Cars land makes its way to Walt Disney World Resort Orlando – Magic Kingdom Castle – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by dorengo5
Piston Peak National Park, the brand-new Cars zone at Walt Disney World, will be a component of the “largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom,” according to Disney.
According to the Disney Parks Blog, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close on July 7 while construction on Piston Peak National Park gets underway this summer.
Disney has provided additional information about its plans and what visitors might anticipate from this new section of Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom.
“Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers,” Disney stated. “While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks.”
A guest lodge, Ranger Headquarters, and paths are among the attractions of Piston Peak that are modeled by Disney and Pixar’s Cars. As part of the National Park concept, Imagineers employs “Parkitecture,” a form of architecture created by the National Park Service to “create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.”
The “rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will be nestled along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from the famed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of our off-road rally.” Additionally, there are plenty of trees that act as a natural cover between Piston Peak and the rest of Frontierland and Liberty Square.
The first announcement of this Cars-themed area and the addition of two new attractions came at D23 2024. The first one is a mountain rally race. According to Disney, “take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers, and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes.” Although the second ride is more kid-friendly, it is still intended to be “fun for the whole family.”
Disney Parks revealed a preview of the new ride vehicle being developed for the rally race attraction at SXSW 2025, stating that it had to come up with something fresh because the cars are supposed to evoke a “feeling when you ride in it.” Similar to cars, every car has a unique personality, name, and number.
The first-ever land inspired by the Disney Villains will eventually join Piston Peak National Park as part of the Magic Kingdom’s ambitious new concept. In the near future, visitors may anticipate the July 20 launch of Disney World’s Cool Kid Summer, which includes the Disney Starlight evening parade, and the Pirates of the Caribbean-themed bar, The Beak and Barrel, later this year.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.