Disney is moving quickly.

This past weekend, Disney hosted the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. During the Horizons showcase, Disney dropped a ton of news relating to their theme parks. Two of the biggest announcements came in the form of Cars and Villains lands coming to the Magic Kingdom. Now just days later, Disney is already putting the wheels in motion.

Just days after the initial announcement, Disney has confirmed where the new Villains and Cars expansions will be built at the Magic Kingdom. The former will take up the massive expansion pad that Disney has previously referred to as “beyond Big Thunder Mountain” while the latter will somewhat controversially replace the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, which have been a core part of the park since its 1971 opening.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, “Construction permits are being filed this week, Disney World said, and work will get into “high gear next year,” leaving time to “experience the charm and nostalgia of Frontierland as it is today,” the release reads.”

These won’t be the first permits filed for the Magic Kingdom’s massive expansion. Earlier this year, we heard Disney had filed permits to work on storm drainage and other foundational work, a “small but CRUCIAL step” for massive construction of this magnitude. In addition, a large area directly north of Frontierland in Magic Kingdom that was previously labeled as “considered unavailable for development,” had it’s designation changed to “Marginally Unsuitable“ meaning that “development is permitted to the extent allowable under the District’s long-term permits.

Disney described the decision to replace an iconic part of the park as such. “To make way for this completely new frontier, the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be transformed into vast and rugged terrains for a rally race with some of the world’s most iconic racers. We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland.”

Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World portfolio executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering added in the press release, “Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.”

With construction permits already filed, it seems that work is moving quickly on the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates as construction kicks into high gear.

CONFIRMED: Location Revealed for NEW Villains Land Coming to Magic Kingdom

Are you excited for these expansions, or mourning the loss of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Get Ready! Disney Will File Permits for MASSIVE Magic Kingdom Expansion This Week first appeared on the disney food blog.