Rivers of America was drained not too long ago, leaving a vast space within the once beloved Magic Kingdom location. Now, news is coming out that the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) and Ron DeSantis managed to relocate and save over 2,000 wildlife species from the waters that once ran through the theme park.Credit: Disney FanaticRivers of America Drained, but the Wildlife Has Been Reserved, Thanks to Ron DeSantis’ Disney World DistrictA quiet, pre-dawn operation at Magic Kingdom went largely unnoticed by park guests—but it was nothing short of extraordinary. Imagine hundreds of shimmering fish being scooped from one of the park’s most iconic waterways and carefully relocated under the cover of night. This was the reality behind Disney’s latest massive project: the draining of the Rivers of America to make way for new, highly anticipated attractions.While many visitors are focused on new rides and themed lands, few know the lengths Disney goes to protect the natural ecosystems embedded within the park. Recent management updates from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) have shed light on the careful collaboration between Disney and local authorities to balance construction with wildlife preservation. For fans, this behind-the-scenes effort reveals a deeper story about what goes into keeping Magic Kingdom both magical and environmentally responsible.In this article, we’ll break down exactly what happened during this relocation, why it matters to guests, and the insider tips that can help you experience the park during this major transformation.Credit: Inside the MagicWhat Happened at the Rivers of AmericaIn August 2024, Walt Disney World announced plans to replace a portion of the Rivers of America with a Cars-themed expansion called Piston Peak National Park. Additional areas of the river are slated for the upcoming Villains-themed land. For these projects to move forward, the northern half of the Rivers of America needed to be drained—a monumental task at the world’s busiest theme park.During a recent CFTOD Board meeting, District Administrator Stephanie Kopelousos confirmed that in total, 2,000 fish were relocated to nearby Seven Seas Lagoon. The midnight operation involved transferring wildlife quietly via backstage canals, ensuring minimal disruption to the creatures’ natural habitats. The breakdown included 70% sunfishes, 20% largemouth bass, and 10% miscellaneous species like catfish and Seminole killifish.“This was a careful, coordinated effort to preserve wildlife during construction,” Kopelousos noted. “Our teams work closely with Disney to ensure both ecosystem safety and project efficiency.”Credit: DisneyHow Guests Can Experience the TransformationWhile much of the Rivers of America is under construction, visitors can still enjoy Frontierland and Liberty Square with minimal disruption. Here are some expert tips:Best times to visit: Early mornings or late afternoons help avoid peak crowds and construction noise.Mobile app hacks: Check Disney’s app for real-time ride wait times and virtual queue updates for new attractions.Ride strategies: Explore alternate attractions in Fantasyland and Adventureland to maximize your day while sections of Frontierland are being reimagined.Despite ongoing construction, Disney ensures that pathways, dining locations, and views around the lagoon remain accessible.Credit: Scott Calleja, FlickrInsider Secrets & Hidden HacksFrequent visitors know that certain backstage areas can give sneak peeks of the ongoing projects without entering restricted zones. For instance:Guests on Liberty Square Riverboat can glimpse construction walls and early theming of Piston Peak National Park.The nearby Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover offers elevated views of both construction and relocated wildlife areas.Additionally, Disney continues to introduce themed snacks and limited-time merchandise inspired by the new lands—perfect for collectors and fans who want a taste of the park’s evolving story.Credit: gardener41, FlickrWhy This Matters to Rivers of America FansBeyond rides and attractions, Disney has always been about storytelling and attention to detail. The Rivers of America project exemplifies this commitment: safeguarding 2,000 fish while building immersive new lands reflects a dedication to both environmental stewardship and fan experience.Social media buzz has already picked up on the story, with fans praising Disney’s careful handling of wildlife and construction. Historically, Disney’s ability to combine innovation with conservation has contributed to attendance spikes, long-term guest loyalty, and cultural significance, cementing the parks’ reputation as a model for large-scale entertainment projects.Credit: Michael HueyWhat’s Next for This Disney World Park OverhaulWhether you’re a casual visitor or a hardcore Disney fan, these behind-the-scenes efforts add another layer of magic to the parks. Stay tuned for the grand openings of Piston Peak National Park and the Villains-themed land, and keep your camera ready—you never know when a glimpse of Disney’s wildlife rescue or construction magic will appear.Source: BlogMickeyThe post Ron DeSantis Takes Emergency Measures, Evacuates Wildlife Before Disney Drains Rivers of America appeared first on Inside the Magic.