Disney World Announces Attraction's Closing Date, Shares New Details on Magic Kingdom’s Cars Expansion

Image: Rendering of Magic Kingdom's Piston Peak National Park (Photo Credit: Walt Disney World)
Image: Rendering of Magic Kingdom's Piston Peak National Park (Photo Credit: Walt Disney World)
Noreen Kompanik
by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 3:30 PM ET, Tue June 3, 2025

Work is revving into high gear as the Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat close for good on July 7, 2025, making room for the brand-new Piston Peak National Park at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom park. 

Set to be the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom, Piston Peak National Park’s awe-inspiring wilderness will be filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive glaciers while providing guests the opportunity to ride some of the wildest racers in the “wheelderness.”

The fictional National Park will also continue the sweeping storytelling tradition that has crossed Liberty Square and Frontierland since the Magic Kingdom’s opening day. The heart of the story, the heroic American characters whose belief helped forge a path to their dreams.

Inspired by the Rocky Mountains and the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its magnificent national parks, Piston Peak will invite guests to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ (headquarters), trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar “Cars” universe.

Disney imagineers are using “Parkitecture,” developed by the National Park Service to create structures that harmonize with natural surroundings.

Trees will provide a natural barrier between the off-road rally area and other parts of Frontierland and Liberty Square. Rugged mountains with dramatic peaks will set along a calming waterway across from Grizzly Hall and soaring geysers from nearby Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will stretch into the trails of the off-road rally.

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Noreen Kompanik

Noreen Kompanik

Noreen Kompanik is a San Diego based journalist who is also the co-owner and publisher of Rovology, Travel By Vacation Rental and Book Cottages magazines. She transitioned to freelance writing after spending 35 years as a registered nurse. She is also a regular contributor to Europe Up Close, GoNOMAD, Edible San Diego, International Living, and San Diego Explorer. When she’s not home in sunny San Diego, you’ll likely find her in an exotic beach destination or exploring the backroads of Europe. You can find her on social media as @noreenwriter.

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