In a recent Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Board of Supervisors meeting, District Administrator Stephanie Kopelousos provided a management update that included an interesting look into how the District partners with Disney for projects big and small. The collaboration is returning to a sense of normalcy following the politically motivated takeover of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Back in March 2024, Walt Disney World and CFTOD reached a settlement agreement in competing lawsuits. The agreement signaled the end of a feud between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Since the settlement, things have largely returned to business as usual for the CFTOD (formerly the Reedy Creek Improvement District). Business as usual means a lot of things for the wide-ranging responsibilities of the District. Most recently, it included relocating 2,000 fish from the Rivers of America before it was drained dry at Magic Kingdom. Here’s what we know.
2,000 Fish Removed from the Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom
The Rivers of America was a large body of water located in the northwest section of Magic Kingdom. The water feature and surrounding area featured a riverboat, an island full of exploration, and beautiful vistas in the Frontierland and Liberty Square sections of the world’s busiest theme park.
Back in August 2024, Walt Disney World announced its plans to replace a portion of the Rivers of America with a Cars-themed expansion to Frontierland called Piston Peak National Park. It is believed that the northern half (or more) of the former Rivers of America is earmarked for the upcoming Villains-themed land.
In order for this work to take place, Walt Disney World had to drain the Rivers of America ahead of the demolition of Tom Sawyer Island. Earlier this month, Disney began the process of draining the Rivers of America, but some fans wondered what would happen with the wildlife that called the body of water home. Now, we have some more insight.
In the management report, Kopelousos said that District staff went in “in the middle of the night” to try and save the fish. In total, Kopelousos said that 2,000 fish were moved into the nearby Seven Seas Lagoon, likely via the backstage canal seen connected to the Rivers of America in the aerial photo below. Not only did Kopelousos give a total number of fish relocated, but she also provided a breakdown of the type of fish that were moved:
- 10% miscellaneous (catfish, Seminole killifish, mosquitofish)
- 20% largemouth bass
- 70% sunfishes
The District did not return a request for more information about the relocation efforts.
Wildlife management is an important part of any Walt Disney World construction project, and Disney works closely with state agencies to not only ensure minimal impact to ecosystems, but to also mitigate the new construction with other environmental and water management efforts. In fact, Walt Disney World is constructing a massive water management project west of Magic Kingdom in tandem with the early stages of the Cars and Villains Land construction project. We can see the massive land clearing effort in the right half of the photo below.
For everything we know about the Cars-themed expansion to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, check out our dedicated project page below!
For everything we know about the upcoming Villains Land at Magic Kingdom, check out our dedicated Villains Land page below!
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
