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Piston Peak National Park Unveiled as Cars Land in Magic Kingdom's Historic Expansion

Author:Kristen Update:Sep 29,2025

Walt Disney World’s new Cars-themed land, named Piston Peak National Park, will form part of the most extensive expansion ever at Magic Kingdom, according to Disney’s announcement.

The Disney Parks Blog revealed that construction on Piston Peak National Park starts this summer, leading to the closure of Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat from July 7.

Disney has shared its vision for this new addition to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, outlining what visitors can anticipate.

“Picture a stunning wilderness with towering trees, snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, rushing rivers, and striking geysers,” Disney described. “Though fictional, Piston Peak draws inspiration from the Rocky Mountains and the iconic landscapes of America’s national parks and frontier history.”

Piston Peak features locations inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Cars, including a visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, and scenic trails. Embracing the national park theme, Disney Imagineers have adopted “Parkitecture,” a style pioneered by the National Park Service to design buildings that blend seamlessly with nature.

Lush tree cover separates Piston Peak from Frontierland and Liberty Square, while “rugged mountains with dramatic peaks line a serene waterway opposite Grizzly Hall, and towering geysers from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad extend into the trails of our off-road rally.”

Concept Art for Two New Cars Attractions at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

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Announced at D23 2024, this Cars-themed area will introduce two new attractions. The first is an exhilarating rally race through mountainous terrain, where, as Disney explains, “guests will navigate rugged landscapes, climb trails, dodge geysers, and splash through mudholes—Mater’s favorite.” The second attraction, designed for younger guests, promises fun for families.

At SXSW 2025, Disney Parks showcased the innovative ride vehicles for the rally race, emphasizing the need for a unique design to capture the “distinct feel of each ride.” True to the Cars franchise, every vehicle boasts its own personality, name, and number.

Piston Peak National Park is a key component of Magic Kingdom’s ambitious expansion, which will eventually include a groundbreaking Disney Villains-themed land. In the near future, guests can enjoy the Disney Starlight nighttime parade, debuting July 20 as part of Disney World’s Cool Kid Summer, and the Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired Beak and Barrel tavern, opening later this year.