Part 3/8:
On February 17, 2025, Disney officially received permits from the South Florida Water Management District to undertake these controversial construction advancements. The permitting marks the beginning of what many see as a costly mistake, both economically and culturally. Critics argue that erasing signature elements like the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island is not just a logistical misstep but also a disregard for the values embedded in the parks: joy, heritage, and the preservation of history.