Disney has released fresh details about the highly anticipated Cars-themed expansion coming to Magic Kingdom where guests will soon step into Piston Peak National Park, an expansive, fictional wilderness inspired by the Rocky Mountains and the grand tradition of American national parks.
Piston Peak National Park Joins Magic Kingdom’s Storytelling Lineup
Since opening day, Magic Kingdom has woven a sweeping narrative through its lands, guiding guests from the architectural charm of Liberty Square, through the forests of Grizzly Hall, the New Orleans-inspired setting of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and into the rugged Arizona bluffs at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The addition of Piston Peak National Park continues that westward journey, adding a new frontier filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, roaring rivers, and dramatic geysers.
Imagineers are using “Parkitecture” — a style developed by the National Park Service — to design visitor lodges, Ranger HQ, trails, and more, blending the new structures naturally into the surrounding environment.
A New Type of Cars Adventure
In this new land, cars from around the country will gather to compete in a wild off-road rally — a major departure from the paved-road speed racing seen in Disneyland’s Radiator Springs Racers. Guests can expect a fully immersive backdrop, where rugged mountains, lush forests, and the sounds of geysers and waterfalls surround the action.
Disney says that from the outside, trees and natural barriers will separate the Cars land from the rest of Frontierland and Liberty Square, ensuring the expansion feels connected but distinct. Dramatic peaks and roaring water features will extend the landscape guests already know from Big Thunder Mountain, while offering an entirely fresh experience on the opposite shore.
Closures and Construction Timeline
To make way for the new expansion, Disney has confirmed that the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will permanently close starting July 7, 2025. These closures will mark the start of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history, alongside the development of the first-ever Disney Villains-themed land being built beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
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