Walt Disney World’s upcoming Cars land will be called Piston Peak National Park and will be part of the “largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom,” Disney has announced.
As detailed by the Disney Parks Blog, work on Piston Peak National Park begins this summer, which means the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will close beginning July 7.
As for what will be in this new part of Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, Disney has shared more of its vision and what fans can expect.
“Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers,” Disney said. “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.”
Piston Peak also includes places to visit inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Cars, including a visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, and trails. In keeping with the theme of being a National Park, Imagineers uses a style of architecture called “Parkitecture,” which was actually developed by the National Park Service to “create structures that harmonize with the natural environment.”
There are also plenty of trees that provide a natural cover between Piston Peak and the rest of Frontierland and Liberty Square, and “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.”
This Cars-themed area was first announced at D23 2024, where it was also revealed it would feature two new attractions. The first is a rally race through the mountains. As Disney puts it: “take on wild terrain as you race across the landscape climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers, and — Mater’s favorite — splashing through mudholes.” The second ride is geared more towards kids, but it is meant to be “fun for the whole family.”
At SXSW 2025, Disney Parks shared a look at the new type of ride vehicle being made for the rally race attraction, noting it needed to invent something new as these cars are meant to convey a “feeling when you ride in it.” In line with Cars, each vehicle comes with its own personality, name, and number.
Piston Peak National Park is one part of the big new plan for Magic Kingdom, as it will one day be joined by the first-ever land inspired by the Disney Villains. In the shorter term, guests will be able to look forward to the opening of the Disney Starlight nighttime parade on July 20 as part of Disney World’s Cool Kid Summer and the Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern called The Beak and Barrel later this year.
Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.
