Disney World's Magic Kingdom Expands With Piston Peak

Disney has announced that Walt Disney World's upcoming Cars-themed land will be named Piston Peak National Park. This addition is set to be part of the largest expansion ever undertaken at Magic Kingdom.

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

Disney has further detailed its vision for this new section within Magic Kingdom's Frontierland, giving fans a better idea of what to anticipate.

Imagine an expansive wilderness with towering trees, snow-capped peaks, stunning waterfalls, rushing rivers, and spectacular geysers," Disney described. While Piston Peak is a fictional creation, it draws inspiration from the Rocky Mountain region, the history of the American Frontier, and the iconic beauty of national parks.

Piston Peak will also feature destinations inspired by Disney and Pixar's Cars, including a visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, and scenic trails. To maintain the authentic National Park atmosphere, Imagineers are utilizing an architectural style known as "Parkitecture," originally developed by the National Park Service to design buildings that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Numerous trees will create a natural barrier separating Piston Peak from the rest of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountain peaks will rise beside a peaceful waterway opposite Grizzly Hall, while the towering geysers made famous by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will extend into the paths of the off-road rally adventure.

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

View 3 Images

This Cars-themed area was initially revealed at D23 2024, where Disney also announced it would include two new rides. The first is a rally race through mountainous terrain. As Disney explains, "Navigate wild landscapes as you speed along mountain trails, avoid erupting geysers, and splash through muddy 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. The team noted that they had to innovate, as these vehicles are engineered to deliver a unique "feeling when you ride in it." True to the world of Cars, each vehicle boasts its own personality, name, and number.

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