Everyone always thinks that Disney is all about the princesses. But look, some of Disney’s best franchises have nothing to do with Cinderella or Snow White.
One of my favorite movies as a kid (and maybe of all time) is Cars! I mean talking cars getting into fun shenanigans. Sign me up! So I was so excited that a Cars themed expansion is happening at Disney World Theme Park.
I’ve visited Magic Kingdom several times and cannot wait for the Piston Park expansion. So let’s get to know some more about this exciting new development.
Why the Cars Land Announcement Immediately Caught My Attention
I’ve Always Loved the World of Cars. No, not cars. I meant the movie. Plenty of my childhood happy memories revolve around watching Lightning McQueen and Mater, so forgive me if I was a bit too excited for this new adventure.
Also, since Disney’s acquisition of Pixar studios, it was only a matter of time before we got a Cars-themed expansion. It’s the perfect fit.
But I must say, I was curious how Cars would fit inside Magic Kingdom. Frontierland already has a distinct Western theme.
I did wonder why Disney wouldn’t just recreate Radiator Springs, the Cars’ themed area in Disneyland. However, I was intrigued by Disney’s announcement that they want to “put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland.”
What Disney Has Officially Announced So Far About Cars Land In Magic Kingdom
The announcement of a new expansion in Disney’s frontierland area came during the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
“We are thrilled to create this original Cars adventure and put our guests in the driver’s seat as we—quite literally—explore a new frontier in Frontierland. Part of pioneering this new story includes tapping into the themes of exploration and adventure that inspire so many of us to keep propelling forward. Anytime we touch Magic Kingdom, we recognize the massive responsibility that exists to get it right and tell stories that connect with our guests.” – Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering
“Our primary goal is creating an emotional experience for our guests. For this Cars attraction, we need to invent a new type of ride vehicle. No one builds these in a factory because it has to do so much more than just carrying you from one place to another. We have to create a car that conveys a feeling when you ride in it.” – Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World Portfolio Executive Producer at Walt Disney Imagineering
Where Will The Cars Land In Magic Kingdom be Located
The Cars-themed attractions will be in the frontierland area of Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The attractions will be where the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island used to be.
The new location is called Piston Peak National Park in reference to the movie Planes also set in the same universe as Cars.
This location and its rides are inspired by America’s national parks including the Rocky Mountain National Park.
The New Attractions I’m Most Excited About
The Off-Road Rally Race Sounds Incredible
One of the ride announcements I was most thrilled about was the rally racing one. Apparently the plan by Disney’s Imagineering is to develop an off-road, rally race ride through the mountains. This ride will include splashing through a lot of mud (Mater’s favorite!), dodging water geysers and letting yourself zoom around mountain trails with Disney’s best racers.
The concept art from Disney for this ride is amazing! And I have read about the lengths Disney’s team have gone to develop this ride.
According to sources, a team of experts studied the terrain at Arizona to develop a realistic feel through the road. They even worked with a motocross company to develop a real dirt track and vehicles. The cars themselves (not the movie, actual cars this time!) will also have a very realistic feel. The team also used sensors to gather data on how it feels to drive through various terrain.
So this rally race through rough terrain seems more adventurous than most of the rides in Frontierland ride now and I cannot wait to give it a go.
I’m Happy Families Will Get Another Ride Too
There is also another ride in development. But not much is announced about this one yet, except that it will focus on being aimed at younger guests and families with children. So people can enjoy the Cars’ Land journey through Frontierland even if they’re not up for something very thrilling like a rally race.
What Makes This Different from Disneyland’s Cars Land
It Isn’t a Copy of Radiator Springs
I visited the Disneyland Park at Anaheim last year and loved the Radiator Springs part of the park which is dedicated to the movie Cars. But it is a standard Disneyland ride, although the most expensive one.
It has a fun original storyline, good scenery and atmosphere. But it’s very, very different from what is being planned at Piston Peak that’s for sure.
The National Park Theme Makes It Feel Fresh
The Cars Land in Disney World is based off the National Parks in America and their terrain and architecture. So I suppose it is meant to feel more natural and like a real off-road race than a theme park ride.
This attraction is supposed to incorporate a lot of natural elements like forests, waterfalls and the wilderness in general. It’s more about the wild west, frontier exploration but with Lightning McQueen than a movie-themed ride.
What I Hope Disney Includes
Okay, okay. This is just my wishful thinking, there is no official announcement of any of this happening. Just what I think would be cool if included.
Food Inspired by Cars
First of all, I would love some snacks inspired by the movie Cars. I mean just think about it. The possibilities are endless.
You can have a popcorn bucket inspired by Lightning McQueen, racing themed snacks, Route 66 desserts. Even whole restaurants inspired by the National park dining scene.
Character Meet-and-Greets
I know it can be a bit difficult to get your average Disney employee to dress up as Lightning McQueen and Mater than as say the Evil Queen from Snow White or Loki, but c’mon. Wouldn’t this be amazing. Also, Cruz Ramirez, let’s not forget him!
I’m sure it’s not just the little ones that will be delighted with a photo opportunity from these characters.
Would I Visit Cars Land on Opening Day?
If you read my blog, you’d know by now that I visit Disney theme parks more times than is good for me. But oh my gosh am I excited for the Piston Peak. So yes, duh! Of course, I’m going to be there on opening day.
I’ve got a list of rides I’d go on, places I’d like to take photos in, and food and drinks I want to try. And if I go, I’ll make sure to document every detail for you guys.
Piston Peak feels very different from other Disney additions. It has less of a magical “theme park” vibe and feels more like a national park.
I’m confident and Disney’s imagineering and want to see how they pull off the American west, frontierland vibe. Galaxy’s Edge, their Star Wars-themed area captures the vibe of that franchise completely while delivering a very unique experience.
So I’m sure Piston Peak wouldn’t disappoint either. And I’m excited to return to Magic Kingdom once it opens to see it come to life.
FAQs
Is Cars Land coming to the Magic Kingdom?
Disney World Theme park is getting a Cars-focused expansion called Piston Peak. The layout of the area is inspired by American National parks and is a tribute to the American west. It is, however, not a direct copy of Disneyland’s Cars Land.
What rides will Piston Peak have?
One of the major Piston Peak Cars-based attractions is the off-road Rally Race-themed Attraction. It is a family friendly ride for younger guests that involves racing through the mountains in a rally race, dodging geysers and mud splashes along the way.
Where will Piston Peak be located?
The new Piston Peak expansion will be located in Frontierland, replacing the former Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island area.
What is Piston Peak based on?
According to Disney, the Piston Peak is inspired by Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. However, the name comes from the fictional Piston Peak National Park from Planes: Fire & Rescue, a movie based in the Cars universe. Another attraction in the Piston Peak area, the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is based on the Bryce Canyon National Park, to keep the Frontierland theme constant.
Why is Disney building Piston Peak instead of Radiator Springs?
According to Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro, the “American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon” including for a “racecar from the big city.” So I suppose Disney chose to create a unique story to honor the Cars universe and basing them in the Frontierland’s themes of exploration, wilderness, and the American West.
