Piston Peak National Park Unveiled at Walt Disney World: 'Largest Magic Kingdom Expansion'

Walt Disney World has officially announced the name and more details about its upcoming expansion inspired by Disney and Pixar’s *Cars*: it will be called **Piston Peak National Park**, and it will become part of what Disney describes as the *"largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom."* The new land will begin construction this summer, which means the **Rivers of America**, **Tom Sawyer Island**, and the **Liberty Square Riverboat** will close starting **July 7** to make way for this exciting transformation.

A New Kind of Wilderness Experience

As described on the Disney Parks Blog, Piston Peak National Park will be an immersive environment that blends the spirit of the American Frontier with the charm of the *Cars* universe. Imagine a vast wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, roaring rivers, dramatic waterfalls, and impressive geysers. While fictional, the design draws inspiration from real-life national parks—particularly those found in the Rocky Mountain region—and captures the essence of the American outdoors.

Design Details Inspired by Parkitecture

Disney Imagineers are incorporating a distinct architectural style known as **"Parkitecture"** into the design of Piston Peak. This rustic aesthetic was originally developed by the National Park Service to help man-made structures blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings. As part of the redesign, lush greenery and towering trees will serve as natural buffers between Piston Peak and the rest of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountain peaks will rise along a serene waterway across from Grizzly Hall, while geysers from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will appear to spill dramatically into the trails of the new off-road rally attraction.

[ttpp]Concept Art for Two New Cars Attractions at Disney World's Magic Kingdom

The new area was first revealed during D23 2024 and is set to include two all-new attractions. The first is a thrilling off-road rally race through the rugged terrain of Piston Peak. Guests will climb mountain trails, dodge erupting geysers, and splash through muddy puddles (Mater’s favorite part!). The second attraction is designed with families and younger children in mind but promises fun for all ages.

At SXSW 2025, Disney Parks offered a sneak peek at the custom ride vehicles being developed for the rally race attraction. Since these vehicles play a central role in the storytelling, Disney Imagineers had to create something entirely new—something that conveys a unique "feeling when you ride in it." In true *Cars* fashion, each vehicle features its own personality, name, and number, adding to the immersive experience.

Part of a Larger Expansion Plan

Piston Peak National Park is just one piece of Magic Kingdom’s ambitious expansion plan. Eventually, it will be joined by another brand-new land—this time inspired by some of Disney’s most iconic villains. But before that, guests can look forward to the debut of the **Disney Starlight nighttime parade**, launching on **July 20** as part of Disney World’s Cool Kid Summer, and later this year, the opening of **The Beak and Barrel**, a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern.