- Mar 13, 2024
- 2,381
- 36
We just received some major updates about Magic Kingdom! We already knew that Disney proposed to close Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island for a new [*Cars* expansion in Frontierland](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024/08/12/cars-expansion-to-replace-tom-sawyer-island-in-magic-kingdom/). However, there are some new exciting details on how this expansion will integrate with the park.
[Piston Peak ©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-cars-land-area-piston-peak-map.jpg)
Piston Peak will be situated near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, bringing two new rides and more attractions to the park. But there are other significant details you might've missed.
### The *Cars* Expansion Will Be Lush with Greenery
One common concern about Magic Kingdom has been the lack of shade. Thankfully, Piston Peak plans many forested areas, providing some much-needed relief from the sun.
[©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/piston-peak-6.png)
There will also be waterfalls—more than the Imagineers can count! With shade and water features, this area will likely become a summer hotspot.
### Enhancements Near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The improvements on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad aim to harmonize it with Piston Peak's environment. Expect to see rainbow geyser pools and tire tracks around it.
[©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-big-thunder-concept-art.jpg)
The ride is also undergoing a major refurbishment, including a new track and subtle details to enhance the experience.
### Inspiration for Piston Peak
The design draws from Rocky Mountain National Park’s natural features and influences from Disney movies, notably *Planes: Fire & Rescue*. Structures will borrow from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney California Adventure’s Grizzly Peak.
[©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-piston-peak-national-park-from-planes.webp)
### Ride Queues
The family-friendly ride will have a queue inside a park ranger lodge, introducing Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore.
[Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore ©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-wdw-cars-land-piston-peak-ranger-j-autobahn-woodlore.png)
The rally race ride will feature a queue housed in a visitor lodge, designed to resemble an A-frame mountain lodge.
### Car Elements Revamped
Piston Peak will feature car-themed elements to accommodate the *Cars* characters. Expect low windows for cars to "see" out of and oversized entrances.
[©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/piston-peak-map-3.png)
The architecture will be reminiscent of Radiator Springs, with creative use of found objects like old wagon wheels.
It's exciting to imagine what Piston Peak will bring to Magic Kingdom, and we'll be watching the developments closely, especially with Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America closing on July 6th for these alterations. What are your thoughts on the updates to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland? Share your opinions!
[Piston Peak ©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-cars-land-area-piston-peak-map.jpg)
Piston Peak will be situated near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, bringing two new rides and more attractions to the park. But there are other significant details you might've missed.
### The *Cars* Expansion Will Be Lush with Greenery
One common concern about Magic Kingdom has been the lack of shade. Thankfully, Piston Peak plans many forested areas, providing some much-needed relief from the sun.
[©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/piston-peak-6.png)
There will also be waterfalls—more than the Imagineers can count! With shade and water features, this area will likely become a summer hotspot.
### Enhancements Near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The improvements on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad aim to harmonize it with Piston Peak's environment. Expect to see rainbow geyser pools and tire tracks around it.
[©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-big-thunder-concept-art.jpg)
The ride is also undergoing a major refurbishment, including a new track and subtle details to enhance the experience.
### Inspiration for Piston Peak
The design draws from Rocky Mountain National Park’s natural features and influences from Disney movies, notably *Planes: Fire & Rescue*. Structures will borrow from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney California Adventure’s Grizzly Peak.
[©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-piston-peak-national-park-from-planes.webp)
### Ride Queues
The family-friendly ride will have a queue inside a park ranger lodge, introducing Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore.
[Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore ©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-wdw-cars-land-piston-peak-ranger-j-autobahn-woodlore.png)
The rally race ride will feature a queue housed in a visitor lodge, designed to resemble an A-frame mountain lodge.
### Car Elements Revamped
Piston Peak will feature car-themed elements to accommodate the *Cars* characters. Expect low windows for cars to "see" out of and oversized entrances.
[©Disney](https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/piston-peak-map-3.png)
The architecture will be reminiscent of Radiator Springs, with creative use of found objects like old wagon wheels.
It's exciting to imagine what Piston Peak will bring to Magic Kingdom, and we'll be watching the developments closely, especially with Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America closing on July 6th for these alterations. What are your thoughts on the updates to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland? Share your opinions!
