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Disney Files 33-Acre Permit as Tom Sawyer Island Demolition Accelerates for Magic Kingdom Overhaul

A new water-management filing marks a shift from teardown to site preparation for Piston Peak and a Villains area.

Overview

  • Walt Disney World and Walt Disney Imagineering filed an Environmental Resource Permit covering about 33.15 acres to add stormwater conveyance and a dry detention pond supporting the regrading of the former Rivers of America site.
  • Aerial images show Fort Langhorn has been demolished, with clearing progressing across the Tom Sawyer Island footprint.
  • On-island photos confirm Aunt Polly’s has been torn down to its foundation, with rubble visible and equipment moving debris through the drained riverbed to the old Liberty Belle dock.
  • Disney by Mark reports the island’s water mill is no longer visible, indicating it has been removed as contractors continue demolition and earthmoving.
  • The Liberty Belle riverboat is docked at a service marina for safekeeping and maintenance, and Disney has not announced an opening timeline for Piston Peak or the adjacent Villains land.