Cars Rides Replacing Rivers of America & Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World has announced that the Cars attractions coming to Magic Kingdom will replace the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, fully eliminating the waterway. This post shares details, concept art, and everything we know about the plan–plus commentary about why this is happening and the good, bad and ugly of this news.
To bring you up to speed, this past weekend at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed exciting new details about what’s coming to Walt Disney World. Two of the highlights were exciting news about Monstropolis and the Monsters Inc. Doors Coaster as well as Villains Land in Magic Kingdom.
Alongside that, one of the biggest announcements involved a Cars reimagining of Frontierland. According to Walt Disney World, soon you’ll be able to explore the uncharted territory of the great outdoors with an expansion in Frontierland themed around Pixar Animation Studios’ “Cars.” It’s time to leave Radiator Springs and head west into exciting new locations.
As part of a new update, Walt Disney World has now revealed that in order to make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers.
In case you didn’t quite grasp it the first time, this means that the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will close. The Cars expansion is not going Beyond Big Thunder–at least, not in a material way–it’s filling in the Rivers of America and replacing the land that’s currently Tom Sawyer Island.
Here’s new concept art showing the new Cars section of Frontierland:
“We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland,” shared Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering.
“Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.”
The new area will bring you along for the ride (pun intended) with a brand-new thrilling rally race through the mountains, climbing trails, and dodging geysers, in addition to a second attraction geared towards fun for the whole family.
Ahead of work revving into high gear next year, guests will have plenty of time to experience the charm and nostalgia of Frontierland as it is today.
And cruising just around the bend, 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.
Together, these new additions to Magic Kingdom will represent the largest expansion in park history.
Turning to commentary, the Parks Panel at D23 felt a little too good to be true. That there were a few important details purposefully withheld, like the location of Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or how Cars and Villains would fit into Magic Kingdom, that would’ve sapped some of the energy from the room.
When it came to the Cars and Villains Land announcements, I had already assumed that, in order to accommodate both expansions, some of the Rivers of America will be lost in the process. That was also true with prior concepts that had been floated for Beyond Big Thunder. It was never entirely a beyond the berm expansion.
As I wrote in the Cars commentary, my guess was that a lot of the Rivers of America would be consumed by the expansion based on the potential size and scale of these two areas, along with Josh D’Amaro and Imagineers using the word “reimagining” in addition to “expansion” to describe the project. That also explains why Imagineering has yet to file the permit, despite indicating it would happen soon back in April. Because once the cat is out of the bag, as it is now, sentiment is going to sour on this project to at least some degree.
It wouldn’t have bothered me at all if Tom Sawyer Island is becoming Tom Sawyer Peninsula and the Rivers of America is shortened. Eliminating the dead ends at Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad would be hugely beneficial from a crowd flow perspective, especially with all the people these two new lands are going to draw.
However, that’s not what this is. There will be no more Rivers of America or Tom Sawyer Island. They’re goners.
It’s not exactly paving over paradise to put up a parking lot, but it’s kinda close. This will replace tranquil waters and a lush area that offered a lovely escape from the crowds and chaos of Magic Kingdom for almost the exact opposite of that. Loud cars racing around and attractions that will undoubtedly draw those huge crowds.
Disney is undoubtedly making this decision from a guest utilization perspective. These two Cars rides will be hugely popular, and effectively expand the capacity of Magic Kingdom in the same amount of space.
It’s no secret that the Liberty Square Riverboat and Tom Sawyer Island don’t have the hourly throughput numbers as most attractions in Magic Kingdom. Eliminating them reduces operational and maintenance expenses on attractions and areas that are underutilized and don’t offer as much operational ‘bang for buck’ to the company, so to speak.
Because of this, some fans will likely be entirely okay with this decision to eliminate the Rivers of America–as is their right. Even many longtime guests have probably never even been over to Tom Sawyer Island or done a lap on the Liberty Square Riverboat. Others probably have done so infrequently over the years, and will do these new Cars attractions more. This is necessarily true–hence the ‘underutilized capacity’ term.
From my perspective, this also at least partially misses the point. Theme parks are not just the sum of their ride rosters, to be raced around and checked off one by one. They are as much defined by the spaces in between; by the absence of attractions, too.
The Rivers of America, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island are incredible assets to Magic Kingdom not just for the guests who actively utilize these attractions. They offer serenity and delightful atmosphere even to guests who simply walk along the waterfront promenade, stopping for a moment to catch their breath and take in the view.
It’s impossible to quantify this. That’s precisely what worries me. Sometimes Disney’s decision-makers view the parks as figures on a spreadsheet, and from that perspective, it’s easy to overlook “underutilized” things that are incredibly important to the Disney theme park experience from a holistic perspective.
It’s the little moments we treasure just as much as a ride on Big Thunder, and it’s the little details or quiet moments that become indelible parts of our memories from visits to the parks over the years. These little things might seem superfluous on paper, especially when the alternative is expanding the park and growing capacity by thousands guests.
By viewing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island as underutilized real estate that’s expendable, Disney is missing the forest for the trees. Spaces like these are what help define our days in the parks, giving us little moments to pause and absorb the big attractions and experiences we’ve enjoyed. These things and places are what keep us coming back.
There’s a long term price to be paid for viewing the parks from the perspective that every square foot must be put to its most efficient use and have its capacity maximized. That’s too myopic of a view, and ignores the practical reality that guests form impressions based on the totality of their visit, with those little things or counterprogramming adding as much as the E-Tickets.
If everything is go-go-go, the guest experience as a whole can suffer. And that’s true even if the individual attractions replacing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island end up having higher guest satisfaction scores.
There are some things that are impossible to quantify–that guests just absorb, even without realizing it. If this sentiment sounds familiar, it’s exactly how we describe the value of atmospheric entertainment–the energy can be felt subliminally even if not consciously. It brightens the mood, even if unknowingly.
It’s the exact same idea with the Rivers of America.
There’s no guest satisfaction “metric” for how many guests per day walk along that waterfront promenade, pause for a deep breath, smile and take a photo. I mean, technically there is a metric–the ones wearing smart watches probably see their heart rate drop a little, but Disney’s survey team isn’t seeing that data. (Hopefully.)
It could be an indelible moment burned into their memory, or, more likely, a fleeting bit of happiness. But it still mattered. It was important to their day as a whole. Most critically, it was a much-needed reprieve from the often stressful nature of the world’s most popular theme park. This has long been my perspective on the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island–that they are invaluable assets that serve as counterprogramming to give guests an expand from the paved pathways and hustle and bustle of Magic Kingdom.
I speak from experience. This waterfront promenade is one of my favorite places in all of Magic Kingdom, and we have so many memories of this waterfront walk late at night with a cool breeze coming off the Rivers of America, or early in the mornings as the sun flitters through the trees. It is one of those places in the park that allows us to slow down, take a deep breath, and soak up our surroundings. Maybe that makes me biased, and overly sensitive to losing the Rivers of America when the average guest reaction will be: “Who cares? Bring on Cars!”
I don’t think that will be the prevailing sentiment among Walt Disney World diehards. And I’d also like to think I’m a realist.
That’s precisely why I would’ve been okay with shortening the Rivers of America and potentially making it Tom Sawyer Peninsula, even if that meant major modifications or a permanent docking of the Liberty Belle. Because doing so also would’ve met guests where they were, removing a ‘barrier of entry’ for Tom Sawyer Island (so many guests never visit simply because the rafts over are a hassle) and allowing more kids to burn off some steam in that play area.
Meanwhile, the waterfront promenade and the ambiance it added still would’ve been there for guests to enjoy while walking past the main drag of Frontierland. It still would’ve accomplished the same goals from a guest decompression perspective. If anything, the Tom Sawyer area would’ve been appreciated by more people since it would’ve been easier to access. All while offering up space for expansion. A win-win compromise for all.
Obviously, that’s not what Walt Disney World has elected to do. So I cannot say I’m fully on board with this idea right now.
To be clear, I’m not suggesting I’ll dislike the Cars area or I’m suddenly anti-Villains Land at Magic Kingdom because of this. My feelings about the Cars attraction remain mixed (more on that in a future post since my 4:30 am commentary didn’t properly articulate it) and unequivocally positive about Villains Land in a vacuum. But I also think: not like this. They should’ve tried to thread the needle better, not sacrificing a serene section of the park that’s more of an asset than they likely realize.
I’m also not foreclosing the idea that I’ll change my mind. It’s impossible to ascertain atmosphere from concept art. Maybe the promenade that I love so much will be present in some form, or will have a spiritual successor. There do appear to be waterfalls and waterways, so perhaps those will provide a sense of serenity, natural beauty, and kinetic energy.
This Cars area all could be great in a totally different or even similar way. There are flashes of the Cars concept art that give me National Park vibes, and I like that (even if other flashes of it remind me of extreme sports). I’m willing to ‘wait and see’ and withhold full judgment. (What other option do I even have? It’s not like I can single-handedly stop this!)
For now, though, I’m a bit shell-shocked by the decision to fully eliminate the Rivers of America, and worried about how that could irreparably damage the feel of Magic Kingdom. I really hope Disney is not making this decision lightly, is focused on more than just increasing capacity, and is giving Imagineers the resources to do this right.
If we’re losing this area of the park, it had better be worth it. The marquee Cars attraction needs to be as good as Radiator Springs Racers, the themed design of the area must be superlative and in keeping of the rugged spirit of Frontierland, and the new area must have great kinetic energy and atmosphere.
They cannot deliver two overly-short attractions, a sea of concrete and some trees, along with a concept that feels at-odds with Frontierland. This has gotta be strong. They have to make the skeptics (like me) concede we were wrong about ever questioning the wisdom of replacing the Rivers of America. And I absolutely will do that if they’re able to deliver. I would love nothing more than to eat crow. I’ve gotten used to the taste over the years.
Finally, instead of being singularly fixated on increasing capacity, I wish Walt Disney World would endeavor to eliminate stress. When it comes to this, there are the usual suspects–screen time, lines, ride breakdowns, etc. But another one is offering up lovely places to decompress that bring smiles to the faces of guests.
Some of those decision-makers should go inside one of the massive Magic Kingdom quick-service restaurants during the middle of the day and count all of the people not eating anything. Just sitting there with their heads on the tables or attempting to ‘rest and recharge’ in about the most chaotic environment possible. (Nothing says ‘recharging’ quite like the midday rush at Pinocchio Village Haus!)
I’m not kidding. One important goal should be getting these people out of the loud and unpleasant restaurants and into actual serene spaces that offer nice ambiance and actually will allow them to mentally refuel for a brief bit. Walt Disney World needs to understand that Magic Kingdom is a world-class theme park, and those two words have meanings beyond just the fanciest and most modern rides. There should be a concerted effort to not just keeping it a “park” but enhancing that angle. It may not be captured on guest satisfaction surveys, but it’s as big a part of what separates Disney from an average amusement park as the envelope-pushing attractions.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What is your reaction to this announcement that Walt Disney World is replacing the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island with Cars rides? Do you think the two all-new Cars rides coming to Magic Kingdom are “worth it”? Do you agree or disagree with our sentiment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I will have to take some time to process these changes. I have grieved in the past when we lost some of our favorite rides such as the Great Movie Ride and The Back Lot Tour in Hollywood Studios and my grandchildren loved Toon Town.
Will Ron DeSantis be in Villians Land??
I’m excited about the upcoming changes. Tom Sawyer Island is not an attraction I’ve spent much time in. If the imagineers can replicate the awesome job with Cars Land at California Adventure I think most people will be happy!
So, Walt Disney bought 25,000 acres of land in Florida so there would always be enough land to expand. But these idiots decide today to eradicate all of his wonderful ideas rather than just expand the park and add new attractions. Too bad they are so foolish, this is why WDW is going down the tubes.
Tom, it looks like you edited this post to present a more measured response than what you originally wrote. Did your thoughts change somewhat with more time to think about it throughout the day?
I received a tip almost immediately that explains some of the ‘why’ of this from someone I trust. It’s still massively disappointing, but the added context makes sense and helps justify the decision a lot. I still don’t think the article is exactly charitable towards Disney.
Before I run with that, though, I need to do a bit more probing to see if anyone else can corroborate. I’m planning on doing a ‘Cars in Frontierland’ post soon, anyway, so I’ll probably just roll an update on this into that.
Ooops. I called her Lilly Belle, not Liberty Belle, by mistake. Sorry Walt.
‘Lilly’ was the Empress at Lake Buena Vista Village. She would fit in, too.
Unlike others here, I’m not upset so much that TSI and RoA would be going away. I am upset that I fail to see how Cars fits in with the American frontier and theme of Frontierland. Maybe its simply because we don’t know all the details yet (maybe the attraction is set in the 1800s of the Cars universe), but it seems like this is the most blatant attempt yet to cram IP into a park even if it doesn’t fit the theme.
As I read this it is a very disappointing realization that the waterfront will be gone. As mentioned it is a place that offers a small respite from the cacophonous chaos of the Magic Kingdom. I also believe removing more water features in general will also make the park a hotter place like AK and HS. I’m sure we will all love the new attractions but in some ways it will make the trip more strenuous. Change never ends and usually not for the better
To all who have written here, to the many who have shed tears, to the faithful who keep coming back to see what others have added and especially the quiet ones, the 98% of Tom’s readership who allow the rest of us to spout off, NOW is the time to write, not to Tom but to Disney.
I think a serious write-in campaign could save parts of ROA and TSI.
I’m all for new stuff. I’m all for change. That’s the reason Walt Disney bought ALL that land.
It will cost more to do it right and save half the Island and part of the river but what a more glorious Park it will make. We’re talking WDW here. Not some roadside carnival.
Blogs, vlogs and facebook groups combined could affect those in charge.
Tom, any thoughts?
They don’t care. Disney does not care what we think. They did not care about changing Splash or Pirates, JC or Roger Rabbit. They aren’t saying it, but Tom Sawyer is one of those “problematic” elements that has been on the chopping block alongside Counrty Bears. A few intrepid souls managed to save the bears but there was no saving this. We fans are too few in number compared to the normies and casuals who make up the bulk of guests. And those people won’t know or don’t care either.
I totally agree with your commentary Tom! Some of our best memories are of the serenity, tranquillity and nostalgia of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer’s Island. Both represent the quintessential idea of the frontier time period of our nation’s history.
It is sad but I’m willing to believe that they will incorporate other quiet beautiful areas into the park. What makes me ok with this is that Tom Sawyer and River Americas do unfortunately have the undertone of racism and degrading values towards children that our society and Disney no longer uphold… it seems like an opportunity to remove the old intentions and start over with something just a beautiful with more enlightenment at the heart of it in another place in the park. I think by demonstration in the other parks it’s unfair to say that Disney doesn’t value the beautiful quiet spots in its parks as something can be found in all of them; it’s probably just moving….
The problem with that way of thinking is that by always looking for reasons to be offended by something, we stand a pretty decent chance of losing (reimagining) Liberty Square, and eventually Main St. USA. These areas romanticize an era in American history that are problematic for some people in the Company. This whole dust-up with problematic content at Disney is similar in many ways to librarians throughout the country needing to fight to keep so many valuable and important books on the shelves because a vocal minority view them as “dirty”.
This just feels so very wrong. I realize change happens and needs to happen, but this is different. This feels like part of the “soul” of the park is being ripped out. It’s so much more than maximizing “underutilized space”. Not only will this be a strange attempt to fit Cars into this area but taking away this beautiful, peaceful spot amidst the craziness of the rest of the park – it’s just such a mistake that you can’t come back from. And if Disney’s eventual goal is to retheme Frontierland (which it certainly seems like) what kind of mess of a mix of things will it end up being??
This decision is a gut punch. We often hang back and watch fireworks and enjoy the peace around the waterway. This is truly a lack of respect for those who enjoy balance in life. This is just another example of the Disney machine at work. We are heading back in Sept for the first time in a few years. Will def make the effort to do the Tom Sawyer Island one more time and take it all in. Thanks so much, as always.
Mary V
Man, I was soooo excited about Villains’ and Cars lands…. and then this. I’m not one to pile on but, jeez Disney, get your act together. Respect history….your value proposition is nostalgia. It’s what separates you from any other parks.
Don’t these people have any center?
Walt would vehemently object but Disney doesn’t care. Why can’t they leave Tom Sawyer island intact and build this slightly behind thunder mountain and haunted mansion.
Tom Saywer’s island truly is the greatest place to unwind and get away from the loud sounds and crowds of the magic kingdom for a spell during the day.
I’m sad to hear this news.
How on earth can Disney think this is what visitors want!?!
How is this not a bigger deal with fans online? It’s not just a opening day attraction, these are major features in the park! They’re beautiful, we need MORE green spaces, not fewer. With as hot as it is now, replacing lush green areas and water with asphalt and loud cars is only going make it worse… and louder. Walt Disney didn’t even like cars! I’m not joking either, if you look at plans for his dream cities, people almost don’t need cars, people close to him said he often complained about cars ruining cities. Just when I thought Disney was listening, I realize it’s more like the blind squirrel expression and they just got lucky with the awesome villians’ land concept moving forward. As much as I love the villians’ land prospect, I totally agree with “not like this.” I also agree with your song lyric analogy. And just to shoehorn in more IP! What happened to offering something other theme parks don’t have, once they’ve bulldozed and DE-themed (recent hotel refurbs) everything that makes the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World unique and special, what’s the point? They’re already way overpriced and have even stiffer competition from Universal coming, why spend a fortune to go to an IP park with none of it’s beauty left?
I live in CA and have been to DCA many times, Cars Land is cute and fun, but they didn’t tear out a beloved, lush park-like areas and a “river” to build it. That would have been horrible and residents here would have strenuously objected. Also, it doesn’t even fit there… California has a historic “car culture” so it suits the theme. Also, we would’ve literally protested if they announced ripping out our river and island to put that in…and rightly so. They’re going to be literally driving people away…
As bad of an idea as this is, the worst part is the deception. Disney released the Tropical Americas concept art years ago because it made sense. They released the Cars concept art the day after the D23 announcement only months before they plan to break ground. This is how you lose the trust of your customers.
I’m gutted by this. Whoever made this decision has never experienced the joy of their child clambering through the caves or bouncing on the barrel bridge. It was such a respite from the usual standing in line for a short ride, or rushing to the next thing my phone told me I was late for. I remember being a kid myself and inventing stories on the island. Don’t get me wrong, I love radiator springs at dca even though i couldn’t care less about Cars. But it works in that park as a self contained land amid the grab bag. Magic Kingdom lands are more than that, though.
Btw your post reminded me of what an influence Tivoli Gardens was on Disneyland. It’s a beautiful place. The beautiful places in magic kingdom are disappearing, so more magic carpets and generic merch can move in. This is just a variation on a theme but it makes me just think the whole enterprise is less special. Old man shakes fist at sky I guess.
I wish they would not eliminate Tom Sawyer island as it is original to the park and truly magical. It is underutilized due to convenience. My kids love it and I know many others would as well. I wish they would make it more accessible and keep it involved in the new Cars land somehow. I think a lot of the new projects are great and well thought out, but this loss seems too much for what could be gained. It does not balance out.
What about the loss of nature and wildlife …
This is just sad .
Feels rushed ….
I don’t think Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer island are closing completely; they’re going to be cut in half. If you look at the concept art and google earth images, the art could easily be looking at the park from the backside of Big Thunder. That would mean that the back half of the river and the back half of the island (the fort area) would be gone. The river turns into more of a small circle. This also makes perfect sense if you’re putting in the villains land next to the cars area and behind fantasy land. It would make a complete, connected loop around rivers of America and connect to fantasy land perfectly.
An absence of an attraction is not a negative. But the opportunity for an timeless experience is priceless.
Losing this area guts me to the core.
Tom, I honestly need to reflect on your well crafted piece a bit more.
I think what this reimagining really needs is a great theme ..and a fifth park. I challenge Disney to create a park based on the National Parks. What a collaboration and tribute to the country. Parks can be and is experienced in different ways… By car, by boat, by air , by train, and by walking and sitting enjoying the atmosphere and vistas. I challenge Disney to give me the experience of a lifetime and allow me to be thankful for the natural wonders in the USA.