When examining the potential for expansion “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” it’s easy to assume that the Rivers of America must be sacrificed due to spatial constraints. The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is tightly nestled against the west side of the river, while the Haunted Mansion is pressed against the east, making it seem challenging to carve out a pathway for a new Villains Land or Cars Land without encroaching on this iconic water feature.
However, after reviewing the permits filed with the South Florida Water Management District, a different picture emerges. These documents reveal that a plot of land adjacent to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure bathrooms is included in the construction zone, suggesting that there could be a pathway to Villains Land not just where the Rivers of America currently sits, but also through another route near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This indicates that the park does, in fact, have alternative options for expansion.
So why, then, is there a push to drain and pave over the Rivers of America? The argument could be made that Cars Land will occupy this space, but this raises an important question: Why not use the land behind the park instead of dismantling a feature that has been part of the park since Walt Disney’s era? Notably, Walt’s 1966 introduction to E.P.C.O.T. includes a map with Rivers of America in the Magic Kingdom.
It’s crucial to consider that the Magic Kingdom has over 28 acres of land zoned for construction—excluding the Rivers of America and the land across Floridian Way. This already constitutes a quarter of the existing Magic Kingdom. Unless Villains Land is set to be extraordinarily vast, there seems to be ample space to accommodate both new lands without disrupting the Rivers of America.
This leads to a more plausible explanation: The decision to remove the Rivers of America could be financially motivated. Former Disney Imagineer Tom Morris has commented, in the past, on the high costs and maintenance challenges associated with water features in theme parks. While these elements are visually striking and beloved by guests, they are also among the most expensive and difficult to maintain. If visitor numbers to Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Belle have dwindled, the expense of maintaining the Rivers of America may no longer seem justifiable.
Given the high costs and the availability of alternative expansion pathways, the decision to remove the Rivers of America may simply be a convenient opportunity to cut costs under the guise of necessary expansion. This inference, based on past insights from former Disney Imagineer Tom Morris, who has suggested that the real financial burden in maintaining such an extensive water feature. This analysis is an educated guess and an inference based on past comments made by Tom Morris. I want to be clear that I am in no way speaking for him, nor do I have insider information. My intent is simply to present a possible explanation grounded in the available evidence.
While it’s true that Cars Land will come with significant costs, its immense popularity and ability to attract large crowds make it a worthwhile investment that is likely to pay for itself over time. High-demand attractions generate substantial revenue through increased ticket sales, merchandise, and Lightning Lane charges, which can offset their initial expenses. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the Rivers of America. Despite its aesthetic appeal and historical significance, it doesn’t draw the same level of consistent foot traffic or generate comparable revenue. As a result, the return on investment for maintaining this water feature is far less favorable, making it a prime candidate for removal in favor of more profitable ventures.
Or maybe Disney just wants two pathways? Maybe I am overthinking all of this!
