Disney World Bids Farewell to Adored Landmarks as New Attraction Unveils
In a historic move, Disney has announced the beginning of its largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom with the unveiling of Piston Peak National Park. This wilderness-themed expansion, inspired by the Pixar Cars universe and specifically the fictional Piston Peak National Park from the 2014 Planes: Fire & Rescue movie, is set to debut on July 20.
Piston Peak National Park, a new land in Frontierland, draws heavily from the scenery and history of the American frontier and Rocky Mountain National Park, seamlessly blending them with the Cars franchise’s storytelling. Key features and attractions of the park include:
- Two flagship attractions, though their exact details are yet to be disclosed. One is expected to offer a thrilling off-road adventure ride in a mountain and water-based national park setting, similar in spirit but not identical to the Radiator Springs Racers ride at Disney California Adventure. - A visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails, and immersive wilderness environments styled as a National Park with Cars characters and themes. - Old Tankful, a geyser inspired by Old Faithful, adding to the natural national park-style atmosphere. - The expansion incorporates architectural and thematic influences from classic Frontierland attractions and real-world national parks, continuing Magic Kingdom’s storytelling tradition centered on American frontier exploration.
The Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, which closed in July 2025 to make way for the expansion, have been replaced by Piston Peak National Park.
In addition to Piston Peak National Park, Disney is also developing a Disney Villains land, promised to celebrate the darker side of its world on an "incredibly twisted grand scale." Themed dining and shopping will be available in this land, with two major attractions set to be featured.
Meanwhile, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is getting updates to blend the ride seamlessly in with Piston Peak's aesthetic, but it won't reopen until next year at the earliest. The Beak and Barrel, a new pirate-themed restaurant, is on the horizon for later this year, offering themed cocktails for grown Disneyphiles.
Disney Imagineering exec Chris Beatty described the new attraction, stating that one attraction will invite guests on a thrilling rally race through the mountains. He also mentioned a second, smaller race feature that is suitable for the entire family. The rally race will include climbing mountain trails, dodging geysers, and splashing through mudholes.
Piston Peak National Park will feature mountainous terrain with snowy peaks, waterfalls, forests, rivers, and geysers, offering a truly immersive national park wilderness setting. With its blend of Disney and Pixar’s Cars universe, immersive national park wilderness setting, and new signature rides reflective of adventure and frontier themes, Piston Peak National Park represents a significant milestone in Magic Kingdom’s history.
For Disney fans, there are other must-visit places aside from the theme parks. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments at Magic Kingdom!
Travelers planning their trips to Magic Kingdom will find a new addition to their itinerary with the arrival of Piston Peak National Park, a wilderness-themed expansion inspired by the Disney-Pixar's Cars universe. This lifestyle destination offers more than just theme park attractions, as it seamlessly combines travel, entertainment, and a unique immersion into the national park wilderness setting of the Piston Peak National Park, Ranger HQ, trails, visitor lodge, and themed dining experiences. Those looking for adventure can also anticipate signature rides like the thrilling rally race through the mountains, while families can enjoy smaller race features that cater to all age groups.
