Back in 2024, Disney shared that a new area inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios movie Cars would be coming to Frontierland in Magic Kingdom, and we FINALLY got more details on this new space.
©Disney
Disney shared that this NEW part of Frontierland will be known as Piston Peak, and is inspired by National Parks — specifically, Rocky Mountain National Park. We’ve been diving into all the details, and we happened to notice that it looks like some of the concept art for this new land has changed.
We must admit — we’re pretty excited about the new Cars area coming to Magic Kingdom, Piston Peak. When this project was first announced, Disney shared some early concept art designs that fans didn’t seem to be too thrilled about. Whether Disney listened to those fans or whether this was just a natural part of the planning process, that concept art has seemingly changed.
Cars Area Concept Art ©Disney
Below is part of one of the original concepts that was released when Disney announced the new Cars land, and you can see there is one large rock formation at the top that resembles a piston from a car engine. It stands tall and is definitely something that looks like it could be seen from anywhere in Frontierland — and maybe even anywhere in Magic Kingdom.
©Disney
But, recently, Imagineers shared a new map of Piston Peak, and you can see that the concept art has changed. Instead of one snowy peak, there are three. Not only that, but Imagineers also shared that they are being particularly careful about sightlines in Piston Peak and Frontierland — and they confirmed that these snowy peaks will only be seen when on the ride, not from the land itself.
And, the pistons will be a pass-through element you’ll actually get to experience on the ride, too!
©Disney
Piston Peak is based on Rocky Mountain National Park, which includes red rocks, mountains, rivers, and tons of diverse landscapes. But it’s also based on Disney animated parks, and even existing park buildings like Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Grizzly Peak in Disney California Adventure!
©Disney
The buildings in Piston Peak will have “car-ified” elements like lower windows so that cars can see out of them, entrances and building additions that are big enough for cars, and architecture that shows the cars are using found materials — like old wagon wheels — in their buildings.
Disney also shared that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be subtly updated to fit into the Piston Peak area — you’ll see rainbow geyser pools scattered around the base of the mountain, and possibly even some tire tread tracks in the dirt!
@Disney
Oh, and did we mention that this area will have a LOT of water elements and shade?! Both are things that have been sorely missing in some of the other lands opened recently. Imagineers said they lost count of the number of waterfalls being added to this new area.
We also know that there will be a geyser inspired by Old Faithful called Old Tankful — which is just the best pun.
©Disney
We can’t wait to learn more about Piston Peak coming to Magic Kingdom. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!
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Actually it doesn’t matter if the piston peaks can be seen from all over the park. They change the name “Magic Kingdom” to “Ride Land”, that way there will be no conflict in theming. It will be just a big place with random rides.