Disney World's Magic Kingdom Announces Largest Park Expansion

Walt Disney World has revealed ambitious expansion plans for Magic Kingdom, announcing the new Cars-themed land will be named Piston Peak National Park as part of what Disney calls "the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom's history."

According to the Disney Parks Blog, construction on Piston Peak National Park will commence this summer, requiring the temporary closure of Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat beginning July 7.

An Immersive National Park Experience

Disney has unveiled further details about this Frontierland expansion, describing Piston Peak as "an awe-inspiring wilderness featuring towering trees, snowcapped peaks, spectacular waterfalls, rushing rivers, and dramatic geysers." While fictional, the land draws inspiration from Rocky Mountain landscapes and the historic grandeur of America's frontier national parks.

The Cars-inspired area will incorporate signature elements including a visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, and winding trails. Disney Imagineers employed authentic "Parkitecture" - an architectural style originally developed by the National Park Service to create structures that blend harmoniously with natural surroundings.

Strategic landscaping will include dense tree canopies serving as natural barriers between Piston Peak and adjacent Frontierland areas. The design also incorporates rugged mountain formations visible from Grizzly Hall and erupting geysers extending from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad into the new off-road rally trails.

Two New Rides Highlight Expansion

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First announced at D23 2024, the Cars land will feature two new attractions: an adrenaline-pumping mountain rally race and a family-friendly adventure. The rally ride promises to take guests speeding through rugged terrain, scaling mountain paths, avoiding geyser eruptions, and splashing through muddy tracks.

At SXSW 2025, Disney showcased innovative ride vehicle designs developed specifically for the rally attraction, each featuring unique personalities, names, and numbers that reflect the spirit of Disney·Pixar's Cars universe.

Part of Major Magic Kingdom Expansion

Piston Peak National Park represents just one component of Magic Kingdom's extensive growth plans. Future developments will introduce the resort's first-ever Villains-themed land. Meanwhile, visitors can anticipate this summer's debut of the Disney Starlight nighttime parade on July 20 as part of Disney World's Cool Kid Summer celebration, followed by the opening of The Beak and Barrel, a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired tavern later this year.