Disney has made a big decision regarding the operations of its widely criticized Cars attraction.
Pixar’s Cars franchise has become one of Disney’s most durable brands since the first film raced into theaters in 2006. The story of Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and Radiator Springs turned nostalgia for Route 66 into a global phenomenon, spawning sequels – with more potentially on the way – as well as merchandise empires, and a lasting presence in Disney’s theme parks.
Disney quickly recognized the franchise’s theme park potential, integrating Cars into multiple locations. The biggest is Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, where guests can experience Radiator Springs Racers, Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, and Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters.
An additional Cars Land is also en route to Magic Kingdom's Frontierland, complete with a new Piston Peak concept.
Over at Disneyland Paris, Cars is represented by Cars Quatre Roues Rallye, a minimally themed demolition derby ride, plus Cars ROAD TRIP. The latter has consistently generated negative reviews since it replaced Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic at Walt Disney Studios Park.
Guests have argued that it “barely qualifies as a ride,” claiming that it's a “waste of space” that should be replaced ASAP.
While they may not have their wish just yet, Disney has made a surprise decision regarding the ride's operations.
Disney Changes ‘Cars' Ride Operations
Walt Disney Studios Park has started closing the attraction earlier than the rest of the park.
As per @DisneyphileLIVE, Cars ROAD TRIP will “close earlier than planned during these coming days to facilitate the management of visitor flow.”
🚫 L'attraction Cars ROAD TRIP fermera plus tôt que prévu durant ces prochains jours pour faciliter la gestion du flux des visiteurs. pic.twitter.com/CgtnRHO0p7
— Disneyphile (@DisneyphileLIVE) March 4, 2026
An image shared from the park shows Disney cast members standing guard by barriers outside the attraction in the evenings, with a sign that reads “Cars ROAD TRIP is closed for the evening.”
While the ride has not been permanently shut down, the earlier closures suggest Disney may already be limiting its presence in the park’s nightly lineup.
The changes come as Disney prepares to replace Walt Disney Studios Park with Disney Adventure World. From March 29, the park will update its identity to better reflect its new, non-studio theme upon the opening of World of Frozen.
In addition to World of Frozen, Disney Adventure World will include Raiponce Tangled Spin, a new Tangled (2010)-inspired attraction similar to Mad Tea Party. New entertainment includes Disney Cascade of Lights – a nighttime spectacular on Adventure Bay that will include hundreds of drones, water screens, fountains, and fireworks.
The coming years will also see Disney add a brand-new land inspired by The Lion King (1994), complete with a Pride Rock attraction similar to Splash Mountain.
Have you ever experienced Cars ROAD TRIP?
