Disney's Magic Kingdom Expands with Piston Peak Park

Walt Disney World has officially announced that its forthcoming Cars-themed land will be named Piston Peak National Park, marking what it describes as the "largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom."

As detailed on the Disney Parks Blog, construction on Piston Peak National Park is scheduled to begin this summer. As a result, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will temporarily close starting July 7.

Disney has provided further insight into its vision for this new section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom and what visitors can anticipate.

"Envision a magnificent wilderness featuring towering trees, snow-capped mountains, stunning waterfalls, rushing rivers, and spectacular geysers," Disney explained. "Although fictional, Piston Peak draws inspiration from the Rocky Mountain region, as well as the history and iconic landscapes of the American Frontier and its national parks."

The area will also include locations inspired by Disney and Pixar's Cars, such as a visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, and scenic trails. To maintain the National Park atmosphere, Imagineers are utilizing an architectural style known as "Parkitecture," originally developed by the National Park Service to design structures that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

Extensive tree plantings will create a natural visual buffer between Piston Peak and the rest of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Additionally, "rugged mountain peaks will rise beside a tranquil waterway opposite Grizzly Hall, while soaring geysers from the famous Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will extend into the pathways of our off-road rally experience."

Concept Art for Two New Cars Attractions Coming to Disney World's Magic Kingdom

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This Cars-themed expansion was initially unveiled at D23 2024, where Disney confirmed it would include two new rides. The first is a mountain rally race where, as Disney describes, "guests will navigate challenging terrain, climbing mountain trails, avoiding geysers, and splashing through mud puddles—a favorite of Mater's." The second attraction is designed with younger guests in mind but promises fun for the entire family.

At SXSW 2025, Disney Parks showcased the new ride vehicle developed specifically for the rally race attraction. The team noted that they created an entirely new vehicle to deliver a distinct riding experience that captures a particular "feeling." In keeping with the Cars theme, each vehicle will possess its own personality, name, and number.

Piston Peak National Park represents just one component of the major new developments planned for Magic Kingdom. It will eventually be joined by the first-ever land based on Disney Villains. In the more immediate future, guests can anticipate the debut of the Disney Starlight nighttime parade on July 20 as part of Disney World's Cool Kid Summer, along with the opening of The Beak and Barrel, a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern, later this year.