Piston Peak National Park Expands the Frontierland Story at Magic Kingdom

Thrill Geek

2 days ago

Magic Kingdom is set to expand its storytelling landscape once again, this time with a high-octane journey into the wilds of Piston Peak National Park, a new land inspired by the 'Cars' universe and set within the grandeur of the American frontier.
As part of the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom's history, Piston Peak will add to the sweeping narrative arc that guests experience as they travel westward across the park, connecting the spirit of Liberty Square and Frontierland through nature, innovation, and character-driven adventure.
From Liberty Square to the 'Wheelderness'
Piston Peak National Park builds on a storytelling tradition that starts with colonial roots in Liberty Square and winds through the North Woods, New Orleans, and the Arizona desert. This new land continues that journey west with towering pines, geysers, rugged cliffs, and a high-speed rally race through the wilderness set in a richly themed national park inspired by the landscapes of the Rocky Mountains.
Explore Piston Peak
Guests will encounter iconic sights from the Disney and Pixar 'Cars' world, reimagined through the lens of national park adventures. The land's architecture will follow a rustic style known as 'Parkitecture', a design philosophy created by the National Park Service that blends man-made structures seamlessly into the surrounding environment.
Attractions and landmarks will include: Piston Peak Visitor Lodge
Ranger HQ
Expansive trails and scenic outlooks
An off-road rally race attraction that brings the Cars universe into full throttle
With natural barriers like forests and waterways, the land will be tucked beautifully into the larger Frontierland ecosystem, just across the river from Grizzly Hall and adjacent to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, whose iconic geysers will spill over into the new land's backdrop.
Construction Timeline and Closures
Beginning July 7, the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Square Riverboat will temporarily close as work begins on this ambitious expansion. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also set to reopen next year with refreshed magic.
This update coincides with a larger transformation coming to the park, including: The debut of 'Disney Starlight' parade on July 20
The opening of The Beak and Barrel later this summer
A brand-new Disney Villains-themed land beyond Big Thunder, featuring two attractions, dining, and retail
With Piston Peak National Park, Disney continues to push the boundaries of immersive storytelling, and guests can soon experience a thrilling new chapter in the Magic Kingdom's legacy of adventure, imagination, and heart.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she's been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she's not at a theme park, she's probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.