Disney Gains Extension for Cars-Themed Land Permit Review Until January 2025

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has approved Disney's request for an extension to submit additional information regarding the permit application for the new Cars-themed area at Magic Kingdom. The new deadline for Disney to provide the requested revisions and clarifications is January 9, 2025.

Cars Land Permits

This extension comes after the SFWMD returned Disney's initial permit application in September 2024, citing the need for further details about the proposed modifications to the stormwater management system behind Tom Sawyer Island and Big Thunder Mountain. The permit is critical for ensuring proper water flow and environmental protection during the redevelopment of the area into a Cars-themed land.

The SFWMD granted the extension following Disney's request for more time to address questions about wetland impacts, stormwater management, and mitigation measures for local wildlife.

The additional information Disney must submit includes:

• Detailed maps of current wetland conditions and impacted areas.
• Clarifications on mitigation plans for wetland disturbances.
• Plans to minimize environmental effects on listed wildlife species.

Disney is expected to use the additional time to finalize these details and ensure the application aligns with state and local environmental regulations.

Cars Project Background

At Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro, with the help of Tow Mater via video call, announced that a new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film "Cars" will be coming to a reimagined section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. "The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success. That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city," Josh told the crowd.

Cars Concept Art

In this Cars adventure, guests will be able to experience two new "Cars"-themed attractions. One attraction will invite you on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. Take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers and — Mater's favorite — splashing through mudholes.

Cars Concept Art

The second attraction will be geared towards smaller guests and will be fun for the whole family. Work on this new space in Frontierland will begin in early 2025.

"As we develop the next generation of Disney Experiences, we're always looking for new ways to tell the stories people love," D'Amaro said. "We're thrilling Cars fans by building on this incredibly successful franchise and creating the next chapter in this story."