Piston Peak National Park Construction Updates

Piston Peak National Park Construction at Walt Disney World Resort

Piston Peak National Park

The former Rivers of America has been completely filled, and Tom Sawyer’s Island has been removed, as the Cars franchise is coming to Magic Kingdom in an expansion of Frontierland.

The construction on a new Cars area is well underway, named Piston Peak National Park and inspired by Pixar Animation Studios film Cars and real-life national parks, particularly the Rocky Mountains, Yosemite, and Yellowstone.

Piston Peak National Park will include two attractions. One is an off-road rally race ride, the other will be a more family-friendly attraction.

Piston Peak also has a new original car character, Ranger J. Autobahn Woodlore, who pays homage to classic Disney cartoons.

Piston Peak National Park Concept Art

Piston Peak National Park concept art

Follow along with all of our Piston Peak Construction updates, including Piston Peak Construction Aerials from @bioreconstruct.

Piston Peak National Park Construction Updates

Part of Frontierland Boardwalk Closed for Piston Peak National Park Construction at Magic Kingdom

Aerial Photos Show Mike Fink Keel Boat Landing Gone as Piston Peak Construction Progress Continues in Magic Kingdom

Retaining Wall Construction Continues in Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom

Big Al’s Sign Removed Before Expected Demolition for Piston Peak Construction in Magic Kingdom

More Walls & Fresh Dirt Arrive at Piston Peak Construction Site in Magic Kingdom

Piston Peak & Villains Land Construction Visible from Reopened Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Walt Disney World

BREAKING: Mike Fink Keel Boat Landing Demolition Begins at Magic Kingdom

Crews Add Tall Fences Around Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Hide Piston Peak and Villains Land Construction at Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Updates Near Completion, Ride Queue Undergoing Final Touches

Supports Installed For New Wall Separating Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Piston Peak National Park

Wall Construction Continues in Piston Peak National Park at Magic Kingdom

Construction Wall Erected Near Big Al’s at Magic Kingdom

Concrete Work Underway Near Liberty Square Riverboat Landing for Piston Peak National Park

Piston Peak National Park Permit Signals Vertical Construction Coming Soon

Concrete Pours into Piston Peak National Park Retaining Wall at Magic Kingdom

Aerial Photos Show Comprehensive Overview on Villains Land and Piston Peak Development at Magic Kingdom

Dumpo the Flying Dumpster Spotted at Piston Peak National Park

Metal Framing Added to Piston Peak National Park Retaining Wall at Magic Kingdom

Piston Peak National Park Retaining Wall Grows at Magic Kingdom

Retaining Walls Being Installed at Piston Peak National Park in Magic Kingdom

Piston Peak National Park Goes Vertical at Magic Kingdom

Piston Peak National Park Goes Vertical at Magic Kingdom

Concrete Pours Continue for Piston Peak Near Big Thunder Mountain in Magic Kingdom

Preparations for Concrete Foundations Begin at Piston Peak in Magic Kingdom

Metal Beams Installed at Big Thunder Mountain, Construction Continues at Piston Peak

Off Road & Other Ride Paths Could be Used for Piston Peak, Gives Riders More Control

Construction Walls Added Near Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland Boardwalk for Piston Peak Construction

Groundwork Intensifies at Piston Peak National Park Construction Site as Dirt Piles Stack Up Across Site

First Concrete Poured in Piston Peak National Park at Magic Kingdom

Frontierland Kiosks Disappear From Digital Park Map as Closure Looms for Piston Peak

New Villains Land Permit Features Changes to Upcoming Construction, But Doesn’t Substantiate Rumors

Three Permits Filed for Frontierland Kiosks at Magic Kingdom, Possibly Connected to Piston Peak Construction

Exhibit panel showcases Cars Land concept art for Magic Kingdom's Frontierland, with a "Welcome to Piston Peak" map—no castle shown.

Oversight District Approves $6.7 Million Electrical System Budget Likely for Magic Kingdom Expansion

Aerial Piston Peak Photos Reveal Possible Ride Structure in Magic Kingdom

Haunted Mansion Nearly Completely Covered in Scrim at Magic Kingdom

Foundations Take Shape for Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom

Crews Prepare New Foundation in Piston Peak National Park at Magic Kingdom

Construction Crews Work Farther Back into Piston Peak National Park at Magic Kingdom

BREAKING: Ride & Show Buildings Revealed for Cars and Villains Land at Magic Kingdom

More Temporary Structures & Concrete Poured in Frontierland at Walt Disney World

More Trees Removed for Piston Peak National Park at Magic Kingdom

Aerial View of Piston Peak National Park Reveals First Concrete Forms at Walt Disney World

Construction Walls Expand in Frontierland as Big Thunder Mountain Testing Continues

Concrete Poured Near Big Thunder Mountain, Construction Materials Arrive at Piston Peak National Park

Prep Work Continues for the Upcoming Piston Peak & Villains Land in Magic Kingdom

Major Site Clearing Underway for Piston Peak & Villains Land at Magic Kingdom

Cars Construction Underway Near Tom Sawyer Island Docks in Magic Kingdom

Sand Placed for Construction of Villains Land at Magic Kingdom

Giant Dirt Pile Takes Over Former Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom

Aerial view of Tom Sawyer Island construction at a Disney park, trees at center, dirt paths around—no castle in sight to compare.

Most Above-Ground Structures Including Potter’s Mill Demolished at Tom Sawyer Island

A yellow excavator and stage lights by a large brick mansion with trees and barriers, resembling no Disney castle in style.

Tom Sawyer Island Water Mill Demolished at Magic Kingdom

A partially collapsed roof and debris lie among lush trees, construction materials in front—no resemblance to Disney park castles.

Aunt Polly’s Demolished on Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom

Exhibit displays Monsters, Inc. models and art with Sulley and Mike, suggesting a possible coaster like those in Disney parks.

Preview Center of Monsters Inc. Coaster, Cars Land, and Animal Kingdom Tropical Americas Now Open at Walt Disney World

A wooden walkway curves past green bushes and trees beside tall temporary walls under a partly cloudy sky.

Rivers of America Completely Blocked by Scrim and Temporary Walls

A wooden bridge with netted railings spans Rivers of America under a clear blue sky.

Rivers of America Construction Walls Expand at Magic Kingdom

Scaffolding stands in a drained, muddy riverbed near a wooden bridge and stone lamp post, surrounded by trees.

Metal Framing Added to Former Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom

Aerial view of a building outlined in pink near STOLport; labels include Seven Seas Drive, Permit Filed, and Project Limits.

Permit Filed for New Imagineering Buildings at Disney World STOLport Site for Cars and Villains Construction

A rustic wooden boathouse sits by the Rivers of America, surrounded by lush trees and a docked work barge.

PHOTOS: Construction Walls Go Up, Liberty Square Riverboat Signage Removed, & Tom Sawyer Island Props Tagged for Removal as Rivers of America Demolition Begins

Fun Map featuring a snowy mountain, waterfalls, winding river, and forested paths with trees and rocks.

‘Cars’ Area of Frontierland Will Have River, Waterfalls, & Other Water Features to Replace Rivers of America at Magic Kingdom

Aerial view of Magic Kingdom with a colorful overlay highlighting a Cars-Themed Frontierland and Piston Peak attractions.

Imagineers Finally Explain How “Cars” Will Fit Into Cars Area in Magic Kingdom Frontierland

Cartoon park ranger greets a smiling green car beside a "Welcome to Piston Peak" sign, like a Cars Ride in Magic Kingdom.

New Original Character for Cars Ride at Magic Kingdom Pays Homage to Classic Disney Cartoons

A cartoon car with expressive eyes drives through a mountainous landscape in Frontierland, splashing through water with other animated vehicles in the background, reminiscent of a whimsical journey through the Magic Kingdom.

‘Cars’ Area of Frontierland Designed With Sightlines in Mind — Guests ‘Won’t See Piston Peak’ or Hear Engines Around Magic Kingdom

Fun Map: Illustrated map of Piston Peak National Park with attractions, waterfalls, forests, and a smiling green ranger vehicle.

FIRST LOOK: ‘Fun Map’ Reveals New Details of Cars Area in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom

Three cartoon cars with expressive faces create a whimsical Ride Vehicle Concept; one jumping, another stationary with roof accessories, and the third speeding right. With friendly expressions, they bring a touch of Magic Kingdom charm to this delightful Cars Attraction.

BREAKING: First Look at Ride Vehicle Concept, Car Personalities Revealed For New ‘Cars’ Attraction in Magic Kingdom

Aerial view of an amusement park featuring various themed sections, pathways, trees, and attractions, including a mountainous area with rivers of America and distant red rock formations.

BREAKING: Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island to be Transformed into ‘Cars’ Expansion at Magic Kingdom

Animated race scene with colorful cars crossing the finish line under a wooden arch with a "Finish" sign, featuring checkered flags and spectators in the background.

BREAKING: Two ‘Cars’ Rides Coming to a Reimagined Section of Frontierland at Magic Kingdom

Are you looking forward to Piston Peak National Park? Let us know on social media.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

© 2026 WDW News today

About Staff Advertise Newsletter Work with Us! Disclosure/Disclaimer/Privacy Policy TECHNICAL Support Contact