The naysayers aren’t naysaying as much today because Walt Disney Imagineering has unveiled their full model for Piston Peak National Park, coming to Magic Kingdom Park within the next few years. When initially announced this land caused a roller coaster of emotions but now the general consensus online is that this will be a worthy change to Frontierland. Guests who visited the Disney D23 Expo got up close to this large model, check out these images by DrewDisneyDude on X.
Cars Land, otherwise known as Piston Peak National Park
Announced in 2024 with construction beginning in 2025 and vertical construction appearing in 2026, Piston Peak National Park is transforming a large portion of Frontierland into an all-new destination for Disney Parks. Using the characters of the Cars franchise, a notable location from the Planes franchise and the land from the former Tom Sawyer Island, Walt Disney Imagineers are creating a “National Park” in Orlando.
Fans were initially skeptical that this new area based on sentient automobiles would ruin the frontier aspect of Frontierland. We have seen a shift from the 1800’s cowboys in recent years, noticeably with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the modernization of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. But with this model reveal, fans are clamoring to see all the details and take pics of what is to come.
Disney reveals large Piston Peak National Park model at D23
The doors opened and fans rushed to see what Imagineers have been cooking up in secret. So far we have only had a few pieces of concept art and a cartoonized form of a map to get details. Now we see a very intricate 19′ by 19′ model of Piston Peak National Park. This model gives us the rockwork, the pathways, the ride track, the waterfalls and how it all slots into the existing space at Magic Kingdom Park.
It is hard not to get excited when looking out over this vast array of details, color and kinetic energy. A waterfall cascades at the bottom right of the image, a structure similar to one you would find at Yellowstone National Park sits near the center and “snow” covered mountains soar above the model.
Replacing Rivers of America with Piston Peak
What existed in this space before was the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. These were opening day offerings and many fans were upset to lose them. Disney got some criticism for their initial reveal of this Cars area, using the phrase “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain,” making many believe this was in addition to the all the existing offerings of Frontierland. After 2024’s D23 Expo, Disney uploaded a Disney Parks Blog article, confirming the new area’s location and fans felt deceived.
Disney is now showing that if they are going to replace an opening day offering, it is going to be big and full of detail. This model shows that. And, unlike concept art, a model gives us a very good idea at all that is on the way. Concept art can be warped or meant to display a specific emotion. This 361 square foot model shows it all, from tree placement to where we can find a toilet in Piston Peak National Park.
What we can see now is a mountain of details, including this look at the smaller family attraction, which appears to have water effects for riders. As an outdoor attraction in Florida, this should be a welcome addition to Magic Kingdom Park. Surrounding this attraction are tons of trees, walking areas and that iconic Pacific Northwest Frontier architecture.
Exploring the American Frontier through the ages
Magic Kingdom is taking a step away from the traditional Frontierland style we have seen at Disneyland parks in California, Paris and Tokyo. But, the theme of wild adventures in the American West continues. Seen above in DrewDisneyDude’s X post, the Piston Peak National Park signage looks to be taken directly from Yellowstone or Yosemite.
Piston Peak National Park will showcase the natural features seen throughout the west with geysers, snow covered peaks, desert rocks and trees from numerous biomes. Thanks to Disney’s tree shaping, much like we see in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Imagineering team is prepped to turn Florida-safe trees into foliage we expect to see in Oregon and Idaho.
The ‘New Frontier’ is on the way to Magic Kigndom
The Disney Parks Blog has shared a tour of all the exciting new work going on with Disney Parks & Experiences, including more views of Piston Peak National Park where “The Wheelderness Calls.” This land is currently expected to open late 2028, but we await additional details. For now, we can zoom-in, explore and try to find our new favorite spot to enjoy Magic Kingdom when this Cars expansion debuts in Frontierland.
