Walt Disney World has officially unveiled the name and more details about its upcoming *Cars*-themed land coming to Magic Kingdom Park. Set to be called Piston Peak National Park, this immersive new area will be part of what Disney describes as "the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom."
According to the Disney Parks Blog, construction on Piston Peak National Park is set to begin this summer. As a result, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will all close starting July 7 to make way for the transformation.
Expanding upon the vision for this new chapter at Magic Kingdom, Disney shared an exciting glimpse into what guests can expect from the reimagined Frontierland. The new area will feature a fictional wilderness inspired by real-life national parks and the rugged beauty of the American frontier. As described by Disney, imagine:
"An awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers, and impressive geysers. While fictional, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and the rich history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks."
The design of Piston Peak National Park will also reflect the architectural style known as "Parkitecture," originally developed by the National Park Service to ensure that structures blend naturally with their surroundings. This attention to detail ensures the new land feels like a seamless extension of the natural world it represents.
To enhance immersion, Imagineers have integrated dense foliage between Piston Peak and the neighboring areas of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Dramatic mountain peaks will line a tranquil waterway near Grizzly Hall, while soaring geysers—echoing those from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—will punctuate the landscape along the trails of the off-road rally attraction.
Two New Cars Attractions Coming to Magic Kingdom
View 3 Images
This exciting addition was first revealed during D23 2024, where Disney confirmed two brand-new attractions would anchor the land. The first is a high-energy rally race through the rugged terrain of Piston Peak. Guests will:
- Climb mountain trails
- Dodge erupting geysers
- And splash through muddy pits (Mater’s favorite!)
The second attraction is designed with families and younger children in mind but promises fun for all ages and skill levels.
At SXSW 2025, Disney Parks offered a sneak peek into the innovative ride vehicles being developed specifically for the rally race attraction. Because traditional designs couldn’t fully capture the dynamic feel of driving in the *Cars* universe, Disney Imagineers engineered a completely new type of vehicle. Each car features its own personality, name, and number—bringing the spirit of Radiator Springs to life in every detail.
More Than Just a Cars Land
Piston Peak National Park is just one component of a broader, multi-phase expansion plan for Magic Kingdom. In the future, the park will welcome the first-ever land inspired by Disney Villains—an eagerly anticipated experience still in development.
In the meantime, guests can look forward to several other exciting additions later this year, including the debut of the Disney Starlight nighttime parade on July 20 as part of Disney World's Cool Kid Summer event, and the opening of The Beak and Barrel, a new tavern inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean.
