Cars at Magic Kingdom Replacing Rivers of America?! Controversial Details & More

The all new Cars attractions coming to Magic Kingdom are replacing an iconic section of the park and today I talk about all the details. Do you like this change or do you think Disney could have put Cars elsewhere?
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- Dylan
Thanks to Brandon G. for the animated logo*
Music from Epidemic Sound*
#waltdisneyworld #d23 #disneyworldupdate

[@gregg5958]

I absolutely agree with you. I love the Cars concept they showed, but NOT at the expense of the river. Think about it: Frontierland is supposed to be a land set in the 1800’s. First they blew up the timeline with a 1940’s Tiana and now they are wrecking it further with an even more current time period ride? How do steam engines, mine trains, and contemporary motor cars all fit together with a bayou swamp just hanging out by itself? Not only does the land as a whole not make any sense now, but neither do the individual parts. They just don’t go together.

[@lvuittonlvr8698]

So bummed out with Disney!!! Demolishing Rivers of America, getting rid of Liberty Belle, Tom Sawyer's Island, and the Canoes, has got to be their biggest mistake yet! I really love looking at the river and going on the Liberty Belle. And like you said Dylan, it's not just about how often you ride the Liberty Belle it's about the aesthetics of the whole area. They're going to ruin the Magic Kingdom! I completely agree with you Dylan 💯What are the imagineers thinking. Changing this area is going to make the park look like any other amusement park. Magic Kingdom will not be unique anymore. I am completely shocked at this news. I really hope that if Disney reads everyone's comments that are similar to mine, they might cancel the demo. Please CANCEL DEMO DISNEY!!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@hollybabyyy]

?! Are u lost. He’s talking about disney WORLD

[@lvuittonlvr8698]

@@hollybabyyy Of course I know it's WDW! The Liberty Belle is not in Anaheim!🙄🙄

[@hollybabyyy]

@@lvuittonlvr8698 babe the canoes arent in wdw.

[@lvuittonlvr8698]

@@hollybabyyy Ok I made a mistake about the canoes - whatever! I just think it will be sad when it's gone!

[@CaliforniaDreamin.]

Walt’s vision wrecked to pieces. It’s horrendous honestly and just unforgivable.

[@dannielz6]

Yup Disneyland on the other hand seems to always get the better decisions. Actually honoring Walt with a new AA Walt Disney show in the Main street Theater.

[@mushieslushie]

@CaliforniaDreamin. Walt didn't even want to build Magic Kingdom. He wanted to build EPCOT, but in order to get local government to allow him to build his own city, he agreed to build another theme park as part of the project. It was not walts dream to build Magic Kingdom.

[@ChristopherRussell-l3v]

That’s dramatic

[@Mike__B]

@@mushieslushie And the Epcot that was built is most definitely not Walt's dream either.

[@CaliforniaDreamin.]

@@mushieslushie I’m talking about what he envisioned for Frontierland. A core land in his original park and several parks to follow…

[@gridley]

Totally technically & creatively inappropriate to remove the Rivers of America--along with its island, riverboat & other craft. It's a gargantuan version of the foolish removal of Epcot's Fountain of Nations. They might just as well replace the river with a college or hospital-type lounge. Today's Disney Co is being managed by some real geniuses.

[@DeeMontezx1]

They don't have heart and they definitely do not understand what the magic is about, all they care about is profit profit.

[@gridley]

@@DeeMontezx1 Actually, if they were more profit driven, they wouldn't allow their obnoxious DEI/ESG politics to run rampant. Some bad decisions are due to ideology---eg, Splash Mt converted to Tiana's

[@devdevthrills]

Love your level-headedness towards this issue. I absolutely think they're missing the mark on where to put some of these attractions, Cars specifically. The only thing that makes it okay for me though is if the river and island are major issues that we don't see as a consumer. Not that this is correct, but I would venture to guess there's major logistical issues, liability issues with the island, maintenance, and other problems. Might be their chance to fix a long-time underlying issue of park design despite it being iconic so that thought makes sense and is something we won't get any confirmation on unfortunately. I could see the execs saying to Imagineering something along the lines of "there just isn't a way to save the river/island without irresponsible investment, can you guys come up with an alternative that people will also love?". I don't think Cars does that perfectly, but from the concept art I like the greenspace and water features. If the river/island was dying either way, I'm okay with this. Cars is Americana, it's the American wilderness, it's a stretch for Frontierland, but it at least kinda makes sense. Probably should drop the Frontierland name though. Now if this isn't the reason they're getting rid of the river and island and it's just laziness/maximizing profitability per sqft/disregard for iconic parts of the park, then that's where I have a big issue. If there's a feasible way to keep the river and island, especially a shortened version like Disneyland, then this is a wild decision. I do wish they would expand elsewhere, I thought that's why Disneyworld existed and had all the land - so they could expand and not cannibalize every attraction. On a separate note and ignoring location for now - the Cars ride looks amazing! The rally concept is awesome and if they nail the concept art I think it'll be a huge hit. Cool to at least see some solid attractions again after this long break!

[@jaysonpida5379]

At first I thought that the idea to remove ROA was o.k. Not good but o.k. But you've made me re-think >> I'd like to hear the reason from Disney why they couldn't do exactly what they did at Disneyland; shorten the ROA and re-route the train tracks closer then add the Cars and Villain areas beyond the new track (like Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland). The path as it passes the Haunted Mansion becomes a spooky tunnel under the tracks.

[@evnkas]

My genuine hope is that this new area does still have a lot of atmosphere and placemaking, so while it may no longer be the river we are used to, it doesn't mean that same feeling we get from it will be gone completely. I also hope from what Josh said, that this area will still include trails and caverns much like TSI had.

[@richardmcgrail450]

You have great ideas !!!!

[@davidnevolo4402]

New theory: THIS WAS DESIGNED FOR DCAS BUGS LAND BEFORE IT BECAME AVENGERS CAMPUS This would be cool where avengers campus is, as an extension of grizzly peak adn radiator springs, with avengers moved to hollywoodland. Boom i just solved the problem. This is totally not a magic kingdom project. Honestly... i saw that thus is only 4.5 acres... i think i just solved the puzzle. THIS WAS DESIGNED FOR DCAS BUGS LAND BEFORE IT BECAME AVENGERS CAMPUS

[@copperkiddo]

I’ve never been to WDW before and I’m upset with the removal of the rivers. It’s such a Disney park icon, and I love the look it gave to Liberty Square and Frontierland. But I will say this, if they stay true to the concept art, I will appreciate the Wilderness look. As someone who use to go to South Dakota every Summer, yes the Wilderness is just as much a part of the Frontier as any other place. So if it stays like the concept art, then yes I believe it will be good for Frontierland. I’m still not happy about it though.

[@beaubarney4464]

There are reasons they're eliminating the rivers of America and a lot has to do with needing to close off the waterway that feeds it. A guy, can't remember his name, posted a lot of inside information about it on X.

[@JerWHolley]

Regarding the DCA Announcements of 2 Boat Rides (Coco & Avatar) I see them retheming Grizzly River Run for one of them.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Grizzly will stay, the Avatar land will be a Disneyland forward project.

[@paigebrightly7319]

Don’t get me wrong carsland is my favorite land in DLR, and I’m super excited they’re taking the franchise to other Parks. However, I couldn’t imagine rivers of America in Disneyland getting taken away that would be a catastrophe. Is WDW not the same when it comes to that?? Do people not care as much about that scenery? If enough people speak up do we think they would reimagine location? I really hope they pull this off 🥲

[@neekers]

Love the videos. Drinking or smoking game....every time Dylan says "kineticism"

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

I think you’d have two or three drinks lol

[@nancyg5490]

Is it a done deal or could they possibly change what's left of their minds?

[@StephanieOlea]

I would to hear what would you replace Simpson's land with! I Universal came to you and ask what do you want there, what would you add? I heard rumors about Pokemon replacing the Simpsons.

[@DrStarlander]

The one hope I have is that the team at Disney is seeing the reaction to the Cars plan and that they take to heart some of the feedback. Even if the messages are harsh, and delivered in an extreme, emotional or angry way, I hope they take the time to hear the underlying messages. And even assuming this plan is a "done deal" that they push hard for a few things: 1. For this to be well-received, the entire area needs to be *LUSH*. Maximize the waterfalls, geysers, little ponds, bridges, and trees, trees, trees. Plant all the trees and foliage you can pack in there. If it's lush, people are way more likely to love it. 2. Break up the expanse of walkways with more rock work, planters, varying textures like sections of flagstone rock, and wood bridges, and overhead tunnels and landmark signs to walk under, and add texture to the concrete of implied use like wheel tracks. Some of this may require moving the parade route elsewhere in the park so these walkways can get broken up and have some tunnels (overhead arches) and be given a more wandering, natural wilderness feel. 3. Use multiple transition methods like rock work arches and tunnels, a covered bridge, etc. to break up the perimeter walkway into sections that each have thematic integrity. For example, put transition elements between Liberty Square and old west Frontierland stretch (e.g., covered bridge) and one upon entering Tiana's bayou area, and one for Big Thunder. This is needed because the *whole area* now makes absolutely no sense in terms of geography and time period and character occupancy (by that I mean humans live in some attractions, personified animals live in other attractions, and personified cars live in others!). While these areas *could* be blended along the river, it will be harder with the shared "negative space" of the river being replaced with something "not negative" but rather imposing a strong tangental theme (Cars) of its own. Since you are giving up on the *wide expansive* views and blended transition the area has now, you need to box these discreet areas into jewel-box diorama like mini-land areas. By separating them and making them individually cohesive it may work for a given guest in a given location at a given moment. 4. The placement of Haunted Mansion relative to the river was a masterpiece of site-planning composition. That is totally wiped out in replacing the river with the Cars attraction. Please consider building a new entry structure (i.e., replace the house) around the other side of the structure so it faces Villains land and use rock work to block it off from the mayhem of the Cars attractions. You only need to replace the elevators and queue, and in doing that you could bring some amazing new show technology to the elevator experience (maybe it spins or move sideways or the walls magically disappear in the dark). But mostly, please *do not have the Hudson River Valley Haunted Mansion incongruously looming over the northwest national park road rally Cars rides!*

[@lindamemo5224]

Tom Sawyer and rivers is not beloved in Florida like it’s in Disneyland. And this cars land is a very different version of

[@michaelborza3530]

I don’t understand Disney these days. Who is making these decisions? What about the guest experience? What about creating something that isn’t based on an IP? Where’s the creativity? The magic?

[@eghuber2018]

I honestly think Rivers of America and Tom Sawyers Island are being eliminated because people at Disney erroneously think it is not PC. It's the same knee-jerk reaction to Splash Mountain that was not racist and based on actual African folklore. Tiana's Bayou Adventure should have been a separate dark ride, and Splash Mountain should have been left alone. This is the same mistake and will ruin the Magic Kingdom. This ridiculousness will give Epic Universe the win.

[@SoCalGuy20]

I'm all for Rivers of America. Just don't mess with Disneyland's. I think we should be pretty safe though.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Thankfully Disneylands will be safe. Excited for the cars ride but just wish they would have put it somewhere else.

[@Edsthemeparks]

Disney have so much space and land in Orlando why remove something that’s loved by so many, one reason cost savings, if they created this in another unused area it would cost massively more so this way it cuts that’s cost, they should be opening a new park with these rides not touching these iconic attractions 😮 they will regret this decision in the future trust me. Universal listen to there guests Disney never will. Just don’t ever remove this area from Disneyland in Anaheim lol 😂 I’m all for new rides but this isn’t the right time or place to put it. I’m praying Disney will change their mind but it’s probably too late.

[@User_lilie]

Yeah the new attractions seem cool but yes I would expect cars to go somewhere else

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

They just need to expand the park at the end of the day, not replace old things they don’t want to take care of anymore.

[@SocalGT]

Just to clarify. Are these changes at Disneyland or at Disney World?

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

All of this will be happening at Magic Kingdom in Florida.

[@jamesdunn8893]

Frontier land is done

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Yup, crazy to think that it’s really happening.

[@shamiratasnim]

to me I think cars land should be at Disneyland Shanghai

[@anthonyantoniohughes1184]

I do agree a cars land area doesn't fit into Magic Kingdom especially blending it in with frontier land, I find that a little weird however, a villains themed area can work well if they blend it within the haunted mansion section, and put the new cars land into Disney Hollywood. Dylan this is where I disagree with you, the Magic Kingdom can be at full capacity and you would still find maybe 50 people on Tom Sawyer Island, the GP barely goes over there and most folks forget that's it's even an island, all these vloggers and content creators sitting there making a fuss about Disney turning that entire area into cars land but, none of them even bother to visit the island, maybe once or twice in a 2 year period. It has become a waste of space and should be turned into something else like a New Orleans square themed area and shorten the river's of America. This is just my take on it.

[@terrirobinson3876]

I have come to the conclusion that they used a dart board for placement of these new attractions.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

I feel like that’s what they do too

[@TheDupresdoDisney]

Taking the river away, is not cool. Not at all…. The one peaceful and tranquil place in all of MK, gone. Some of our families NEED that kind of space to take a break too. 😭

[@jaybruminator]

They stop ordering parts for the liberty belle years ago

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Let’s hope they can save it and maybe put it at a different resort.

[@neekers]

Should they rename every secondary park to the new generic "Adventure Land"? The park branding is a mess. Marvel has 0 to do with California. Lands are now based on IP, not themes. When are we getting a WALL-E world with Buy n Large?

[@jaybruminator]

I think fantasmic is the only thing saving the rivers in america i Disneyland

[@tony.9363]

Horrible Horrible move. They already got rid of the original submarine lagoons... I feel that Disney doesn't really listen to the fans anymore.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

I just don’t see why they can keep it and restore it. Then add to the park on top of that.

[@tony.9363]

@@ThemeParkObsessionDD exactly

[@Yesallmine]

It’s almost as if Disney (Iger) hates America.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

I highly doubt that. It’s just they don’t see value in spots like that and it’s a shame.

[@Yesallmine]

I don’t know…Rumors of renaming Main Street USA to Mickey Way and doing away with Liberty Square. Time will tell I suppose. Always enjoy your videos!

[@lvuittonlvr8698]

Disney doesn't like that it's called "Rivers of America" - I think your right!

[@PresidentBr0wnVagena2024]

DEI$ney is a shopping center with rides and themed wings of the complex.

[@hollybabyyy]

Sighh

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Let’s just hope all this stuff is good.

[@hekz27]

I like the idea of the new attractions but it’s not for magic kingdom. The cars theme rides belong somewhere else. They don’t belong in Frontierland. I would put it for a fifth park and a new land.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

I just think they could have gone beyond the berm, it’s an interesting choice to not expand the park. Let’s just hope these new rides are spectacular.

[@Spicychicken83]

My guy nobody visited Tom Sawyer, and to say it doesn’t fit frontier land says you never seen the movie

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

They can save all that stuff with some nice enhancements and then expand the park beyond the berm to add capacity. I don’t see why you can’t have both.

[@Spicychicken83]

@@ThemeParkObsessionDD enhancements is just a refurbishment, nobody visited Tom Sawyer island at all and nobody really cared about the liberty bell and rivers of America, cars land fits in frontier land with the theming of Route 66 in the movie which was based in the frontier, I mean you may keep it real but you cry as bad as pc dev

[@ShadowCaster3214]

In my opinion, people are being way too sensitive and unreasonable about this and I really feel Disney is doing the correct thing and here and this is why: 1) The Magic Kingdom was designed to be disneyland but on a grander scale. But it never lived up to that. In terms of immersion and flow, Disneyland has it beat by a long mile. Magic kingdom is on a massive parcel of land of that is flat and it is extremely difficult to have it be so immersive. Perfect example is Disneyland fantasyland vs magic kingdom fantasyland. Disneyland is themed much better and is way more aesthetically pleasing. When Magic Kingdom was built, this wasn’t an issue. But the bar has been raised significantly since the 80’s. Rivers of america and tom sawyers island does not excite guests like it used to and it is greatly underutilized. In many ways, it also makes the park seem dated and out of touch. Replacing it with two lands that are highly immersive and meets guest expectations in 2024 and beyond is a smart and necessary move. 2) It does not ruin walt’s legacy. In terms of what he himself built, his legacy is truly Disneyland. It was his first park, his apartment is there, club 33 is there, matterhorn, haunted mansion, pirates, small world, jungle cruise, the monorail, submarine voyage (before it was finding nemo)and fantasy land were all things he worked on. Disneyland is the original and has most of his heart and soul. And including the new show and animatronic that had the blessing of his family, they continue to honor him. Magic kingdom is probably the least “magical” in comparison to animal kingdom, epcot, and hollywood studios because those were still new original ideas from walt, magic kingdom wasn’t, it was a rehash of stories already told. Walt’s legacy is also the entire company as a whole. 3) The fact that they are using IP is not a bad thing nor is it completely devoid of original ideas. What matters is how they use it and implement it. Even walt’s original park had IP in a sense. Every ride in fantasyland is based on stories that already existed. Pinocchio, Alice, Peter Pan, Mr Toad, Snow white. Matterhorn is designed after the real mountain. Indiana jones is IP so is starwars ect. At universal, it’s nearly all IP. Harry Potter, Simpsons, Jaws, Fast and Furious, Universal Monsters, Super Mario, Jurassic Part, ET, Transformers etc. What matters is how well the stories are brought to life. 4) Where the rides/lands are going makes sense to me. Cars is going to be the scenery of the pacific northwest it seems and that suits the mountains and rugged theming of frontierland and they’re still going to make aesthetic upgrades. As for villains, magic kingdom also makes sense because the villains that will reside there have roots to all the characters, rides, and attractions that are found throughout the park. Like Captain hook because the peter pan ride is there.

[@gregg5958]

Might as well tear the park down and make the entire thing an evil version of itself then. Just Villain Park the whole thing.

[@mandmadventurers]

Your ideas would be a great enhancement to Disney. They really need an advisory board of creators and Disney enthusiasts to contribute new ideas on re-theming instead of tearing down iconic attractions.

[@MrCoggibird]

They better not touch Disneyland’s version in Anaheim!!!!

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

I don’t think they will at the end of the day.

[@MrCoggibird]

@@ThemeParkObsessionDD having said that, I’m super unimpressed with the lack of announcements for Disneyland at D23…. Being the 70th next year I thought that would be the main headline but we got next to nothing….

[@dannielz6]

On the one hand maybe they are trying to Differentiate Disney World and Land, which is a good thing that most of us want But this hodge podge of themes and the complete dismantling of the Frontier theme is a mess and not the way to do it. Dylans ideas like the Bayou is way better.

[@determineddad7935]

​@@MrCoggibirdI was hoping for Tomorrowland changes. That area needs it.

[@MrCoggibird]

@@determineddad7935 oh absolutely!! These days it’s VERY MUCH yesterdayland, due to a lack of keeping it current

[@emilyfink1185]

Love Rivers of America atmosphere and it makes the park unique….very Americana and such a great escape from the crowds. So glad it was only slightly altered at Disneyland when adding a whole new land.

[@kathycunningham6677]

I’m so disappointed about the end of Rivers of America and parts of Liberty. Why not update speedway w cars? So sad about this change/move by Disney. Thanks Dylan for sharing w us.😊

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Thanks for watching, yeah it’s kind of a huge bummer that they are getting rid of some opening day attractions instead of moving the land elsewhere.

[@ItzAdrian02]

Well if they did, does cars fit into fantasyland or tomorrowland

[@jaybruminator]

​@@ThemeParkObsessionDDliberty belle was not an opening day attraction

[@brandiesedillo9056]

This is a nuts! There are certain things you remember as a child for your memories that you hold on to. It doesn't matter how often you go on the ride. Removing that would be like removing the castle at some point. I'm a Disneyland girl, but I have been to Walt Disney World...I'll just say, if they ever did this at Disneyland It would stop me from ever going back to Disneyland. There is so much land out there its just insane to me.

[@dayoldbread1696]

for us here in California there’s rumors going around that they are going to bulldoze grizzly peak for the avatar land. I hope that’s not true

[@tomcrossmanmovingpictures]

Scorched earth imagineering! It’s the lazy way to add to the theme parks by just ignoring the things they’re ripping out. It’s important to note that even though cars is the number 12 Pixar movie, it’s the number one movie for merchandising. And so that’s what carslands are really about -selling toy product.

[@dayoldbread1696]

I feel like our avengers campus here at California Adventure was also only built to sell merchandise 😞

[@beaubarney4464]

​@dayoldbread1696 thankfully the two new rides will change that

[@dayoldbread1696]

@@beaubarney4464 I hope so too

[@tomcrossmanmovingpictures]

@@beaubarney4464 huh?

[@beaubarney4464]

​@smallworldmovingpictures428 two more rides being built. I'm not sure what's so hard to understand. Two more rides in a land that already has shops. That's the point I'm making.

[@LindaSolis-b9s]

I agree. Seems there are plenty of other places they could put cars outside of what is already there! All parks need a quiet place to relax and decompress. One of my favorite memories at WDW was finding a quiet spot at Tom Sawyer Island to sit and rest for about an hour.

[@WhirlOmar]

If they do this, this will go down as one of the worst errors that they have made to the parks.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Oh they are for sure doing it. It’s a super bold choice.

[@gregramirez2935]

What makes me worried about this and you expansion is that they have plenty of room to do it and you’re going to take out some thing that is so part of the park that even when Walt says that Disneyland will always change he didn’t mean that. It would’ve been nice if They felt that Tom Sawyer‘s island wasn’t much of a crowd draw, they could’ve did something that could’ve honored the Native Americans like Ed Knott’s very far doing mystery lodge. By what they’re doing is there getting rid of Walt Disney from the very thing he created. It makes me wonder, what they’re going to do to our Tom Sawyer’s island and or rivers of America to put a new attraction there. It’s no longer going to be the Disney World and Disneyland that people who want to take their grandkids to these parks to see the nostalgia of their grandparents who grew up, going to these parks as kids.

[@figmentpal83]

I SO agree with you. Doesn't New Orleans have riverboats?? They could make that whole area to the dock a New Orleans area. Cars should go behind Big Thunder Mountain in an area that they shorten the rivers is America at. Back after the 2020, they did a refurbishment of Rivers of America and I believe Tom Sawyers Island.

[@dannielz6]

Cars is a no brainer for DHS or as an Autopia replacement. At a minimum take a partial portion of ROA like Disneyland did for GE.

[@chelseylightell2870]

The issue is that they don’t have to replace it at all because they have the land for it. Why replace when there is 16 acres behind big thunder and ROA. I agree with the New Orleans square option! And retheme ROA to the same

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Yeah, I don’t see why you can’t keep the rivers of America and expand the park on top of that

[@lvuittonlvr8698]

Disney needs to keep ROA and use that 16 acres to build Cars and Villains Land! The imagineers need to listen to your ideas which are awesome👏👏🙏🙏

[@happiestplace3754]

That's literally what Disney and Ron DeDumbass are in a battle over. Disney and Ron are so worried about politics, it affects everything. Ron is preventing Disney from developing the land outside the berm, so their only choice is to build inside the berm.

[@ItzAdrian02]

Honestly i didnt see any fans of TSI or the riverboat as when i go its almost empty comapred to Disneyland's. Plus sating its destroying walts vision and hes rolling in his grave is funny as he never stepped foot on magic kingdom and also said the parks would never be completed, he would encourage change even if it mesns retiring old attractions that ran their course Why immediate use up the expansion space immediately when you can use a space that underutilized. The demographic of Magic kingdom are tourists. They dont care much bout some island. They see cars and their kids will be wanting to go on that ride.

[@IVAtheLT]

I don't go to the parks much, but I make a point to visit Tom Sawyers island EVERY visit. One of my most nostalgic attractions from childhood...

[@dannielz6]

I love the New Orleans / Bayou idea. That would also make the Tiana / Splash replacement far less painful and its an easy retheme for the ROA and the steam boat fits right in!

[@ericiancarr]

As long as it's not Disneyland. That resort is an incohesive mess of coasters to compete with universal orlando. Im all about TDL and DL.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Tokyo is amazing, I think they should be in charge lol

[@laurentscholtes8770]

@@ThemeParkObsessionDDsure? Better they are not as we can see 😅

[@michaelparker2844]

I think a silver lining is they’re going to leave so much more space for villains expansion. Plus, if you remove the Rivers of America, you have to at least replace with a world-class attraction there to make it worthwhile. At the end of the day Magic Kingdom will end up with at least two E-ticket attractions and maybe three. That’s a net win!

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

It’s a win for attraction at the end of the day yeah. I just know we can live in a world where they can keep that river and add these new rides too.

[@adventuresinsplashmountain6]

I think this is just a horrible thing. They should put Cars somewhere else in Disney World. Where? Literally anywhere else! I don't think Cars should belong in Magic Kingdom at all. Especially if it takes over Rivers of America. It clearly doesn't fit in with Frontierland. Disney keeps putting IP where it doesn't belong and its really annoying me. Thats not even nearly close to the worst part. They are literally tearing Walt's vision to pieces! All for Cars! Disney has to get it together! Because if crap like this keeps going on, people will start to boycott them. Some people already have! This is unfortunate and very upsetting! Disney needs to get it together

[@greyroom6730]

Removing the Rivers of America sounds like it's a the scorched earth approach to something that could have easily been avoided. WDW has so much land to develop. Thematically, this doesn't even make sense. One of the characteristics that separates WDW (and other Disney parks) from the Six Flags and Cedar Point parks their use of theming and storytelling. The rivers do just that. I'm from California, so I'm partial to Disneyland...and if that ever happened here, I'd probably stop my fandom of Disney. But our Rivers of America is a little more storied than WDW's. I mean, Walt specifically built Tom Sawyer's Island...and a river system was always part of the plan...even from the first Mickey Mouse Park plans...also, our Fantasmic is integrated into the river...anyways, I'm rambling here... I just think it's a pathetic choice for WDW. If I had a seat at the design table, I'd have been vocally against it.

[@reneehoenicke4765]

I would not retheme Thunder Mountain, but I agree that Cars should be somewhere past Thunder Mountain. Honestly, if they just put the Disneyland version of the ride behind Big Thunder, the themes would work beautifully together. If they needed the space, the Villains honestly could be their own 5th park (maybe a smaller one, but still).

[@Caman-h1w]

The ROA and Tom Sayer’s Island/Pirates Lair at Disneyland is a special place. Families with young children can explore the island and let their imaginations create their own stories. My children always headed there with us for a fun time of hide and seek. Now we take our grandchildren there. It’s exactly what Walt envisioned it would be. I hope the powers that be never get the awful idea of removing it for a new attraction. It wouldn’t be Disneyland without the sound of the Mark Twain whistle in the background.

[@74kid]

Try to be positive. It looks like through the concept art there will be water as a well as snow as part of cars land. which is aesthetically pleasing. Never been to the Magic Kingdom. Been to Disneyland California and Disneyland Paris. I don’t have the park nostalgia that a lot of people have. The reaction to D23 was rightfully very positive. Seems now people are looking for any negative spin. I’m sure some of the river will be saved. The cars ride, if it’s on the level of Radiator Springs racers then it will be a hit.

[@HaleyFlood-fo1ll]

I’ve always been a fan of Disney grew up going to Disneyland Disney world Disney cruise line and it’s exciting what Disney is about to create at the parks and on the cruise 🚢 my opinion is I don’t get why Tiana’s bayou adventure is opening in November 2024 I thought it was already opened because didn’t it open back in June 2024 so now their closing it again and deciding to open it back up again in November it doesn’t make sense at all and I agree with u Dylan I don’t think it’s a good idea for Disney to close Tom Sawyer down and add cars land I love always walking by their and seeing the beautiful scenery of Tom slayer island 🏝️

[@mothmanmedia8511]

Tom Sawyers Island has always been a wasted space. Just like Swiss Family Robinson it’s honestly just a way to fill up empty space without putting a lot of money in it. Like I feel like the actual thing to be upset about is taking Dinosaur away for Indiana Jones. It’s called Animal Kingdom. What does Indiana Jones have to do with animals education or conservation.

[@ColinNow]

Do you think the imagineers listen to the big wigs, give the big wigs what they want knowing the Disney army will come through which they also agree with too? So your outrage is justified and could do good! I’m not a Disney guy, I’m an amusement park coaster kinda guy which is why I watch your channel but I watch these Disney ones too just to hear what’s happening. You do it in a not in your face Disney fan way, you’re pretty even stevens across the board and that’s why I like you’re content!

[@DiegoMatos-u6u]

I know how a cars land can work in Hollywood Studios, combine both Toy Story Land and the upcoming Monstropolis into a Pixar land like Worlds of Pixar from Walt Disney Studios Park!

[@randolphwilliams2365]

Just noticed how the water features play such a big integral part of the design of epic universe. Epic sidelines because of the open space. I like rivers of America the cause of that aspect. If it's offensive because of its history then just change the name to rivers of the world go back.

[@Edsthemeparks]

I wish they had left back to the future they could have built hill valley and had Cafe 80s so much that could be done universal have gone back to retro so you never know lol 😂 imagine an updated ride and hill valley it could work even in 2024 it’s so popular

[@craftygirlygamer]

i have the same feeling about this as i do with the zootopia and encanto additions to AK. they're just not in the right parks and it rly is gonna mess up the whole vibe of the parks in my opinion. i think cars land is best suited for DHS because that park is kinda just a melting pot for IP and it also just really needs more rides added to it. im sure it'll all look fine in the end but im still pretty disappointed.

[@AmyDunham-q5s]

They are making a missmash of the park and I’m certain Walt would not approve. These executives must think we are stupid to announce something new and then wait until D23 is over to tell us what they are taking away. As a Disney stock holder I’m loosing faith. They need to shoot straight with us.

[@annlavine3576]

I feel bad for all the birds and animals/ I enjoy the rivers of America/ Tom Sawyer/ nice to chill and get away from people/

[@lindamemo5224]

Cars land is taking all of Tom sawyers. Villains is going behind big thunder back In a cast member area because it’s a huge land that’s gonna be as big as galaxy edge

[@davidskings]

1000% agree with you also weird taking it out. I hope they never do this in Anaheim.

[@Craig_Spurlock]

I just have a crap ton of questions. Demolishing Rivers of America sets a dangerous precedent.If they are willing to do that, what would stop them from targeting the castle next? Will people be able to enjoy WDW's Cars attractions knowing the extremely high price paid to get them? Florida has enough space and expansion room so they should not even be thinking of demolishing ANYTHING, much less one of the parks anchors. Whomever even thought of targeting the River and all the associated attractions should be fired!

[@lvuittonlvr8698]

Agree 💯 This has to be one of the worst decisions that Disney has ever made😱😱

[@shawnmcbride4819]

This isn't Walts park it's a copy they are trying to make it its own park make it different than Disneyland getting rid of areas most people don't go and upping capacity. I think it looks good.

[@BlackMambaFan124]

Y’all are grown adults, get over it. Find more important things to worry about

[@wheelindisney5874]

Part of me agrees with you. And part of me has to recognize that I'm not entirely in tune with the vibe at WDW. Disneyland is my "home" park. I visit multiple times each month. I've visited WDW a few times, but that is single visits 3 or 4 or more years apart. Losing the Rivers of America at Disneyland would be terrible. It's in an arid environment in Anaheim and we don't have bit rivers near by. R of A is a welcome relief to the local heat. WDW is in a swamp. There's water everywhere. They may not need a river environment as much as we need one in Anaheim. Or maybe not. I'm not there all the time so I don't know. I'm hesitant to project my feelings about Disneyland onto the Magic Kingdom in FL. They are different parks in different locations with different guests who want different things. I can only look ahead and say that the Cars and Villains areas that will replace R of A look fantastic! I can't wait to visit again when they're done.

[@hollybabyyy]

Rly hate them ruining the consistent theming and random placement of rides like avatar in cali adventure and lion king splash mountain in studios park Paris

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Yeah the placing is a little off

[@zeeek7766]

Love your ideas on this…I will say that the flow of MK always seemed off so maybe this helps but yea sucks to see this attraction go..good thing I’m in Cali..first thing I’m going to do when i visit dland is go on the MT…multiple times

[@ColinNow]

Another note. Disney should also take a cue from universal and venture outside Florida and California. Especially in Kansas City where I’m from. Laugh-o-Gram studios is still here and still intact just vacant but developers want to turn it into a wework. I wish Disney would look into buying it.

[@bvh94117]

thematically, nothing says 'frontier' and 'wild west' like anthropomorphic talking cars

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Right?! Lol

[@mitchellries256]

I honestly have mixed opinions about this. I visited Tom Sawyer Island once in 2006, and I really enjoyed exploring it. But, I haven't been there ever since, and to be honest, I think a lot of people skip it as well. I will miss this in a way, but honestly, ever since they replaced Splash Mountain with Tiana's Bayou Adventure, I can't think of anything worse Disney can do than that (at least I don't want to).

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

I think if they would have done something to the island like add new experiences then it would be a different story.

[@Caman-h1w]

The ROA and Tom Sayer’s Island/Pirates Lair at Disneyland is a special place. Families with young children can explore the island and let their imaginations create their own stories. My children always headed there with us for a fun time of hide and seek. Now we take our grandchildren there. It’s exactly what Walt envisioned it would be. I hope the powers that be never get the awful idea of removing it for a new attraction. It wouldn’t be Disneyland without the sound of the Mark Twain whistle in the background.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

And I know it’s a little different at Walt Disney World as far as the feels, but it still adds some value and I think it’s nice to save things like the river. I’m just crossing my fingers that this new cars area is something very very beautiful.

[@markimoofan1239]

i'm mostly sad bout the liberty belle going away, that ship is beautiful :( and i hate seeing og rides go away just to put IP's in its all it is these days :( which is sad

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Maybe they can save the Liberty Belle and put it elsewhere in the resort. Thankfully there are plenty of water ways.

[@johnmceleney1092]

Disney fans are never happy Parks need to evolve - out with the old in with the new. Parks have to look at the future for new generations coming through. People are not coming to the parks for Tom Sawyer Island

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

All I’m saying is they should be expanding the park. The cars rides I’m sure will be a bunch of fun but why wasn’t the Disneyland treatment applied here.

[@Schmidty130]

I wish Disney somehow hears your idea cause it sounds SO MUCH better then what we got. If we got this as the announcement I would’ve been so excited. Disney is in such a weird place right now, like they’re trying to make up for Epic Universe.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

All of this is a response from Epic. Disneys been reactionary since Potter.

[@donniebahama]

you are right Dillan...Disney parks are not primarily about rides...they are about character and the river is an iconic part of that atmosphere. It's an open quiet space that adds peace to the hustle and lets the park breath and I'm surprised that Disney management doesn't see the value in that. Happy relaxed people spend more money

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Well I also dont see why they can improve the river and the island. Enhance them like in California.

[@laurentscholtes8770]

They have so much space with no restrictions at all in Florida other than in California 😅they could just build new stuff on new land 🎉 why destroy classics ???

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

They just need to expand MK at the end of the day. They can keep the waterway and update it instead oh totally replacing it. It’s a big pain in the butt but I think it adds some character to the park.

[@JuanCarlosrodriguez-zw5qd]

No competition for epic universe in 3 or 4 years Disney world needs something right now you know Tron took 3 years to build and that was just an attraction

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

And this is where Disney screwed up. They should have been building to open some big things in 2025. Not 2030.

[@andrewmavaddat6433]

Great video Dylan I totally agreeee man!!!!!!!!!

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Thanks so much for watching. Glad you also are on the same page 😁

[@oceanairboy]

I've never heard someone pronounce "controversial" the way that you do. Lol.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

I’m unique.

[@justink3703]

Universal did the same thing when they got rid of Jaws and replaced it with Harry Potter. They could've easily just expanded Harry Potter land within IOA by having it take over Lost Continent, but no, they had to take out an iconic attraction that has been around for so many years in favor of something new. That is the same thing Disney is doing with this change. Looking at Universal now, everyone loves Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida, so maybe once Disney is finished, everyone will turn out liking the idea. Lets give them a chance just like we gave Universal a chance.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

For sure, it sucks that jaws had to go. Same rules apply there with why they couldn’t keep the idea and just upgrade it. I hope it’s a Diagon alley situation and it turns out good. If they are going to replace something like Rivers of America it’s gotta be really good.

[@justink3703]

@@ThemeParkObsessionDD I agree with that. If they are going to change something that is considered a classic attraction, then the follow up should be a worthy replacement. We'll just have to wait and see.

[@alfredmenna9065]

Dylan you have such great ideas. You should work for Disney.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Thanks! I couldn’t work for them because they would never like my ideas haha

[@vusa7]

RoA is so dog water! Great addition to the park!!!!!

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

I just believe we can have both.

[@joshuamartinez4381]

Epic universe has nothing to worry about

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

I don’t think so either. And by the time this opens they will be working on their own expansions.

[@LeJeanZone]

I absolutely agree with you, Dylan!!!

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Thanks for watching! Yeah I just don’t see why they can’t have both.

[@thegixlad27]

Disney hasn’t cared for years

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

For a lot of things yeah, they just put whatever wherever.

[@kenhogg858]

Cars needs to go the studio…..leave rivers alone

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Studio would be a better park for sure.

[@annlavine3576]

Agree the new lands can go elsewhere

[@annlavine3576]

Wish you were in charge if Disney

[@mandiconnell3311]

I’m devastated 😭

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

It’s sad for sure. Let’s just hope this new area is insanely good.

[@jlperez3305]

I still think we can stop them from this disaster. There is a petition to Save the Rivers of America, which can be found by simply googling that phrase. I really appreciate Dylan's analysis on this, and he's right. Disney has so many options to bring Cars land to Walt Disney World, without destroying this classic and beautiful area. Let's not give up yet on this.

[@ThemeParkObsessionDD]

Unfortunately they don’t care about online petitions, it’s shareholders and that’s it. I just see a world where you can expand past the berm and also update the rivers of America like at Disneyland.

[@jlperez3305]

​@ThemeParkObsessionDD thank you for your kind response. You may be right about the petition. For me it's the one thing I can do to express my displeasure with Disney's decision. My hope is that it can be just one sliver of a larger expression of disapproval that may cause a reconsideration. (A far fetched hope, I realize.) Dylan, I appreciate your providing an alternative concept. If only Disney would stop and listen.