Disney Files NEW Permit for Magic Kingdom's 'Cars' Expansion and Frontierland CHANGES

Big changes are coming to Magic Kingdom!

Magic Kingdom

The park is adding a new Cars land, the Villains are moving in, and Buzz Lightyear is getting a makeover! Now, a new permit has been filed confirming more upcoming changes!

Frontierland is changing again! The Walt Disney World resort has filed a new permit for work relating to the Walt Disney Railroad, specifically the Frontierland Train Station.

Walt Disney World Railroad

The new permit was filed with the Orange County Comptroller. The general description of the work is “provide labor, material, and/or electrical for construction.” We know the work is specifically for the Frontierland Station because of the address listed for the Description of Property.

Frontierland Station

This update isn’t super surprising because Disney has previously confirmed that the train’s route will change once the construction on Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America permanently closes. During construction, the train will continue to operate, but it will still be available to take guests between the Main Street, U.S.A., and Fantasyland stations.

Main Street Station

The train will operate in “shuttle mode,” going back and forth between the stations while the Frontierland Station is updated. Disney will be swapping some of the benches on the trains around so that they face both ways instead of just one — that way, folks have an option of sitting backwards or forwards on their ride. The railroad change will begin on July 7th, 2025.

The Fantasyland Station!

Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America are closing to make way for the new Piston Peak land inspired by the Cars franchise. This is another major change for Frontierland as Big Thunder Mountain has been closed for a lengthy refurbishment since January 2025. It’s expected to reopen sometime in 2026.

Big Thunder Mountain construction

Disney has yet to reveal the expected timeline for this project. They have also not given an expected opening date for Piston Peak, so the train station closure could go on for a while. Heading to Disney World soon? Let someone else keep up with all of the changes for you!

Small World Vacations has been our tried and true travel partner, and for good reason! Let them get the best deals and take on the stress so you can enjoy the magic. Best of all, it’s free of charge! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates.

Learn more about the NEW Cars Land coming to Magic Kingdom!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

What changes are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments!