Disney has revealed that the upcoming Cars-themed area at Walt Disney World will be named Piston Peak National Park, marking what the company calls the most ambitious expansion in Magic Kingdom's history.
According to the Disney Parks Blog, construction on Piston Peak National Park is scheduled to start this summer. As a result, Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will temporarily close starting July 7.
Disney has offered more details about the vision for this new section within Frontierland at Magic Kingdom and what visitors can anticipate.
Imagine a spectacular wilderness with ancient forests, snow-covered mountain peaks, stunning waterfalls, powerful rivers, and dramatic geysers," Disney described. "Although fictional, Piston Peak draws inspiration from the Rocky Mountain region, celebrating the legacy and iconic landscapes of the American Frontier and its national parks."
Within Piston Peak, guests will discover locations inspired by Disney and Pixar's Cars, such as a welcoming lodge, a Ranger HQ, and scenic trails. To maintain the national park atmosphere, Disney Imagineers are using an architectural approach known as "Parkitecture," a style originally created by the National Park Service to design buildings that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Extensive tree coverage will create a natural separation between Piston Peak and the adjacent Frontierland and Liberty Square areas. "Majestic, rugged mountains will rise along a peaceful waterway opposite Grizzly Hall, while the iconic geysers from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will extend into the pathways of our off-road rally adventure."
Concept Art Reveals Two New Cars Attractions Coming to Disney World's Magic Kingdom
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This Cars-inspired area was first introduced at D23 2024, where Disney confirmed it would include two new rides. The first is a rally race through mountainous terrain. As Disney explains: "Navigate challenging landscapes as you speed along mountain paths, avoid erupting geysers, and splash through mud puddles—a favorite of Mater's." The second attraction is designed primarily for younger visitors but promises entertainment for all ages.
During SXSW 2025, Disney Parks showcased the unique ride vehicle developed specifically for the rally race attraction. The company emphasized that creating a new vehicle was essential to deliver an authentic driving experience that captures the distinctive feel of the Cars universe. True to the film's spirit, each vehicle will have its own character, name, and identification number.
Piston Peak National Park represents just one component of Magic Kingdom's extensive expansion plans. It will eventually be joined by the park's first-ever land dedicated to Disney Villains. In the more immediate future, guests can anticipate the Disney Starlight nighttime parade, launching July 20 as part of Disney World's Cool Kid Summer festivities, along with The Beak and Barrel, a new Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern scheduled to open later this year.
