Disney World Launches Massive Piston Peak National Park

Nov 13,25

Disney has announced that the upcoming Cars-themed area at Walt Disney World will be named Piston Peak National Park, marking what it calls the "largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom."

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

Disney has also revealed more details about what visitors can expect in this new section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom.

Imagine an expansive wilderness with towering trees, snow-covered mountains, stunning waterfalls, rushing rivers, and dramatic geysers," Disney described. "While fictional, Piston Peak draws inspiration from the Rocky Mountains and the historic landscapes of the American Frontier and its national parks."

The area will feature locations inspired by Disney and Pixar's Cars, including a visitor lodge, a Ranger headquarters, and scenic trails. To maintain the national park atmosphere, Imagineers are using a design style known as "Parkitecture," originally developed by the National Park Service to create buildings that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Plenty of trees will create a natural buffer between Piston Peak and the rest of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountain peaks will rise beside a peaceful waterway opposite Grizzly Hall, while geysers from the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad area will extend into the off-road rally paths.

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

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This Cars-themed land was first introduced at D23 2024, where Disney confirmed it would include two new rides. The first is a rally race through mountainous terrain. As Disney explains, "Guests will navigate wild landscapes, climbing mountain trails, avoiding geysers, and splashing through mud puddles—a favorite of Mater's." The second attraction is designed with younger guests in mind but is intended to be enjoyable for the entire family.

At SXSW 2025, Disney Parks showcased the new ride vehicle developed for the rally race. The team noted that they had to create a unique vehicle to deliver an authentic driving experience. In line with the Cars universe, each vehicle will have its own personality, name, and number.

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

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