Disney’s Shocking Move: Fans and Experts Unite Against Rivers of America Demolition!

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Previously, when Disney graced national news, it was usually due to multi-billion dollar purchases or massive box office earnings. However, this time, Disney is facing criticism – not from rivals or politicians, but from its own dedicated fanbase. In a scathing article for Forbes, journalist Caroline Reid sheds light on the full extent of Disney’s recent misstep: the proposed destruction of the historic Rivers of America at Walt Disney World in the Magic Kingdom.

In this modern journalism, Reid’s article stands out as an exceptionally blunt criticism seldom seen in established media. Entitled “Disney Faces Intense Outrage Over $17 Billion Theme Park Investments,” the piece describes a surge of anger ignited by Disney’s plan to swap the picturesque Rivers of America, the historic Liberty Belle steamboat, and Tom Sawyer Island for a Cars-themed attraction.

Forbes also directly cites That Park Place and its publisher WDW Pro.

Instead of simply listing critical tweets about Disney, Reid’s article serves as a public criticism directed at the top management of Disney, particularly CEO Bob Iger and Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro, for destroying tradition to prioritize synergy. The narrative goes back to Walt’s initial vision in 1955, where the Rivers of America weren’t mere background elements; they were the core of the park’s immersive storytelling, providing visitors with a serene refuge imbued with American values.

Currently, Disney is contemplating an unusual move – draining the entire area and replacing it with a bumpy dirt track for a ride themed around giant off-road vehicles from the Cars series. This decision has sparked immediate, ruthless, and almost unanimous criticism.

A Rare Consensus: “Nobody Wants This”

A critical statement by WDW Pro, as reported by Reid, was widely resonated among thousands of fans, travel experts, and even retired Imagineers: “Nobody wants this project to displace Rivers of America.” This sentiment was echoed in a Forbes article, which documented the wave of public outcry, including notable voices such as MickeyCentral and Disney Magic Mike, along with experienced imagineers and designers like Jim Shull and Eddie Sotto. They not only expressed their disapproval but also proposed feasible solutions to maintain the river and construct the new attraction in a different location.

Meh. Now put it BEYOND Big Thunder. Nobody wants this to replace Rivers of America.

— wdwpro (@wdwpro1) March 8, 2025

Instead of accepting fan feedback, Disney has steamrolled ahead — literally.

Previously this year, it obtained authorization from the South Florida Water Management District to modify the scenery along the river. The crushing blow arrived when Disney shared a promotional video for the latest attraction, featuring a gritty dirt track with jumping ATVs. The charm of the grand and tranquil Riverboat was replaced by this spectacle, while Tom Sawyer’s Island’s serene atmosphere was transformed into an off-road simulation experience.

The video sparked a fiery debate on social media. As one commenter put it, “We don’t want this.” Another said it was tearing the magic out of Magic Kingdom. A third asked, “How has it come to this?” Even Forbes magazine, quoting the respected travel guide Frommer’s, mocked Disney’s plan, saying, “Is this Disney? We could do this by renting an off-roader anywhere in America.

Disney Has Land to Spare — So Why Destroy the River?

The most puzzling thing might be the vast expanse of land that Disney controls. Reid points out that Walt Disney World occupies more than 25,000 acres, with most of it yet to be developed. Notably, Iger recently boasted about Disney having enough space for the construction of “seven entirely new lands.

So why target the Rivers of America?

Reid, WDW Pro, and others highlight a strong focus on synergy within the company, and Iger himself acknowledged in May that Disney’s park developments are primarily influenced by their existing intellectual properties.

He pointed out that it’s primarily focused on Intellectual Property (IP) like Cars Land and Toy Story that generate profits. However, one should consider the costs associated with these returns.

The river and island aren’t merely tourist spots; they’re significant historical landmarks, serving as repositories of Walt’s ideology. Previous Imagineers have cautioned that removing them disrupts the emotional flow of the park. Jim Shull referred to them as “decompression zones,” which serve as places for guests to relax and ponder amidst the turbulent energy of contemporary attractions. Eddie Sotto pointed out that the river provides a contrast, like “chocolate and peanut butter,” that intensifies the effect of adjoining lands. Without this contrast, the park risks becoming another monotonous conveyor belt for intellectual properties.

Fans, Experts, and Designers Agree: This Is a Mistake

Frequently, it’s remarkable to witness such a united group speaking with a single voice. Retired creative minds from Imagineering, skilled designers, influential fans, and travel professionals alike are all in agreement on this point. Jim Clark, another ex-Imagineer, even produced a touching video tribute to the Rivers of America, incorporating quotes from Walt Disney himself, highlighting the profound importance of this attraction to the park’s essence.

The message is clear: Disney is not listening to its guests — or its legacy.

The Timing Couldn’t Be Worse

It’s not by chance that this catastrophe occurs at this moment. In the last year alone, Disney’s stock has plummeted more than 20%, dropping below $100. Domestic park attendance is also down. Meanwhile, Universal’s innovative tech-focused park, Epic Universe, is set to open in two months. At a time when Disney could really use public support, it seems they are instead sparking a public relations crisis by alienating their own fanbase.

Reid’s article in Forbes correctly highlights that Disney has reversed poorly received decisions at Walt Disney World in the past, such as the cancellations of Disney Enchantment and Harmonious, which were met with strong fan criticism. However, other areas slated for demolition, like The Adventurers Club or Maelstrom, ended up being permanently erased.

The unfortunate aspect is that things didn’t need to turn out as they have. Both Shull and Sotto have presented viable designs demonstrating how Cars Land could be integrated without affecting the river. These aren’t just theoretical ideas; they are the practical proposals of experienced professionals. However, Disney has yet to respond with anything other than silence on this matter.

Legacy or Liability?

Reid’s article concludes with a heartfelt remark: The Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island are distinctly American landmarks. They evoke powerful emotions across generations of visitors – grandparents, parents, and children – resonating deeply within them. Although Mark Twain’s America might be losing its cultural significance, it remains vibrant in the Magic Kingdom… for the time being.

If Disney chooses profit over preservation for the sake of synergy and revenue, they won’t merely eliminate a ride. Instead, they could potentially cut off a connection to Walt Disney himself.

The question arises: Will Bob Iger and the present leadership show humility by acknowledging their mistakes, or will they persist despite this, causing their most devoted followers to depart?

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2025-04-04 00:55