Get ready to hit the road and blaze new trails—Magic Kingdom Park is about to undergo a transformation like never before. Disney Experiences has confirmed that the beloved Frontierland area will soon introduce guests to Piston Peak National Park, a Cars-themed land making its Walt Disney World Resort debut.
In order to bring this exciting vision to life, Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will officially close on July 7. These attractions have offered guests a nostalgic look at America’s frontier spirit for decades, and their closure makes way for a new storytelling chapter that blends classic adventure with contemporary characters.
The Imagineers behind the project are taking inspiration from the natural world—and Pixar magic. “Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails, and more, all set within the Disney and Pixar Cars universe,” Disney Parks Blog revealed. Drawing from “Parkitecture,” the structures in this land will complement their surroundings and reflect the timeless feel of America’s national parks.
Beyond the Cars-inspired area, this is just one part of what Disney has called the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history. Alongside Piston Peak, the long-teased Villains Land will also take shape “Beyond Big Thunder.” These additions will collectively introduce four new attractions to the park, expanding options for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Construction will begin shortly after the July closures, and while no official opening date has been set, the phased approach indicates a multi-year rollout. The Cars land alone will feature a high-speed off-road adventure and a family ride accessible to guests of all ages.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro spoke about the thematic connection to the American West. “That goes for miners in the mountains, bears from the country, a princess from the bayou… or a racecar from the big city,” he said during last year’s Horizons showcase. The new land’s terrain will reflect that spirit, with mountain peaks, forest borders, and erupting geysers creating an immersive experience alongside Grizzly Hall and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
However, the updates may impact another key area for guests: Lightning Lane pricing. With four new attractions likely to be integrated into Lightning Lane offerings, and two older ones (which didn’t use the system) being removed, prices could shift.
At present, the Magic Kingdom Premier Pass is priced at $449 per day, providing access to all Lightning Lane attractions—including TRON Lightcycle / Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—for one guest. Even at that rate, the pass frequently sells out during popular travel periods like spring break and Thanksgiving.
Across the resort, Disney has moved to a multi-tiered Lightning Lane system, with options like the Single Pass, Multi Pass, and Premier Pass, all priced dynamically based on seasonal demand. Currently, Magic Kingdom features two rides on the Single Pass list: TRON Lightcycle / Run and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
With the addition of new rides from Piston Peak and Villains Land, it’s likely the Lightning Lane lineup—and pricing—will evolve accordingly. Animal Kingdom may see a similar shift when the Indiana Jones attraction replaces DINOSAUR, though that change won’t affect Lightning Lane logistics as dramatically, since DINOSAUR already used the system.
While new lands and attractions signal thrilling adventures ahead, guests may want to keep an eye on how it could affect the cost of their Disney day. As always, stay tuned for more details about construction timelines and future sneak peeks into what’s coming to this exciting new corner of Magic Kingdom Park!
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