Disney hadn't said much about the Cars themed land slated for the magic kingdom, after their initial announcement.
The reason for that is: Florida politics.
Disney proposed filling in the Rivers of America and using that as additional space for their new land. But Disney no longer controls its own waterways. They are now under the purview of the state's water management district. So, when Disney proposed their changes, the state rejected it outright. It's hard to tell what their reasoning was, but presumably it's about their ongoing feud.
Disney tried negotiating, but they met a lot of resistance. I personally assumed the project died quietly.
But in the first week of June, they came up with this statement.
"Since the early days of Magic Kingdom, adventurous guests have traveled across space and time as they pass from Liberty Square to Frontierland.
"At the heart of all these stories are heroic characters with a belief in themselves that helped forge a path to their dreams.
"To continue this journey in great American storytelling, Piston Peak National Park will be part of the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom.
"Visitors will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar Cars universe.
"To make sure these buildings fit naturally within the surrounding majestic landscapes, Imagineers are using a style of architecture called 'Parkitecture,' which was developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.
"From the outside, trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall, and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally."
Which means that they found a way to make it work. And if you look at the new rendering, you'll note that the waterway surrounds the land. So in effect, they reshaped the Rivers of America slightly, but left it intact.
I'm not quite sure who won and lost here. But it seems a reasonable compromise. I think, anyway.
But my one question is why did they put it there, and not over by the Tomorrowland speedway? That seemed to be a more natural tie-in.
But what do I know?
Original artist rendering - no waterways shown:
