Piston Peak Rising: New Permits Reveal the First Frontierland Locations Demolished for Disney’s Cars Expansion

The sounds of the Frontierland boardwalk—the creak of the wood underfoot and the distant whistle of the Liberty Belle—are about to be joined by the unmistakable hum of heavy machinery. On February 19, 2026, Disney officially filed the paperwork that turns “rumors” into “reality.”

New construction permits have been issued for a cluster of high-traffic locations along the Frontierland waterfront. While the massive Cars expansion isn’t expected to open for a couple of years, the first phase of demolition is officially here. Before the rugged, red-rock spires of Piston Peak can rise over the Magic Kingdom, several long-standing staples have to be cleared away.

The frontier is being flattened, and these are the first three spots on the chopping block.

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The “Notice of Commencement”: Demolition Begins

The permits filed today are “Notices of Commencement” for general construction, but their specific addresses tell the real story. These filings don’t target the massive show buildings yet; instead, they focus on the “gatekeepers” of the riverfront. To fill in the Rivers of America and begin the geological transformation of the land, Disney needs a wide-open access corridor for dump trucks and cranes.

The three locations targeted for immediate removal are:

• Westward Ho: The legendary snack window known for its candied bacon and jalapeño poppers.
• The Frontierland Churro Cart: A high-traffic kiosk that has anchored the walkway for decades.
• Big Al’s Gift Kiosk: The heritage merchandise stand named after the grumpiest member of the Country Bears.

By clearing these three structures, Disney is creating a massive “construction highway.” These spots sit directly on the shoreline, making them the primary entry point for the “Great Infill” that will soon replace the river water with thousands of tons of dirt.

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What is Piston Peak?

The removal of these snack stands is the price of admission for Piston Peak, the centerpiece of the new Cars land. Unlike the neon “Car-tastic” vibe of Radiator Springs in California, the Magic Kingdom version is leaning into a “National Park” aesthetic.

Piston Peak will be a massive, artificial mountain range that serves as the backdrop for two new attractions:

1. The Off-Road Rally: A high-speed, rugged trek through the “wilderness” of Piston Peak using a brand-new off-road ride system.
2. The Scenic Trail: A family-oriented attraction that allows younger racers to explore the lower elevations of the peaks.

Imagineers are designing Piston Peak to be a “visual anchor.” It will be visible from across the park, replacing the sight of the Liberty Belle with a jagged, red-rock horizon that feels both adventurous and immersive.

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The Path to “Beyond Big Thunder”

The demolition of Big Al’s and Westward Ho isn’t just about Lightning McQueen. It’s about the future. By filling in the river and creating the Piston Peak landscape, Disney is building a literal “land bridge.”

This bridge is the only way to reach the “Beyond Big Thunder” territory. This massive plot of land is rumored to house a Disney Villains land eventually. To get there, Disney must first remove the water barriers and “clutter” of the current Frontierland. These permits are the first step in a decade-long plan to reshape the Magic Kingdom forever.

Conclusion: Get Your Churros While You Can

The permits filed on February 19, 2026, are a stark reminder that the “Old West” is on the move. The sun is setting on the pioneers, making way for the racers.

If you have a sentimental attachment to grabbing a corn dog at Westward Ho or a souvenir at Big Al’s, your time is running out. The bulldozers are ready, the river is about to go dry, and Piston Peak is officially on the horizon.