potter park, and now disappointed Tom Sawyers Island will be replaced. It’s always been a nice place to cool off and slow down for a bit. Always wanted Disney to incorporate a fun wood and rope bridge to the island from the haunted mansion side, as an alternative to the rafts.
Callie7 says
I’m still deeply disappointed that Disney didn’t build a Harry Potter park, and now disappointed Tom Sawyers Island will be replaced. It’s always been a nice place to cool off and slow down for a bit. Always wanted Disney to incorporate a fun wood and rope bridge to the island from the haunted mansion side, as an alternative to the rafts.
Jim Winston says
There is a difference in adding something new where nothing existed before. Villains is going into a a vacant space. “Star Wars” was that way, too. But Cars is going into the footprint of 2 existing opening day attractions. And even if I haven’t been on Tom Sawyers Island since my now grown children were little, it’s still has great value for families with kids who have reached a degree of independence. The River Boat? I never was a fan, but I love seeing it chugging around the river.
Pris says
Completely agree with Carrie! As per usual, Disney is trying to put a bandaid on an oozing wound! They just don’t learn!
Jack says
First they say Disney can’t keep relying on nostalgia, and now they’re saying they can’t replace something old for something new. Make up your minds
Dorothy Collins says
Losing the classic rides is somewhat Akin to eracing history. The upcoming Generations need to learn for what is relaxing what is different what is laid back than what they’ve known their entire life. It’s truly sad
Rox says
I love the Liberty Belle and will be sad to see it go. Guess the powers that be figure they can make more money with cars stuff. Little by little the Disney Magic is getting erased. Sad.
Jack says
Our family has been loyal Disney fans for 25 years. We no longer like Disney. Disney has become too focused on woke and money. It’s very unlikely we will even have anything to do with Disney again. Universal is a much better overall experience. Disney is likely removing Tom Sawyer island due to crazy work politics. We can’t change the past. Disney has no future unless they get back to their family roots. Done with Disney.
Sue says
Disney needs places like the Island so people and kids can relax from the lines and heat. Open up Aunt Polly’s. Have a dinner on the Liberty Belle. Do gem panning. Use your imagination and listen up Imaginears. This isn’t that hard. Put villains by haunted same scenery. Cars land belongs at Hollywood not in MK. Add beyond big thunder with Elemental if need IP for water fire etc although that should be in Epcot. Why keep mixing it all up. Such a shame. Walt’s not happy.
Mrs T says
They say they want to be friendly to environment… This easily could have replaced the Speedway and removed the gasoline smell from the park. This is another woke move by Disney without any thoughts to nostalgia. Doesn’t fit in Frontierland but they won’t listen to patrons.
Dennis says
They have plenty of land! Build these new attractions in a different area. Not only are they getting rid of long time favorites, they are pricing them out of future families visiting their parks. They are now the #2 vacation place to go to , behind DOLLWOOD! my wife and I have been annual pass holders for 10 years and have been going to Disney for 40 plus years and annual passes have doubled in price the last 3 years with perks being taken away. They need new leadership that is focused on their parks , and the average families needs.
Dianna says
They have plenty of land…. leave Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island there. Love the new Cars attraction just put it somewhere else!!! Do we really need to honor Villains with their own land… seems too dark for me!!!
Don Andrews says
Build it and they will come.
Steven says
The fans are not that divided, most fans hate the idea of destroying Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of American. Don’t make it sound like its 50/50. Current Disney Management is destroying the parks. I just cancelled my February trip there because of this. I wish more true fans would do the same it’s the only way we will stop this madness.
K says
I think additions to the parks or a new park gate is necessary for Disney to compete. I am looking forward to the new lands, mainly Villaims, but think the location of Cars land is going to make that area very congested, with a feel of walking through Adventureland
or Toy Story land where you struggle to get through at certain times. The green space of Tom
Sawyer Island and the boardwalk from Liberty Square through Frontier Land is so nice when the streets are crowded. My family has enjoyed TSI since our daughter was small. Taking advantage of the opportunity to get some shade and have a game of hide and seek to take a break during the heat of the day. Whenever Disney gives, they’re always taking away with the other hand lately. Personally, I think they’re struggling to keep up with Universal and making hasty decisions.
Tom says
This is a mistake. Certain parts of this and any of the other parks should NEVER change. Look what happened with Figment! I can’t wait for CARS but it should be located in HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS. It belongs in that park. As Disney continues to evolve there must be a balance between now, then , and tomorrow.
Rebecca says
I want to applaud what Joyce said earlier! Joyce, I wish you were an Imagineer, because your ideas are great! That would be a much more appealing way to use and keep Tom Sawyer Island and the riverboat.
For all those trying to covertly bring in politics, just stop! 🤦♀️
Hart Felder says
Disneyland has been around since 1955 and is pretty much the same as it was then. Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 as a close copy of Disneyland, and has remained more or less the same with different rides and cosmetic changes along the way. To tear out the river and Tom Sawyer Island would remove a huge section that is an iconic part of both parks. Leave it alone!
Steven C says
Build the cars ride elsewhere! Very few people want to hear-Welcome foolish mortals being interrupted by car noises & yelling from a close by ride. Universal is looking better by the month
Lucretia Kleinman says
Is it too late for Disney to listen to us and change plans? I wish. I want it all! So many readers are correct that it is a welcome and cooling break from the Park.
Buzz says
We really liked Tom Sawyer Island and the ferry boat, but let’s be real, it was not a big draw anymore, especially the ferry boat. If we left it up to the “nostalgia” people, Disney world would never change. This is strictly a good business decision, not based on ‘woke’ RME or anything else. Tiana’s Adventure is so much better than the VERY OLD splash mountain ride and people were up in arms about that. Our family cannot wait for the new lands to be completed:)
Y Scholar says
You write your article as if there are only two choices: New lands or keep Rivers of America. You make it seem like the old needs to be destroyed to bring in the new. This is not true. Disney has a large amount of land that can be used beyond Big Thunder Mountain. Rivers of America are not beyond Big Thunder.
The people currently running Disney either do not understand Walt’s vision or else don’t care. They are turning WDW from a Theme Park into an Amusement Park.
I believe that there are two parts to their agenda. One is cheaping out since it will be less costly to use the Rivers rather than to develop other land. Two: they want to get rid of America by eliminating Rivers of America, getting rid of Mark Twain (Tom Sawyer and Fort Langhorn), and destroying Frontierland.
This is a situation whereby Disney fans can have both: Rivers and new lands.
Lynn says
Disney is now being bold about erasing history with Splash Mountain… that movie was an actually piece of history… stories told and handed down from actual slaves to their children’s children… It was as if, because it was slaves telling their stories, that was somehow racist… Disney has not been Disney for quite a long time, they just are not hiding it anymore… They are definitely into erasing history, American history… Sad, but most of the good imagineers have been run off because they were white males… Disney’s loss is Universal’s gain… Iger is a stupid arrogant narcissist….
Candace says
There are not words to express my sadness as to what WDW has decided to do to create these new lands. Walt Disney purchase so much property in Florida so that he wouldn’t have to keep destroying things in order to build new things for Disney goers to experience. I don’t understand nor does anyone in my family and my parents are opening day to Disneyland and in the first year to Walt Disney World when it opened why Disney’s made this decision to get rid of something so iconic as Tom Sawyer’s Island and the Rivers of America. I understand today’s generation might not appreciate the Nostalgia and history, but they could learn and probably should since so much of what America used to be like no longer exists. I wish there was a way to take this to a vote so Disney wouldn’t make such a horrible, unchangeable decision. I’m all about progress and new lands, but absolutely in Florida they could have put it somewhere else. Absolutely no question on any front that this is a decision for whatever reason to get rid of the amazing history that is completely related to Walt Disney and his story and his upbringing. I understand Walt was never at Disney World unlike disneyland, but it was patterned after his childhood and should be left alone.
Devin Smith says
I’m all for change , and like the new concept art.
My only fear is what it may take away from the entrance of the Haunted Mansion, Its always been a waterfront property and to me that part of what made it so amazing
Gina says
I agree with putting the new stuff on some of that huge empty land they own. Why get rid of the older stuff that so many people (including me) love. I hope they don’t turn into another Universal which besides the Harry Potter stuff I feel went downhill from when they started. Not everybody likes thrill rides.
Anika Gonzalez says
It breaks my heart that Disney keeps taking away the old things to add something new. Why can’t we have both? My understanding is that they have plenty of space. I did hear a theory that to renovate some attractions would cost more than to start from scratch with something new. If that is the case, then why not do the necessary renovations sooner, before it becomes cost prohibitive?
I admit I’ve only been on Tom Sawyer Island once, but I will definitely miss the riverboat and the river. They were pretty and relaxing to see, especially while waiting in the queue at the Haunted Mansion. It seems awful to me to fill it all in.
My husband and I went to the parks many, many times in past, but now so many of the attractions we loved are no more. I’m nostalgic for the old days and our old favorites. It’s been years and I still very much miss The World of Motion, Spaceship Earth with narration by Walter Cronkite, and Cranium Command at Epcot, just to name a few. I fully expect The Carousel of Progress to disappear from the Magic Kingdom at some point, regardless if Walt loved it.
Sadly, I agree that Disney has lost their way, and with the comments about the out-of-control price of park passes. We won’t be back anytime soon.
Delores J Nance says
Will completely ruin the theming of Frontierland. How do cars fit in with the area? Will completely ruin the vibe of the Haunted Mansion also. Always love the sound of the riverboat horn. This is a horrible idea Disney. Walt would absolutely hate what is being done to the parks. Disney – listen to the people who go to your parks. It’s not too late to change this.
Eloni says
Having water features and natural areas add some beauty and peace to a theme park. I’m not in favor of getting rid of them.
Tim says
I would ask, can you remember the last time you visited Tom Sawyer island? I remember going there, but I couldn’t tell you when it was. And I think that I speak for a LOT of us. That is the issue that Disney is trying to solve. Make better use of the available space for the enjoyment of more people.
Janet Joyce says
I am disappointed that Disney is removing Tom Sawyer island and Rivers of America. They have plenty of space to put the cars ride. It doesn’t belong in Frontierland.
Lori says
I will miss Tom Sawyer island and agree that it was a nice change of pace. I do understand that it was not accessible to everyone but I still liked it and my kids and grandkids did too. I don’t know how much they will care about cars or villains since they sound like more get in line and wait attractions.
Ana says
I know it makes sense to make way for the new. However, let’s not forget, Walt Disney’s original idea was to create a place for people of ages to enjoy. It seems to me that if the theme park focuses on fast, faster and fastest, then it is only going back to one of the things Disney didn’t like. That is the older adults sitting nearby watching the kids having all the fun. How is that progress?
Judy Perkins says
Why?!!! Is Cars still some big deal? I will soon be unable to enjoy the magic because of my age and physical problem. It hurts that I can never again do one of my favorites People Mover because I cannot get up or down using that rubber escalator —so now you take away the Steamboat. 😢. What next—the Tiki Birds will fly away (with my fav villain, the alligator drummer). Crystal Palace and Diamond Horseshoe no longer provide our lunches as we knew them. Main St electrical Parade gone and no replacement- ok Epic Universe might solve my problems.
Cara says
Walt Disney bought all that land for Disney World because he wanted separation from the outside world and more importantly right now—so Disney would have room to EXPAND. As in building new things without tearing old things down.
Apparently Walt wasted a bunch of money.
J Garrett says
It is a shame they can’t make these great theme lands in a new park and leave MK the way it is. Just as Walt said, they have plenty of room to play with and create.
We ARE losing history here. It is quiet and some of us really enjoy that part of the park…especially as we get older. The memories of these places will be lost forever in future generations and that is sad to this 24 year Passholder.
Lois says
I wish that folks wouldn’t badmouth Disney’s plans without considering the logistics and practicalities. Yes Disney has lots of land, but most of it is unsuitable for building without lots of upgrades, which cost lots of money and will reduce the amount of attractions that they can build. The Rivers of America area, underutilized as it is, has already had these upgrades. By building there, Disney can spend more money on the attractions and since Disneyland still has a Rivers of America area, make Disney World more unique. You can tell by the concept art that Disney plans to add water features back to both CarsLand and the VillainsLand. Yes, we miss the old-I still miss Horizons- but change is a part of life and is inevitable.
Donald Brock says
This what happens to a company when it passes out of the hands of the originators, in this case the Disney family. The new regime has no real history with the intent of the original vision. They do have responsibility to the stockholders and a purpose of advancing profits. This happens to most companies by about the third change of leadership. It did take Disney a little longer, but at this point, there is no connection to the past only future development. Also, other commenters maybe be right, Disney may wish to avoid future conflict with historical inappropriate references.
Mike says
Expand. The Park. Not re-purpose existing space
Darryl says
It seems like people just love to complain. Tom Sawyer island has been gone for most people for 20 years and now Disney is finally getting rid of it so people complain,
Mary Steinwandt says
As a long time WDW visitor, I’m disappointed in Disney. We’ve been enjoying Tom Sawyer Island since 1980’s. I took my son there when he was 6yo and he loved running around the island much like Tom Sawyer. Then my grands enjoyed it there (they’re in HS now). Disney needs to stop taking experiences away. If they want to add new experiences then utilize some of that unused real estate they have! My WDW joy is gone. Instead of wandering through the parks in wonder—- now my face is on my WDWapp and it’s stressful!!!