Disney World Fans Urge Governor DeSantis to Protect Magic Kingdom Landmarks Amid Expansion

In a passionate response to recent developments, hundreds of Disney World fans are now turning to Governor Ron DeSantis in an attempt to prevent the removal of several iconic and beloved elements of Magic Kingdom.

These fans are making their voices heard by sending emails and letters to DeSantis’ office, calling on him to step in and stop the major changes happening in the park.

The Magic Kingdom Expansion: A New Era for Disney World

The catalyst for this outcry is the approval of new expansion projects at Magic Kingdom by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). These projects promise to be some of the most exciting developments in the park’s history, but they’ve also stirred significant controversy among fans who cherish the park’s deep history.

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If you've written before, do so again! https://t.co/m49nxHfgXS

— Joshua L Harris (@JLHomni) February 17, 2025

Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is known for its timeless charm, captivating visitors with classic attractions and its rich history. With the latest expansion projects, including the highly anticipated Cars-themed area and Villains Land, Disney World is gearing up for its largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history. These additions will add new immersive experiences, attractions, and dining options for guests, while also helping to keep the park at the forefront of the ever-evolving theme park industry.

The approval of these projects is a milestone for Disney World, setting the stage for major changes to the Magic Kingdom experience. While the upcoming expansions promise to bring fresh excitement to the park, many fans feel the cost of this progress may be too high. The removal of historic attractions such as Rivers of America and the beloved boat tours, which have been a part of the park since its opening, has sparked passionate backlash.

Historic Landmarks on the Chopping Block

Rivers of America, an iconic and serene waterway that winds its way through the Magic Kingdom, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney World fans. The area is home to the Liberty Square Riverboat, a vessel that takes guests on a nostalgic journey around the river, offering breathtaking views of Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Tom Sawyer Island. The river and boat tour were personally designed by Walt Disney himself, making them one of the park’s most treasured elements.

Disney is not one company. Once you realize each park has its own managers bidding for projects to serve a purpose, you realize the intent is not to replace dead areas of the park, but locations that serve multiple purposes. – @BBindman on X

Disney is not one company. Once you realize each park has its own managers bidding for projects to serve a purpose, you realize the intent is not to replace dead areas of the park, but locations that serve multiple purposes. pic.twitter.com/rE20au9VBe

— Bindman (@BBindman) February 17, 2025

However, with the latest expansion plans approved by the South Florida Water Management District, the Rivers of America, along with the boat tours that have been a part of the Magic Kingdom experience for decades, may face demolition or significant alterations to make way for new attractions. Many fans feel this is a heartbreaking loss, as these areas hold deep historical significance to the legacy of Walt Disney and the vision he had for the park.

In the face of these changes, Disney fans have rallied together to preserve the magic of Magic Kingdom’s historic landmarks. Social media platforms, fan forums, and email chains have seen an outpouring of support from those who believe the loss of these iconic elements would diminish the heart and soul of the park. The movement has gained significant traction, with many fans pushing for Governor Ron DeSantis to intervene and stop the removal of the Rivers of America and boat tours.

While Disney has yet to make an official statement on how the changes will affect these historic landmarks, the overwhelming sentiment among fans is clear: they want to preserve the magic of the past while embracing the future. The effort to save these beloved elements has become a grassroots movement, with individuals from all over the world voicing their concerns and urging DeSantis to take action.

That’s it. It’s over. RIP Magic Kingdom. – @Kneon on X

That's it. It's over. RIP Magic Kingdom. https://t.co/75IxN4dBpw

— Kneon (@Kneon) February 17, 2025

Why These Landmarks Matter: The Legacy of Walt Disney

For many, the controversy surrounding the expansion isn’t just about the loss of attractions; it’s about the deep, sentimental connection fans have to the history of Disney World and the legacy of its founder, Walt Disney. Rivers of America and the boat tours represent more than just an attraction—they embody Walt Disney’s vision for creating a place where stories come to life and where families can bond over shared experiences.

Disney World has always been a place where guests are transported to different worlds, whether it’s the whimsical fairy tales of Fantasyland or the adventurous tales of the Wild West in Frontierland. Rivers of America, with its tranquil waters and beautiful views, offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling energy of the rest of the park. Its removal would mean losing a vital piece of Disney World’s rich history, leaving many fans to question whether the new expansions are worth the cost of erasing these iconic features.

The Potential Future of Disney’s Expansions

Despite the concerns raised by fans, the upcoming expansion projects—namely the Cars-themed area and Villains Land—have the potential to take Disney World to new heights. The Cars-themed area will likely transport visitors to Radiator Springs, immersing them in the world of Lightning McQueen and his friends, while Villains Land promises to offer a darker, more thrilling experience for those interested in Disney’s notorious baddies.

While these expansions are undeniably exciting for fans eager to experience something new, the question remains: Is there a way to incorporate these new experiences without sacrificing the historical landmarks that have made Magic Kingdom what it is today? Could Disney find a balance between honoring its past and embracing the future?

As the debate over the future of Magic Kingdom continues, fans are finding more ways to voice their concerns. The emails and letters to Governor Ron DeSantis represent just one aspect of a much larger conversation about preserving the heritage of Disney World while allowing for growth and innovation.

Some fans are hoping that public outcry and continued efforts will inspire Disney to reconsider the scope of the planned changes. Others are calling on DeSantis to take a stand, arguing that protecting the historic landmarks at Magic Kingdom is an important step in preserving Florida’s cultural history.

For now, Disney fans are left with questions about the future of Magic Kingdom and whether the park’s beloved landmarks will survive the expansion projects. As the situation unfolds, one thing is certain: the fight to preserve Disney World’s legacy is far from over.

Conclusion: A Fight for Disney Magic and History

In the end, the battle to save Magic Kingdom’s historic landmarks highlights a deeper love and respect for Disney World and the timeless magic it represents. While fans eagerly await the new expansions, they also remain fiercely dedicated to preserving the elements that have made Disney World a beloved destination for generations. Whether or not Governor DeSantis will step in to stop the changes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Disney World fans will continue to fight for the magic and history that make the park so special.

What are your thoughts on this Magic Kingdom expansion? Should Disney World stop or should they do away with these landmarks?