A lot of people point to the removal of ROA being less about the island, or even the boat ride, and more about the atmosphere and placemaking it creates. I also believe a lot of people find this distasteful as this has always been a quintessential part of the castle parks.
I do want to be a bit optimistic and say, I hope what they build continues the placemaking and atmosphere. Just because the river is gone, does not have to mean that concept goes with it. If this area maintains places to wander into, hidden crevices, quiet areas, it could still achieve what ROA did, while adding more beloved attractions at the same time.
Time will tell, but the dice have been rolled and now we have to hope it doesn't land on snake eyes.