As Disneyland Resort celebrates 70 years of magic, the festivities are already in full swing. Guests can enjoy the return of fan-favorite entertainment like Paint the Night and the Wondrous Journeys nighttime spectacular lighting up Sleeping Beauty Castle. But as the celebrations roll on, not every attraction will be operating uninterrupted.
Over at Disney California Adventure Park, where Avengers Campus continues to draw in Marvel fans and the world of Pandora is preparing to make its West Coast debut, Cars Land remains one of the park’s most cherished destinations. With its immersive Route 66-inspired theming, interactive characters, and Flo’s V8 Café, the land has captivated guests since its debut in 2012.
Yet, beginning August 18, the crown jewel of the land—Radiator Springs Racers—will temporarily power down for refurbishment. While the closure isn’t reflected on Disneyland’s calendar just yet, Disney has confirmed the ride will be offline for a little over a month. Guests planning a visit during this time should note that the closure includes standard maintenance and some exciting technology upgrades.
Permits recently filed reveal that the attraction will receive a full LED lighting conversion, along with updates to its audio, video, and network systems. This modern refresh will ensure the ride’s storytelling and high-speed thrills remain top-notch for years to come. It’s not the first time the attraction has undergone such care—past closures occurred in February and August of 2023 and 2024 for similar upkeep.
Meanwhile, the momentum for Cars-themed experiences is growing—across the country. At Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom, Frontierland is embarking on a bold transformation. Two longtime fixtures, Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America, will close on July 7 to make way for a brand-new land: Piston Peak National Park, inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Cars.
This new area will mark the first fully realized Cars land at Walt Disney World, featuring a thrilling mountain-speed adventure and a family-friendly ride all within a setting that blends the American West with Pixar-style storytelling.
According to Disney Parks Blog, guests will soon explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, and scenic trails—an homage to the “Parkitecture” style developed by the National Park Service. This architectural approach ensures that new structures harmonize with the natural landscape.
Careful planning has gone into the layout. A tree line will provide visual separation between the off-road rally course and Liberty Square, while new mountain peaks will rise across from Grizzly Hall. And in a charming touch, the geysers from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will spill over into the rugged terrain of the Cars rally trail—creating an interconnected landscape that feels fresh yet familiar.
As Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro noted at last year’s D23 Expo, “The American West has always been about keeping your eyes on the horizon … believing in yourself, carving your own path, and striving toward success—that goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou … or a racecar from the big city.”
While saying goodbye to classic experiences is always bittersweet, the evolving story of Frontierland and Cars Land reflects Disney’s continued commitment to immersive storytelling. Whether you’re racing through Radiator Springs in California or venturing into Piston Peak in Florida, new adventures await.
How do you feel about Radiator Springs Racers closing down? Let us know in the comments down below!
